"WAR OF ATTRITION"

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 59, 13 March 1929, Page 9

"WAR OF ATTRITION"

WORLD'S SLOWEST CRICKET

GAME SEEN FROM LONDON

Australian Press Association.

LONDON, 11th March

If play continues at the present rate this will be the world's slowest cricket match, and may possibly go over the time England sails for Home a fortnight hence," says the "Daily Express" in a front page summary. The remark accurately sums up the viowpoint of practically every London news: paper. The obvious inference is that Woodfull had no right to stay all day in an attempt to lay the foundation of a score approaching England's. Critics between hymns of hate concerning the drawn-out trial—"the war of attrition which Test matches have becomo"— obligingly declare that Australia is attempting something beyond her powers. Clem Hill's cabled comments, however, help to put Woodfull's position in a-correct perspective. He said: "I have never seen a gamer opening fighter. I have a tremendous admiration for him. He is still unconquered, and looks like staying. His defence is a natural game. He carries big responsibilities. He realises he must stop. He does the part with credit." Hill nevertheless agrees that at present there is. a feeling abroad that it is a crime to jump out to hit a ball. Kippax did not play his own game. Hill incidentally says that Larwood bowls some overs faster than any yet.

P. F. Warner does not join in the general chorus, but contents himself with the remark that the cricket is of the dour type, but praises Woodfull's "impregnable dofenco and unfailing judgment." He adds that the match may last seven days.- It has been suggested in certaiu quarters that not only England in future Tests but Australia should have five days, with hours from 11.30 to 6.