BIG CRICKET

Evening Post, Issue 149, 20 December 1935, Page 9

BIG CRICKET

DISAPPOINTING DAY '

M.CC.-WELLINGTON MATCH

PLAY POSTPONED

Local cricket enthusiasts have had some disappointing experiences this season, but none more so than this morning when the weather was so baa as to delay the start of the M.C.C. team's match with Wellington at the Basin Reserve. The .heavy rain overnight and this morning put out of the question any play before this afternoon, and there was a doubt as to whether play even then would be possible. . For the start of a tour which is expected to be bright and attractive it was most unfortunate that the visitors should strike so bad.a patch of weather. The disappointment of- officials and enthusiasts generally, was shared by the visitors, and the captain (E. R. T. Holmes) indicated that he was willing to meet the wishes .of those conducting the match' and the tour to the very best of his/and the team's ability. In the hope that the weather would improve, the decision this morning was merely that there would be no play before lunch, the intention being to review the position again at 2 p.m. Keen interest has - been aroused in this .the opening match of the tour, and 'quite a number of- enthusiasts from various parts of the Dominion have come to Wellington for the event. In addition to Mr. A. T. Donnelly (chairman), Messrs. D. E. Wanklyn and W.H. Winsor (hon. treasurer and hon. secretary respectively), of the New Zealand' Cricket Council, were in Wellington today.- Messrs. Donnelly and Wanklyn leave this evening, and Mr. Winsor remains with the visiting cricketers in Wellington and will accompany them to Christchurch, leaving Wellington on Monday night. Three days are allotted for the M.CC.-Wellington match—today, i Saturday, and Monday. Play is to commence tomorrow and on Monday at 11.30 a.m. The luncheon adjournment each day will be from 1.15 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the tea -intervalfrom .-4 p.m. to 4.15 p.m., stumps to be drawn at 6 p.m.i ■.-'"■''•■ ■ The wicket specially prepared for the match, having rolled out hard and not being covered, .was practically flooded by the heavy- rain. However, it improved somewhat when the rain eased off. In case of emergency .the custodian gave attention to a nearby wicket, and, in the event of this being required, it was covered; PROSPECTS IMPROVE. Shortly, after 2 o'clock this- afternoon the captains, E. R. T. Holmes and J. R. Lamason, - made an inspection of the wickets, and it was v agreed that there was a prospect of commencing the'match later in the day on the wicket which had been covered. This wicket was drying out much more quickly than that on which the heavy roller had been used, and was expected to be fit for play by 4 o'clock. The covering was removed, and instructions were given that the players were to be ready to make a start with the match at 4 .o'clock, if a. further inspection at 3.30 o'clock revealed' that the wicket was. fit for. play, as seemed likely. , Today's experience has been somewhat similar to, that on the occasion of the visit of A., H. H. Gilligan's team, when the start of play in the match here was delayed owing to wet weather. , D. R. Jardine's M.C.C. team also met >bad weather .here, no play being, possible on'the first day. Brilliant weather on the second day brought out; a recbrd crowd for that team's match here. ■''■•' :