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Greymouth Evening Star, 19 October 1946, Page 9

Mythical Cricket “Ashes.” The cricket “Ashes” are really mvthical, and their origin dates back to" 1882. On August 29 of that year, Australia secured a sensational victory over England at the Oval, their first test win on English soil. On September 2, the Sporting Times printed a mock obituary notice as follows: “In affectionate remembrance of English cricket, which died at the Oval on 29th August, 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. R.I.P. N.B. —The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” In 1883 a small urn containing the ashes ol the stumps used in the match was presented to the Hon. Ivo Bligh by some Australian ladies to commemorate England’s victory in the third match at Melbourne. This urn is now kept in the pavilion at Lord’s.

Test Cricket Payments Increased payments for Australian players in the " forthcoming cricket, tests against the English team have been announced by the Board of Control. Each player will receive £4O a match, plus 30s a day allowance when playing away from his home Stats. Test umpires will be paid £2O a match when acting away from their home State and 12 guineas a match at home. The previous respective rates were £l5 and £lO. The Australian selectors, Messrs Dwyer (New South Wales), J. Ryder (Victoria), and D. G. Bradman (South Australia) will receive £2 10s a day and travelling expenses. Scorers, who will be appointed by the cricket association, of the State in which the test is being played, will earn 30s a day.