THREE-DAY TESTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 140, 18 May 1925, Page 12

THREE-DAY TESTS

CRICKETERS DISAPPOINTED. ENGLAND’S PROSPECTS NOT TOO BRIGHT. LONDON, May 6. “Many county cricketers,” says tho Daily Mirror, “are disappointed that tho 10116 tests will be limited to tlireo days.”

This newspaper points out that, in view of the erratic weather and the strength of the batting compared with that ol the bowling, three days are insufficieit.

Sporting Life says: “Despite- Gilligairs optimism, the prospect of an English victory in 1926 is none too bright unless England immediately coniine ices to build up her side.

“The elimination of the chances of tho to is would deprive the game of much of its charm and delightful uncertainty. There is no desire to eliminate the sporting chance altogether. Tho weather is so interwoven as part nnd parcel of cricket that the covering of the wicket would tend to make the gntno artificial and an indoor, rather than a i outdoor, sport.” MARYLEBONE APATHY. T'lio Star, calling attention to tho A mitral inn plans to try out all possible test players, declares: “It is time to protest against the apathy of the Mnryleione mandarins, who, after England Ims suffered a fresh series of iliiimitcis, uro as supine as ever, and are not devising any schemes to develop young talent. Why cannot England think a year ahead, like Australia docs, instead of improvising in the lace of the foe?” HOBBS’S BOOK. In his lutcst article in tho Daily News, ontinuing his comments on the English team’s Australian tour, J. B. Hobbs says: “Years ago I published a, hook, ‘How to Make a Century,’ which is now out of print. My own copy was sold on behalf of a charity fund, and I could not obtain another. On the third morning of the first test, at Syd icy, however, a parcel was delivered at our hotel, addressed to me. It was a copy of my hook, and inside the co’-er the anonymous donor had written: ‘Study it well, J.B. You’ll need il.’ It seemed to be a' direct challenge, and certainly put me on my mettle, for I made 115. I sincerely thank Ihe donor of the book, and hope that he reads this story.”

NO DEFINITE RESULT.

LONDON, May 4

The cricket expert of the Time's says he is wondering what Australians will say regarding the limiting of the 1926 tests to three days, and only playing out the final if the rubber is dependant upon it. He expects that Australia will protest, and, perhaps, rightly. “Threeday matches produce ideal cricket, but with evenly-matched sides the prospect of a definite result must always be doubtful.