ENGLISH CRICKET.

Manawatu Standard, 1 October 1935, Page 8

ENGLISH CRICKET.

NEW LEG-BEFORE RULE. In a special interview at tlie conclusion of the team’s tour, Mr b. J. Snooke, manager of tlie South African cricket team, said: “The team and I hope that the new leg-before-wicket rule will be tested when the Australians are in South Africa. Undoubtedly it brightens tho game and lias greatly improved English cricket by preventing dreary patches of pad-play, which was beginning to ruin the game. “Also,” said Mr Snooke, the rule gives bowlers a better cliance and would bo especially helpful on Australia’s shirt-front wickets. The South Africans players unanimously favour its universal adoption. I cannot speak offically. but I expect it to be recommended to the South African Association by the president, Mr S. J. Pitts, who was most impressed. “There is a suggestion that Mr Pitts may submit to Australia that the rule be tested during the forthcoming tour.” Mr Snooke was not enthusiastic about the present day standard of English cricket. He said that not one of’ the so-called fast bowlers would have been called fast before the 'war. “Nobody is as fast as were Knox, Kotze, and Cotter, and I really think that none of the younger generation lof English batsmen can complete with j Woolley, Hendren or Sutcliffe,” said Mr Snooke. “We were particularly [impressed with Smith (Derbyshire) and ! Hardstaff and Mitchell (Yorkshire). Mitchell is a type who should succeed in Australia. Robins is easily England’s best all-rounder.” Mr Snooke re-echoed the Australian team’s complaint that English tours are too strenuous and expressed the opinion that the South Africans will hold their own against Australia. .