AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 182, 28 April 1921, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM

ENTERTAINED IN LONDON ARMSTRONG’S TRIBUTES TO THE UMPIRES By Ttlerraph—PreM Association-Copy right London, April 26. Sir Newton Moore presided at the Australian and New Zealand Club’s luncheon to the Australian cricket team in the Connaught rooms. He read a letter 1 ' from Lord Hawke apologising for hie ab•«noe> and congratulating the team on its success. Lord Hawke added: "I am sure they will forgive mo if I express the hope that they will not be so successful over here." Sir Newton Moore proposed "The

Team," and said that he had received a ~t letter from General Birdwood, in which he expressed his delight that the team contained a large number of members of the A.I.F. He felt that their victories were almost a continuation of the A.I.F. victories. Lord Harris, in supporting the toast, Bald he was of the opinion that Mr. Hughes had had a great deal of say in the selection of 1921 for the Imperial Conference, and showed great wisdom in choosing the same year as that in which the Tests were to be played. England knew that Armstrong’s team played the game in the highest tone, therefore he cordially welcomed the players and congratulated them on their magnificent performances. He was convinced that in a short period English cricket would regain its prestige, which had been damaged by the war. He wished the Australians an enjoyable season, with a moderate amount of success. Mr. Pelham Warner, in a racy speech, recalled' personal incidents of his visits to Australia. He paid a high tribute to Armstrong as a sportsman. Mr. Warner claimed some credit for discovering Gregory for Australia. It was a Gregory who brought the first eleven to England in 1878. The real reason why Australia, with a population of five millions, could bold its own with England’s forty-five millions, was Australia’s extraordinary crickfeting courage in tight corners. Mr. A. Maclaren, in supporting the toast, said his most charming matches had been those with the Australians, who always played the game. He had played more than sixty innings against Australia, and had never left the crease dissatisfied with any decision. "One reason," he said, "was because they always bowled me out."' ■ It was a very great ehock to the English that on the recent tour one or two players had expressed dissatisfaction with the decisions against them. To-day Australia had only three umpires against England’s thirty, but the Australians always umpired fairly. Mr. Warwick Armstrong, in responding, said it was grand to lie welcomed by ’so many Australians. He had no time to say much, because he wanted a lot of practice. Alluding to the umpiring, Mr. Armstrong said that there were never two fairer umpires than the two who umpired in Australia in the recent tour. He paid a tribute to Mr. J. W. H. T. Douglas, whose team was highly ' popular and had pulled together. He did not agree with the rumours to the contrary in England. "Johnny always played the game on or off the field. We would have beaten England whoever had captained them—Mr. Warner. Mr. Maclaren, or anyone else.” Although ?■ Australia had a young and confident team, he was not over-confident pf beating England under the new conditions. Mr. Smith, manager of the team, also responded. Mr. M. L. Shenherd (official secretary in Great Britain for the Commonwealth) entertained tho Australian team at Australia House. He invited the members to make 7 Australia House their home.—AUS.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

PRACTICE COMMENCED AT LORD’S,

London, April 26. Tho Australian cricket team, with tho exception of Oldfield, practised at Lord’s. A large assemblage of spectators waited hours for the team’s arrival.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.