CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1938, Page 8

CRICKET

TEST LIMITS The Australian Board of Control is to be asked to consider the limiting; Oi cricket Test matches both in Australia and England to 30 hours of play; This would mean five days of six hours per day in England, and six days of five hours in Australia. • • This was decided at ~a meeting of the first-class counties at Lord’s. At present Tests in England, except the fifth, are limited to four days. The fifth is played out. All Tests in Australia are played out. MrH. Hey don, secretary, said the matter would, .be Considered by the Board of Control at its meeting at the ‘end of December. “By that time the board will have the views of the manager of the team ‘(Mr W. H. Jeanes)” he said. Arthur Mailey’s r . Comment Finance has become such an important part in Test cricket that I do not. think th&'board will agree to a limit on Tests in Australia. *lt will'no doubt favour five-day-matches in Ehgland. Test matches are. the money spinner? of cricket' and generally the longer they last the more ; money is taken. ■■ England’s desire for a limit on Test? is understandable, because of the interruption to a county programme caused by drawn-out games. - In Australia, it would not matter if a Test took Id days to decide.” ! Other Comment. W. W. Armstrong (former Australian capfain;: “The trouble is that the bowlers of the moment are not good: enough to get the batsmen out. “In a few years, with the rise of new bowlers, it may be found that the suggested limits will be over-generous. “I think the matches should be played to a finish in both It is ridiculous to travel to England to play drawn Tests.” A Kippax (former international): “The English suggestion is r excellent. The extra time in England would cut down the of unsatisfactory draws.

“Six days are ample for most matches in Australia.

“I don’t think the public wants drawn out Tests, and the establishmentof ft limit might make batsmen speeu up a little.”