Australia's Bluff Called

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7064, 25 January 1933, Page 7

Australia's Bluff Called

CANCEL TESTS, SAYS M.O.C. LONDON, Jan. 23. The Marylebone committee has cabled to the Australian Board of Control: “We, the Marylebone Club, deplore your cable and deprecate the opinion that there has been unsportsmanlike play on the part of the English team. “We have the fullest confidence in the captain and team managers and are convinced that they would do nothing to infringe the laws of cricket or the spirit of the game. Wc have no evidence that our confidence is misplaced. “Much as we regret the accidents to Woodfull and Oldfield, we understand that in neither case was the bowler to blame. If tho Board wish to propose a new law or rule it shall receive our careful consideration in duo course.

“Wo hope the situation is not now as serious as your cable appears to indicate, but if it is such as will jeopardise the good relations between English and Australian cricketers and you consider it desirable to cancel the remainder of the programme we would consent with great reluctance.” Only What Could Have Been Expected AUSTRALIAN COMMENT ON M.C.C. REPLY Received Tuesday, 10.30 p.m. SYDNEY, Jan. 24. The consensus of opinion of cricket officials and old internationals is that Marylebonc’s reply was only what could bo expected and the only course it could take. Some think the protest should have bc*n made either after the first or last Test, Others suggest a round-table conference to overcome the difficulty. Members of the Board of Control refused to comment. Tfie secretary of the Board of Cricket Control, Mr. Jeanes, announces that a special meeting of the board will be held in Sydney on Monday to consider Marylcbonc’s reply. Mr. Jeanes also released a telegram from the Castlemaine Cricket Association of Victoria, which says:—"Tne Castlemaine Association of 500 players concurs in the board’s protest. Bodyline bowling sounds the death knell of country cricket and the spirit of the gamo is violated.” The chairman of tho Board of Control, Dr. Robertson, when asked whether the position now was as serious as Marylebone indicates, replied: “1 won’t comment on that.” He also declined to say whether he personally was in favour of cancelling the remainder of the Tests.