TEST CRICKET

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 184, 6 May 1925, Page 9

TEST CRICKET

J. B. HOBBS’S VIEWS ON THE TOSS ARGUMENTS FOR LIMITING LENGTH OF MATCHES OPPOSITION TO EIGHT-BALL 4 OVER By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. London, May i. J. B. Hobbs’s fourth article iu the “Daily News" says: "Obviously there is a largo number of leading cricketers who desire a change regarding the toss, and it is a little unfortunate that there has been so much discussion thereon alter cur doleful experience in Australia I’ersoiuilly, I think it is much better to continue spinning the coin in the same old way, us the element of chance adds much charm to the game and helps to maintain tlie spirit of adventure which ii-jw and agun we players seem in danger.of losing. My chief reason for favouring tho present system is that any alteration might lead over-zealous groundsmen in tho direction of serious temptation. I am not casting any imputation on the present groundsmen either in England or Australia, but if a change were adopted 1 can sea tho possibility of trouble. If any unscrupulous groundsman knew that the visiting side were batting first he could easily overwater or otherwise “doctor" tho wicket. AVickrts have been “doctored” before now, and it is a delicate point to discuss, but it is bound to be considered when the suggested change conies up for serious debate. “AVhen a Test match continues into the seventh day,” continues Hobbs, “most of us get sick and tired of ono another’s laces, and it was undoubtedly the playing of games to a finish that resulted in the slowing down 01 tho game. Tasts played to a finish are not for the good of the game. I would limit the Tests in Australia to five days. A four days’ limit, with weather so consistent, would be a strong temptation to draw, therefore the randy might be worse than the disease. I might give four days for a Test in England, the final to be played out if the rubber were dependent on the result. I do not agree with those emphasising the physical strain of Test matches in Australia. I found it most monotonous but not over-tiring. The hours of play in Australia' are shorter than in England, and though the Australian sun is trying, the average cricketer prefers the scorching sun to the curious samples of weather experienced -i i-Tigland. “If I wore a fast bowler,” adds Hobbs, “I would oppose the eight-ball over because it is all in favour of the batsmen. Tate, Tyldesley, and AVoolley all shared Gilligan’s objections, but I am not certain about Douglas. Gregory told me that he bowled two out of the eight in a casual and easy way. Bowling is a harder task in Australia under the burning sun than in Englund, and I often wonder why the Australian Board sanctioned the eight-ball over I do not think we shall ever see the eight idea adopted in England. It is suggested that tho eight-ball over speeds the game, reducing tlie number of . -henges over. 1 can say but little in support of that view, as things viewed from the ring are not always what they seem. —Sydney “Sun” Cable.