J. R. Reid’s Record

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29745, 12 February 1962, Page 10

J. R. Reid’s Record

The whole cricketing world, but especially the New Zealand section of it, will congratulate J. R. Reid on his feat in breaking the record for the number of runs scored in a cricket tour of South Africa. Reid’s century last Saturday—his seventh on the tour—took him comfortably past the previous record made by the English batsman D. C. S. Compton in the 1948-49 M.C.C. tour. With the fifth test to come, optimistic supporters in New Zealand cherish hopes that Reid may set a new record in the 2000’s. Such optimism is not extravagant, for with Reid’s magnificent form another one, if not two, high-scoring innings seems probable rather than merely possible. But whatever is to come, Reid and New Zealand cricket have reason enough for pride in his present record. As runs have flowed from his bat in the last few weeks he has passed the totals of some of the greatest ba,ts-

men—R. N. Harvey of Australia, J. B. Hobbs and L. Hutton of England, and now Compton. Reid’s success is especially notable since, in addition to being his side’s chief run-scorer, he bears the responsibilities of captaincy—and lends an effective hand with the bowling. New Zealand's batting in the fourth test measured Reid’s eminence: Reid scored 202 runs, the other 10 New Zealanders in two innings each 203 runs. Lovers of cricket must find it most gratifying that Reid is achieving his greatest success while still following his natural bent for hitting the ball hard. In other seasons a seeming recklessness cost Reid his wicket at times when his side badly needed runs. In maturity, Reid’s talents have carried him to a peak where, above all others playing the game today, he is the batsman who serves cricket by showing that the game still gives some of its greatest prizes to the bold, attacking player.