Tour decision soon

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32703, 4 September 1971, Page 42

Tour decision soon

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) SYDNEY.

Australia’s cricket administrators next week will face one of the greatest problems to confront their organisation whether the 1971.72 tour by South Africa will take place.

The just-completed tour by the South African Rugby team was all but called off because of violent anti-apart-heid demonstrations which split the Australian public squarely down the middle on the issue of racialism.

The Rugby tour saw unprecedented scenes with policemen ringing sports grounds behind barbed wire barricades and, in one state Queensland the declaration of a state of emergency. Anti-tour members of the Australian Cricket Board of Control point to these pre-

cautions and ask that if they were necessary for an 80minute football game, what is necessary for a five-day cricket match? The Australian Prime Minister (Mr McMahon) has already tossed the ball into the lap of the board of control, headed by Sir Donald Bradman, and it is understood that the board is split on the issue. Sir Donald and the secretary of the board (Mr A. Barnes) have both made statements to the press in recent days saying that at this stage the "tour is definitely on.” But both have also stated that it is the board’s prerogative to cancel the visit. SPONSORS* OFFER

Two Australian companies have offered to step into the breach if the tour is cancelled. They have promised to sponsor a three-month tour by a Rest of the World team. But this in itself raises problems. No Rest of the World team could possibly not include a number of South African players who are undoubtedly among the best in the world. Ana if they are included, anti-apartheid demonstrators would undoubtedly see cause to protest at their participaation.

To complicate matters a little further, the West Indian star, G. Sobers, who led the Rest of the World side against England when the SouthAfrican tour of that country was cancelled, would be unable to play in a similar series here. Sobers is under contract to play for South Australia in the coming season, and could not appear-for the Rest of the World team against Australia.

Cricket writers in Australia have suggested'that a pos-

sible tour by the England conSuering Indian team may be re answer to the board’s prolems. They suggest that the Indian team would be a big drawcard with the Australian public. PRESSURES But it expected that strong pressures would be brought to bear on the board of control if it were to invite a coloured team to replace an all white team. About the only thing that is clear at this stage is that the Australian board wants someone to come this year. The Australian team is to tour England next year, and the board is keen for the side to have some tough competition before then. Without an international tour the Australian’s practice would be limited to the annual inter-state Sheffield Shield competition.