Ugly incident mars cricket test

Press, 1 September 1980, Page 38

Ugly incident mars cricket test

NZPA-Reuter London Greg Chappell and lan Botham came to the rescue of the umpire, David Constant, when he was jostled by M.C.C. members outside the Long Room, during the Centenary Test at Lord's on Saturday. The incident was described by Chappell as “the worst performance I- have seen by members anywhere in the world.” It happened when the two captains and Constant were returning to the pavilion, after their fourth inspection of the ground. Chappell said that Botham had been hit on the head by something as he walked out of the members’ area on to the ground; and when they returned one of the members took hold of Constant by the front of the collar. Botham was quoted as saying: “It was a very ugly

scene. I was hit by a hand or fist, Constant was grabbed by the tie. It was more like a football terrace than Lord’s.”

Chappell reported the incident to the M.C.C. secretary, Mr Jack Bailey. He also pointed out the two alleged culprits, both M.C.C. members.

However, after talking to two members in his office, Mr Bailey said: “I am satisfied that they were either the wrong people or that nothing serious took place. At that time people were getting slightly heated and frustrated with waiting.” Chappell said: “I understand that the crowd was frustrated, but you expect this sort of incident in front of the Tavern not in the Lord’s Pavilion.” He said that he was abused by one spectator, and that as they left the scene the other um;

pire, “Dickie” Bird, was struck.-' ■. ' L •

“He was groggy and staggering,” said Chappell. “I had :■ to get our' doctor to have .a look at, him.” 1 .

The third.day of the Centenary Test was reduced to a shambles by heavy rain in the morning, and ineffective covering of the wicket square. -' .‘ \ There was less than 90 minutes of play, during which Kim Hughes reached his first test century in England. Hughes (117) and Allah Border (56 not out) took Australia to 385 for five, When Chappell declared in an attempt to keep the game alive. ’

■' England’s innings lasted only two deliveries — one of them a no ball from Dennis Lillee — before bad light and more rain ended play for the day. ; Before the match started, the M.C.C. and the .Test and

County Cricket Board decided jointly that, under no circumstances would yesterday’s rest day be used to make up time ..lost through rain-during-the; first three days. , ■■ ■• The weather has in. that time claimed 11 = hours and 33. minutes, almost two full days, and the' chances of a result are now negligible. ; Chappell said that he asked the Australian tour manager,- Mr Phil Ridings,-, to check again whether ; it would be possible to play on the rest day. ‘Tie said that, among other reasons, they could notW charge for admission Sundays, and I suggested that it might be good public relations to throw the gates open anyway.” Beneath the frustration of having seen the test ruined as a contest, by the weather, Chappell was delighted by

the* performance of his batsmen/. AUSTRALIA Firet-'lnning* G. Wood st Balrstow b Emburey'. .. .. 112 B. Laird ' < Balrstow b Old 24 G. Chappell c Catting b Old 47 K. Hughes c Athey, b Old 117 G. Yallop"lbw. b Hendrick 2 A. Border, not “out .. 5S R. Marsh-not out .. ..16 : Extras (bl, !b3, nb2) ~ 11 Total (for five wickets ;; dec.) 385 Fall of wickets: 64, 150, 260, 267, 320.

- ENGLAND First innings G. Gooch not out .. O G. Boycott not out .. .. 0 Extra (nbl) . .. " ‘ 7 Total (for no wicket): -1 -BOWLING O M RW D. Llllea .. .. 0.1- 0 - 0 0

BOWLING O M R W C. Old .. 35 9 91 3 M. Hendrick ..30 6 67 1 I. Botham ..22 2 89 0 J.. Emburey .. 38 9 104 1 G. Gooch ... ■ S3 16 0 P. Willey .. ..10 7 0