Larwood’s Bowling

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 306, 22 September 1934, Page 9

Larwood’s Bowling

Sir, —I was very sorry if my opinions of. the above bowler, failed to conform with “Fair Play’s”' views on the matter, and I concluded he bad read quite a lot about Larwood, but I doubt whether he has actually seen the man bowl. He seems to draw a lot from Jack Hobbs, as he quotes "him quite a lot in his article of to-day.

Jack Hobbs was present at the fifth Test match in the capacity of a journalist, and as well as niyself was a mere spectator. However, we will make a brief review of the first day of the final match in Australia. As I said in niy previous letter, Woodfull and Richardson opened to Larwood and Allen. Richardson was bowled by about the fourth ball of his first oyer, and Bradman was the next batsman in. Tiien the public were treated to some real cricket. MeCabe followed Woodfull, then O’Brien followed McCabe. Up to this point of the match, I will agree with “Fair Play,” Larwood’* average read 3 for 12. O’Brien'lost Bradman when he was 48, and was joined by Rowe. These two colts kept the publie amused for well over an hour, as mi wickets fell in that time, and I saw on the board where no fewer than, six bowlers, were tried, Larwood’s bowling was being flogged by these two young players.

The leg-trap was used in this match, and was composed with no fewer than five players forming a crescent at square leg and extending round to Ames, the wicketkeeper, who, to Larwood’s deliveries, stood a good twenty yards behind. While Bradman was at the wicket, he was not at a loss to take advantage of Ames being so far away, and he resorted to going out and meeting Larwood’s furious deliveries, and sending them merrily to the pickets on the leg side, where, generally, there were no fieldsmen. . The first day of the fifth Test finished up with a score for Australia of 296 for six wickets, and I think Larwood’s average was something over the century for three wickets. Speaking about knocking the batsmen out, I think every Australian was struck more or less at the hands of Larwood, and although all efforts were used to include Bradman, Harold found a better man, and that game did not work. The two best strokes Bradman made on the opening day was when he jumped about three feet in the 'air and just assisted two high deliveries from Lat Wood in succession through the screen at the rear of the ground, close to where Herbert Sutcliffe was scouting. When Larwood got back to England he Jost no time to get in first and squeal to the Press. He said Bradman was frightened of his bowling. but the other batsmen eould play his bowling. However, the cricketing fraternity, who are not prejudiced, will agree with me that Bradman has proved that he is the world’s super batsman.—l am. etc„ A NEW ZEALANDER. Wellington. September 21.