DEATH KNOLL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1933, Page 5

DEATH KNOLL

BOpYLINEI BOWLING

TEXT OF CABLES ANNOUNCED

\Australian Press Association),

SYDNEY, October 10

The death knell of bodyline bowling lias apparently been sounded, judging from the text of cables that have passed he ween the Australian Beard of Control and the M ary le bone Cricket Club, which were made available this afternoon. The substance of the Australian Board's cablegram is that, whiio the leg theory bowling as practised for many years is not open to objection, “we feel that a continuance of the type of bowling to which .exception was taken in Australia, while strictly not in conflict with the laws of cricket, would not be in the best interests of the game. “May we assume that you concur, and that the teams would be able to take the field in 1934- with that knowledge? We shall give consideration to the question of barracking, and you can rely on our using our best endeavours to have it controlled in future. We are most anxious that the cordial relations between Australian and English cricket lovers shall continue.” The M.C.C., in reply, stated it heart, ijy reciprocated the desire for the continuance of ’cordial wtnt.inns, anti says: “Any point of difference between ns seems to bo rather on the question of fact than on any point of interpretation of the laws of cricket or the spirit of the game, The M.C.C, agrees, and has always agreed, that 'a form of bowling which is obviously a directed attack by the bowler on the batsman, would be an offence against the spirit of the game, and your team can certainly take the field with the knowledge and the full assurance that cricket will be played hero in the same spirit as in the past, and with the single desire to promote the best interests of the game in both countries.

The M.C.C. much 'appreciates your action in regard to the future control of barracking, in order to keep it within reasonable bounds. Your team can rely on a warm welcome from the M.C.C.”

ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT

(Received this day at 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 10.

Bodvline bowling, which papers still print with quotation marks, again leads the front pages, but it is now heralded with peace proclamations. The “Evening News,” says that the next move must come from the Marykhone Club. It is certain that the rules will not- be changed, but it will be emphasised that bowling straight at batsmen with a packed leg-side is not in the spirit of cricket.