CRICKET TEST

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 95, 5 April 1934, Page 5

CRICKET TEST

CHAPMAN AS CAPTAIN?

Hammond Will Play

JARDINE’S LETTER TO M.C.C.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received 5, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, April 4.

The Dominions Office officially denies the report that Mr. Thomas and Mr. Bruce had conferred and had recommended to Marylebone that Australia would welcome the appointment of A. P. F. Chapman as captain of the English team. Mr. Thomas, interviewed, echoed Mr. Bruce’s denial, adding: “This is pure imagination, and more leg pull than leg theory.” Sutcliffe said: “I know I can speak for Hammond in this matter. He will certainly play if chosen.” Sutcliffe added: “The story that I and other English cricketers who toured Australia signed any declaration relating to Jardine’s captaincy is most absurd. The report apparently originates from a declaration signed by the English team during the last tests, expressing loyalty to Jardine. There is not the

slightest personal feel ig between English and Australian cricketers. I am sure that as soon as play begins everything will go smoothly.” He laughed heartily when informed of the rumour that he would not play in the tests; He said he would moat certainly play, if asked.

The “Sun-Herald” learns that there is little likelihood of Marylebone publishing Jardine’s letter, which is chiefly a report on the Indian tour. The reference to his not playing against Australia is merely incidental. He certainly never said he had no desire to play. He explained his anxiety to concentrate on business.

Underneath Mr. WignaU’s cable from Colombo that Messrs. Bruce and Thomas had intervened on the subject of Jarline, the “Daily Express” prints an article saying: “It is an open secret that tho committee of the M.C.C. was disturbed at the happenings at the last testa. Naturally they had to stand officially by the captain, but privately some members disagreed with his insistence on certain tactics. The M.C.C. is most anxious to avoid friction this season.

“It is not a question of knuckling under to the Australians, but of avoiding any thing that might disturb peace. It is felt at L".ds that not only is the continuance of cricket between England and Australia at stake, but that vita l political issues might be involved; therefore there is no doubt considerable relief felt at cricket headquarters that Jardine has neither the intention nor the desire to play. It is an easy way out for all concerned.”

SILENT 16 AT COLOMBO Bradman Seems in Bad Health (Received 5, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 4. Mr. Wignall, in a cable to the “Daily Express” from Colombo, says:—“The most pronounced team of hush-hush cricketers landed this morning. They are a silent sixteen and are almost afraid to answer the queries addressed by local guides. Mr. Bushby told me he had nothing to say and Messrs Bull and Jeans were similarly unwilling to discuss controversies. “The players want to be friendly but are surrounded by barriers and wrapped in cotton-wool. The only •don’t care’ person is Oldfield, though he received me with a finger to his lips. “Cricket has reduced these young fellows to a positively pathetic state. There is an amazing change in Bradman, who is obviously in indifferent health. He looks 20 years older than his age and consulted a doctor before he smoked a cigarette. Bradman will have to be much healthier before he can play in the tests. “The team is desperately anxious to make good and they should be nice fellows. 1 fancy that the new men England will ueed to watch will be Bromley. Brown, Chipperfield and O'Reilly. The Australians are certain that there will be no fast leg-theory > during the tour.”