TIME LOST IN TEST MATCH

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28792, 13 January 1959, Page 10

TIME LOST IN TEST MATCH

Staff Criticised By Writer

(N.Z Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY. January 11. “Bungling administration’’ yesterday denied thousands of cricket lovers nearly a full day’s play in the third test, according to the “Sunday Telegraph’’ cricket writer, Phil Tresidder It also lost Australian and English cricket about EA12.000, he said. More than 20,000 spectators waited outside the Sydney Cricket Ground, prepared to risk the cost C< admission in the hope 01 we*

ing some play. Officials left them standing in misty rain squalls—too light to prevent play—while the captains wrangled pvqr the ground’s fitness for play, said Tresidder.

Only a few points of rain fell after the scheduled starting time c f 11.30 a.m.

“With proper ground management, play should have begun nog later than after the luncheon adjournment,’’ Tresidder claimed. Play did not begin until 4.15 p.m. At 3.45 p.m. officials opened the gates for free admission for the 75 minutes remaining for play. Nearly 17,000 persons then entered the ground. Tresidder wrote: “Had the Sydney Cricket Ground staff possessed equipment to cover not merely the test wicket the play could have begun on time.**