Hookes gives reason for cricket ills

Press, 20 December 1985, Page 32

Hookes gives reason for cricket ills

NZPA-AAP Brisbane Australian cricket was suffering because test players did not have the time for a few beers after a day’s play in Sheffield Shield matches, said the Australian vice-captain, David Hookes, yesterday. “It was those sessions from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the changeroom after the match that young players would learn a lot about the game,” said Hookes. “It was a tradition handed down for 100 years in Australian cricket but because of the demands on the top players they are not available to pass on their knowledge and experience.”

Hookes said that as a young player his most enjoyable and productive times were over a few beers with lan Chappell, Ashley Mallett and Terry Jenner in the South Australian team dressing room after a day’s P Hookes said it was during those sessions he had met players such as Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh. “Now this experience is

not being handed down and Australian cricket is suffering as a result,” he said. Hookes said the time was approaching when Australian cricket would be made up of two distinct classes — test players and state players. “We’re heading that way and it’s certainly a possibility in the long term,” he said.

Hookes, back in the Australian team again after a series of omissions, said Sheffield Shield players must have regular contact with test players, on the field and off.

“But it is the test matches that bring in the dollars and you need money to coach young players, even under--128, so I don’t know what the answer is,” he said. But there was one thing of which Hookes was certain.

Test players had to give their best when they did appear for their states. “While test players say they want more time in shield matches it’s important they perform when they do,” he said.