Cricket DUKE BACK IN SYDNEY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30038, 24 January 1963, Page 5

Cricket DUKE BACK IN SYDNEY

Confidence In M.C.C. Win (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) SYDNEY, January 23. The Duke of Norfolk returned to Australia by air today and told reporters he was confident the M.C.C. would win the fourth test and take the Ashes back to England. Asked about a statement he was reported to have made in London that Australian cricketers were “terrified” of Dexter, the Duke replied* “I did not say that at all. It was taken completely out of context. “I was asked at least four or five times if I thought the M.C.C. had a Benaud complex and all I said it was just as ridiculous as saying the Australians were afraid of Dexter.” He told reporters: “If you must quote me, please quote me in full.” When told some press reports had said he was concerned with the morale of the M.C.C. the Duke turned to the assistant manager, Mr S. C. Griffith, and said: “What absolute nonsense—some of these people write just what they like.” He added: “As far as I have been concerned, the morale of the M.C.C. is, and always was, high.” The Duke denied he had any plans to give the M.C.C. a pep talk before the fourth test in Adelaide, and grinned when asked if he had any plans to “pull the M.C.C together.” “Well. I can tell you I haven't come back to puil it to pieces.” he said. The Duke will leave for Adelaide tomorrow after resting today in Sydney.

Murray Unfit For Test (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) ADELAIDE, January 23. The England wicket-keeper, J. T. Murray has been ruled unfit to play in the fourth test which will begin in Adelaide on Friday. Murray damaged his right shoulder early in the third test in Sydney when falling. An Adelaide specialist today told Murray he must strap the shoulder for another 10 days. Murray had gone today to see the specialist with the batsman, K. F. Barrington, who had slight fibrositis, but not enough to make him doubtful for the test.

Attitude To Sunday Play (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, January 23. The Auckland Cricket Association has no .objection to Hawke Cup or minor representative games being played on Sundays or to Plunket Shield matches being played on Christmas Day. This was agreed on last night by the management committee which was asked by the New Zealand council to help formulate a policy for Sunday and Christmas Day Play.