DIFFICULT PROBLEM

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 23, 28 January 1933, Page 14

DIFFICULT PROBLEM

EAST LEG-THEORY

"DISTINCTLY DANGEROUS"

INVESTIGATION URGED

(Written for "The P6st" -by Arthur

Mailey.)

Nobody in his right senses would support deliberate attempts on the part of a bowler to injure a batsman. Still, until we can prove that such is the ibowler's intention it is hard to deal with him. The injury, resulting from fast leg-theory bowling, to Oldfield marred the pleasure of that day's cricket in the third Test at Adelaide. On the Saturday of the match, when Woodfull was hit, Larwood changed his field across to the leg side at once. This sudden action. wte badly timed rather than done with any sinister meaning. This type of bowling is distinctly dangerous physically, but I cannot, unfortunately, :find a remedy without upsetting almost the basic laws of cricket. If Jai-dine believes that his bowlers are trying to injure batsmen he should not only have no hesitation in making them alter their tactics, but should go further and not have them in the party. But if Jardino is satisfied that Larwood's theory is scientific bowling, very little can be done. "MOST DIFFICULT." The whole thing ig a problem which is most difficult-to solve in an equitable manner. If it is allowed to continue batsmen will be- compelled to- wear baseball masks and wear heavy padding. Then the fast bowlers could fire away till the cows come home. Personally I would like to see a committee of international cricketers diseuas the matter quietly and soberly men. like "Warner, Woodfull, Jardine, Hobbs, Noble, and perhaps Ryder, all of whom have captained their country in Tests, would make an excellent committee.