Clamp criticised

Press, 15 October 1986, Page 50

Clamp criticised

NZPA-AAP Brisbane Moves by English cricket team officials to censor newspaper stories about their players . have been condemned by the Australian Journalists Association. The former Australian test great, Ray Lindwall, said he had never found the attitude during his long playing career against English teams. When the English players practised in Brisbane waiting journalists were told by the team’s manager, Mr Peter Lush they would have to ring back with their stories for approval. The A.J.A. Queensland president Mr Wayne Watson, said: “Our association is strongly opposed to censorship and I hope none of the journalists involved submit their stories to the England team management before

publication." With the English Test team reeling from recent criticism by the Fleet Street press, strict control has been placed on dealing with the news media during the 14-week Australian tour. Only the captain, Mike Gatting, -Mr Lush and the coach, Mick Stewart, have been authorised to speak to the news media or give permission for player interviews. Said, Mr Lush: “It’s really for their sake. We don’t want one of them saying the wrong thing and getting into strife.” Mr Lindwall, who was one of England’s big stumbling blocks when cricket tests resumed after World War 11, said: “Official statements from our team were always restricted to the manager and the skipper. “But the players were free for interviews.”