PLAY HELD UP

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 242, 9 July 1938, Page 11

PLAY HELD UP

Heavy Rain Delays Test MAY BEGIN AFTER LUNCH By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received July 8, 11.30 p.m.) London, July 8. After heavy rain during the night, the infield at Old Trafford was too wet for play to begin at Lie scheduled time to-day in the. third Test match between England and Australia. The sun, however, was trying to break through and a steady south-easterly breeze was blowing, which gave rise to the hope that play might be possible about 3 o’clock in the afternoon (English time) provided no further rain falls. In (he meantime there is no information as to the teams, nor has there been any toss. CONTINUOUS RAIN FOR 15 HOURS Critics Favour England London, July 7. It has been raining almost continuously for fifteen hours at Manchester. The ground and the wicket are very soft and the players fo both teams have been unable to practice. McCormick is suffering from a cough and mild tonsilitis.

With the prospect of a rain-affected wicket, English critics argue that the chances for the third Test definitely favour England.

DENIAL FROM MRS. BRADMAN

Proposed Visit To England

Sydney, July 7.

Mrs. Bradman denied to-night the statement published in London about her alleged indignation at the Australian Cricket Board of Control’s refusal to allow her to go to London to join her husband at the conclusion of the present Australian cricket tour. Referring to the radio-telephone conversation she had had with her husband, Mrs. Bradman said that it was so unsatisfactory that she was unable to express either indignation or disappointment even if she felt so inclined.

A similar incident has developed in tennis circles. Mrs. Harry Hopman, wife of the captain of the Australian Davis Cup team now on the Continent, having received permission to compete in the mixed doubles at New York with her husband, the Australian Lawn Tennis Association has decreed that the pair must not stay at the same hotel and must not travel on the same train. They’ will thus not lie reunited as man and wife till they embark at San Francisco for home.

NO STATEMENT FROM BRADMAN

London, July’ 7. Bradman has decided not to make a statement at present. "The Star” says: “There is no question of defying the ban on Mrs. Bradman, but Bradman is likely to refuse to visit England again unless the contract is altered.”