SUSPENDED

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32020, 21 June 1969, Page 15

SUSPENDED

The M.C.C. disciplinary committee yesterday severely reprimanded T. W. Graveney, England’s vice-cap-tain, and barred him from the next three test matches—the final two against the West Indies, and the first with New Zealand, The committee took this action because the 42-year-old Graveney played in a one-day benefit match last Sunday, on the rest day in the first test against the West Indies at Manchester. England cricketers are not allowed to play in other matches during the period covered by a test. Graveney received $2143 for playing in the match which was organised for his benefit year. Afterwards, Graveney said: “If the same situation arose again I would do exactly the same thing. I owe it to my family. “I am desperately disappointed with the verdict. I felt I had a reasonable case.”

His defence was that he was committed to the benefit match six months ago, and that he would not, at his age, ignore the money to be paid to him. It is thought to be the first time a cricketer has been barred from test cricket. Graveney, who was awarded the 0.8. E. in January, 1968, has appeared in 79 tests. He first played for England in 1951, at the same test venue in which his present trouble arose. The photograph shows Graveney arriving at Lord’s for the hearing.