CRICKET TRIBUTE PAID TO N.Z. TEAM’S SPORTSMANSHIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 August 1949, Page 7

CRICKET TRIBUTE PAID TO N.Z. TEAM’S SPORTSMANSHIP

LONDON, August 17.—“1t was argued, before the present test match series started, that New Zealand had improved so greatly since its 1931 and 1937 visits that three days for each test, would be insufficient time to force a conclusion,” says Ttie Times. “A timeless test is the grim, logical conclusion of a demand for a finish at any price, and this eliminates all hopes of an.exciting finish against the clock. “On the other hand, it cannot be denied that the shadow of an approaching draw did take some of the brightness out of the last stages of every game. “What is beyond controversy is the fact that no visitors have been more welcome for the mastery and gaiety with which they play cricket than the New Zealanders. A friendly spirit—consistent with total warfare in hitting boundaries and holding catches — pervades • even a test when the New Zealanders take the field. These visitors have earned a special corner to themselves in the hearts of their hosts. “Hadlee and his men have had the best season of any touring side from the Dominions.”

Commenting on the New Zealand cricket tour, the Yorkshire Post says: “Although it is pleasing to note the steady development in New Zealand cricket. It is disturbing to find that England’s own standards remain at a comparatively low level. . This season’s first-class cricket has shown little improvement from last year, when the Australians swept-through the country.' “There are two or three great players who would be outstanding in any age, but the difference between the Huttons, Comptons, and Evanses and the general average is far too great for complacency. There is not one truly great bowler in English cricket, and in many cases the very elements of length and direction are woefully absent.”