COMMENTS BY CAPTAINS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27124, 21 August 1953, Page 6

COMMENTS BY CAPTAINS

“ENGLAND STILL HAS LONG WAY TO GO ” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 19.

After the match was over, Hutton told the huge crowd which swarmed over the Oval: “To win the Ashes for England has been a great thrill and it is an even greater thrill to have done so at the Oval, one of my favourite hunting grounds.” Hutton. paid a tribute to Hassett’s captaincy, his sportsmanship and the manner in which the players of both teams had played in the series. Hassett congratulated Hutton and his team and the crowd on its sporting behaviour. He added: “I am proud of the way Australia played. We will be waiting for you in Australia in 1954.” . , ,

Later, Hutton said the wicket in the fifth test was “still a pretty useful one” at the end of the game. He thought Lock had done wonderfully well to make such good use of it yesterday. Trueman undoubtedly was “good material,” but this was no time for complacency. England had to get back to the old fighting spirit. Its team still had a long way to go. Hutton paid a special tribute to Bedser, saying: “Alec has done a magnificent job throughout the five tests and I heartily congratulate him on taking the highest number of wickets in any series.”

Lindwall and Miller were the finest pair or opening bowlers he had ever faced, Hutton said.