BOYCOTT OF TESTS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30065, 25 February 1963, Page 12

BOYCOTT OF TESTS

Last Series Deplored

(N.Z. Press Assn. -t-Copyright) SYDNEY, February 24. Some cricket enthusiasts in Sydney plan to boycott test matches “in the interests of the game.” They are members of the Australian Cricket Supporters’ Association, which is to hold an extraordinary meeting within a month. The association was formed in 1959—after the previous M.C.C. tour of Australia—to help promote brighter cricket. Its president, Mr Bruce Miles, a Sydney solicitor, said of the ban: “It is a drastic step, but worth-while if we are to save the game.” Mr Miles and Mr W. Hoy, a city and suburban cricket selector, said they “deplored the dreadful series of tests just completed. “We intend to organise a national group representing cricket watchers to approach the administration with concrete ideas for improving the watchers’ enjoyment,” they said.

Mr Hoy said members would like to see changes in the game involving: Penalty runs for stodgy batting. Wider wickets to encourage or force batsmen to hit the bait “Not out” decisions for a batsman going for a six if the ball is caught a certain distance from the boundary. .

Victoria Hits 644 For 4

(NX Press MELBOURNE, February M. Victoria gained a strong grip on Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match at Melbourne yesterday. Victoria, in Its first innings, declared with the mammoth total of #44 for four. The 21-year-old right-hander, I. Redpath. was the biggest contributor with 281. The Victorian fast bowlers. I. MeckHT and A. Connolly, then took four cheap wickets. At stumps. Queensland was 85 for four. The test player. P. Burge, was dismissed first ball by