Time-Wasting, Scientific Approach To Cricket Disturbing N.Z. Board

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31028, 6 April 1966, Page 19

Time-Wasting, Scientific Approach To Cricket Disturbing N.Z. Board

“What is disturbing is the approach of our first-class cricketers to their cricket. With one or two notable exceptions, their approach seems purposeless.

“This very matter is receiving the attention of the Board of Control right now,” said the chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council’s Board of Control, Mr J. G. Leggat, in an interview yesterday on the state of New Zealand cricket. “No-one has ever demanded crashing stumps and rustic boundary hits as being necessary for the game to keep its attraction,” said Mr Leggat. “But one is entitled to expect the maintenance of a decent over rate, the elimination of time wasting in field settings, in moving to one’s position in the field, in the restriction of ball polishing, and the general air of indifference to keeping the game moving. Negative Play j “The delays, for instance, jin changing bats, the taking I of drinks, the shifting of sight ! screens, the laying of sawdust and to the sense of frustration which is engendered in spectators. “The development of a scientific approach to playing cricket has led to chess-like manoeuvring, of bowling wide of the stump or short of a length, or to fields set primarily to restrict scoring rather than the taking of wickets. I “This situation does not come about because of the state of the pitch. There are occasions when defensive

bowling is part of the very breath of cricket, but I doubt whether negative bowling ever has a place. “It is easier to point the problem than to legislate to solve it,” said Mr Leggat. “We are anxious to improve the pace and quality of our pitches and are investigating ways in which this can be done, without losing sight of

the dual purpose of most of our grounds. More For Win “The board is anxiously considering what measures it can take, and particularly what sanctions it can enforce to ensure that something of a [changed image is given our I first-class cricket. Personally I I think our points scoring [system has to be re-cast to make winning a match the 'only worthwhile achievement.

“I think players have got to be given confidence and 1 am hoping that some access to competitive playing in Australia will help that.

“We should be entitled to expect dividends from the increased competition play provided for our young players with the introduction of the Rothman’s sponsored tournament and the possibility of colts tours to Australia. “1 do not think we can do much more in providing top level competitive cricket for our players—we have had only two wholly domestic seasons since the war.” Full Aust. Tests Asked whether there was much prospect of New Zealand playing official tests against Australia, Mr Leggat said that if a top Australian team was to come to New Zealand he would expect it to play a test match or matches If New Zealand’s perform ances on tour in Australia were good enough he expected New Zealand would be invited to play the full Australian test team, as Pakistan had done. Mr Leggat was also asked to comment on the difficulties of producing a satisfactory

standard of cricket in the primary schools, many of which lacked proper facilities and some of them coaches. He said that the school holidays cut the year in half and the most that could be done at the moment was to I coach those teachers who were willing to be coached! and try to foster cricket I among boys of pri? ary school] age through the clubs. Fewer Rewards “There are very few rewards for the teachers who give their time to the development of cricket, or any other sport, by comparison with those who take other extracurricula activities, but that is a matter which is beyond the power of administrators to remedy,” said Mr Leggat. “We must depend on the goodwill and dedication of those who do give their time.” On the future of New Zealand cricket, Mr Leggat was optimistic. “I do not see why New Zealand should not continue [to participate as before, in test cricket," he said. “It seems to be forgotten that in our last nine home tests we have not been beaten. “No-one could say th t we

always finished drawn games in a winning position. Equally truly, we have not finished them all in a losing position. “The plain fact is that at the moment we do not have one batsman who can handle test bowling with authority, | let alone dominance. But in [ this last season there was the I most encouraging advance in B. W. Sinclair’s form, and that gap might very well be filled next season. English Coach “When we find another Donnelly or Sutcliffe or Reid, then our over-all team performances will be as good as many of the best in the past. I do not think our bowling and fielding have been as competent for some years but nevertheless one does not see the replacement for Tom Burtt or Jack Alabaster yet on the scene. “None the less, in anysporting activity, you have to (deploy your forces according [to what is available, and I I thought that much of our performance was commendable.” It will be several months j before the board makes a decision about an appointment of an English professional for the start of a five-year coaching campaign next summer. A decision to make such an appointment was made by ti e board at its Auckland meeting in March. Mr Leggat said the position was being advertised in Britain. The board was not wedded to an individual of any particular status. “If it is a current player, well and good, but that is not I regarded as essential.” said I Mr Leggat. I He thought that applications for the post would be in by mid-winter and would jbe considered by the board lat its August meeting.