THE CRICKET DISPUTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 50, 26 January 1933, Page 6

THE CRICKET DISPUTE.

The dispute which has arisen between the Australian Cricket Board of Control and the Committee of the Marylebone Cricket Club in connection with the bowling methods of members of the English Eleven is to be regretted, especially as it may eventually interfere with the series of test matches between the two countries which have continued over a long series of years. It is equally regrettable that the Englishmen have come out to Australia with bowlers who practise what is known as body-line bowling, the effect of which may inflict grievous injury upon the opposing batsmen. When the latter are found going to the wickets with their bodies practically covered with pads, it is evident there has been a new departure in the method of attack in this fine old game, and apart from the question of justification, there has been aroused a feeling of resentment which is to be deplored, and is calculated to become injurious to the interests of the sport. The Marylebone Committee has rather unwisely raised the question of cancelling the remainder of the tests, but that is hardly likely to eventuate and there seems to be little doubt that they will be finished, but before the next series is played in England there will be a clear and, definite understanding between the two countries as to what constitutes proper bowling. The contests between the two greatest cricketing countries in the world have existed for such a lengthy period that for the present tour to abruptly terminate in a quarrel would be unthinkable. Cricket is a grand game and unworthy of any bitterness being injected into it by partisans, and it is hoped the former amicable relations will be quickly restored.