PERFECT UMPIRE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 205, 28 July 1928, Page 20 (Supplement)

PERFECT UMPIRE

ONE-ARMED CHESTER

SUGGESTED FOR AUSTRALIA.

LONDON, July 8. The Sunday Dispatch says it b rumoured that Australians have expressed a wish to see the one-armed umpire Chester accompany the next Dullish team in order to officiate in the tests, and adds that, though nobody questions Chester’s fitness, it would be an extraordinary distinction if the JYL.C. _ • considers the suggestion seriously, it would probably bear in mind that such an appointment would create an important precedent.

“If such a step is taken, says a cricket writer, “Australians would make the acquaintance of an umpire unique in English cricket. Chester is only 32 years old, whereas the vast majority of umpires in England arc veterans. Chester lost an arm in the war, and his cricket career came to an ‘untimely end.

“He is quite lfnlike other umpires in his methods. Whereas they are sedate and impassive, Chester, watches everything like a cat watching a mouse. He crouches at the wicket, turns to see the bowler coming up, closely watches his foot on the crease and the pitch of the ball. He has extreme concentration, and nothing escapes his notice. His decisions are quick and emphatic. Umpiring with Chester becomes part ami parcel ot the game. He is an umpiring live wire. His methods are certainly unconventional, but Chester is most capable, and stands high in the estimation of the M.C.C.”

YOUTH IN UMPIRING

HOBBS’S VIEWPOINT. DIFFICULTIES IN AUSTRALIA. LONDON, July 11. J. B. Hobbs, in a special interview concerning the suggestion that umpire, Mr Chester, might go to Australia with the English team, said: ‘‘l am not aware of any precedent for the M.C.C. side carrying its own umpire, but this is not a serious objection. 1 foresee greater difficulties from the attitude of Australian umpires who belong to . a union.

“If obstacles can be removed, I would not regret the experiment. Chester is an exceptional umpire, reminiscent of “Bob” Crockett, who was the finest umpire I ever knew. Chester has youth and experience of county cricket. He crouches like a cat springing at a mouse, while fiercely watching each ball.

“If Chester had not lost an arm in the war, England would lack her only youthful umpire. NOT FROM VETERANS. “I believe wo are foolish to choose umpires from veterans. V'.impiring is exacting work, demanding keen eyesight. intense concentration and ability to endure a tiring day. Chester possesses these qualities.

“It is said that social qualifications do not unduly influence the Test selectors. Whereas the Australian team will be chosen entirely on merit. I am certain that nobody will be preferred to better cricketers on account of his social standing, but where the records of men are similar, naturally the selectors will prefer the man of better standing. Men have sometimes been chosen for Australia who have made injudicious remarks. Australia, being a young country, its people are naturally sensitive to criticism. Men of social standing are less likely to make diplomatic blunders. Everyone wonders who the captain will be. Most of the conjectures are merely guesses.”