Hard To Get I.b.w. Decisions

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31230, 30 November 1966, Page 19

Hard To Get I.b.w. Decisions

(Special Crspdt. N.Z PA) PORT ELIZABETH. The Australian cricketers are risking unpopularity through their persistent appeal-

ing. There were boos in the Crusaders ground in St. George’s Park yesterday after a succession of l.b.w. appeals i by the Australian spinners against Eastern Province. The crowd chided the bowlers, particularly 1. Chappell

and J. Martin, and the wicketkeeper. G. Becker, who all appeared over-zealous.

Of the 13 Eastern Province wickets to fall in the match so far the Australians have secured only one l.b.w. decision in spite of dozens of appeals. Both N. J. Hawke and J. Hubble were dismayed when l.b.w. decisions went against them and observers well placed behind the wicket agreed that the Australian bowlers were decidedly unlucky. The tourists have found this tour that South Africa umpires are consistent in a general reluctance to give a bats-

man out l.b.w. once he has put his foot down the pitch.

Local batsmen, sensing a complete immunity against 1.b.w., have regularly pushed their front foot forward to pat the ball away rather than risk playing a shot. Frustrated Australian bowlers have appealed persistently but the umpires have just as persistently sided with the batsmen.

Yesterday’s play was dominated by R. G. Pollock, whose 84 not out included 14 boundaries.

He gave another demonstration that the Australian bowling is thin and too easily ex-

posed for a match-winning test attack.

There is every chance it will save the game on the final day if Pollock’s unfinished century stand with the Springbok skipper, P. van der Merwe, 40 not out, continues to prosper.

In fact, if they stay together for much longer it could be the Australians who will face an embarrasing final couple of hours on a pitch dusting up and taking a good deal of turn. Scores: Eastern Province 298 and 211/3, Australia 496 (G. Watson 118 not out; P. M. Pollock 3/108).