New Leg Before Rule

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 232, 2 October 1935, Page 10

New Leg Before Rule

NOT WHAT IT SEEMED With the 1935-30 cricket season about to commence aud questions being asked about the ibw' change operating in England this year, , the following Australian comment about the new rule will prove of interest. ■'lt was at first thought that the change meant that if a batsman was struck by a bail pitched on the oil side of the wicket, and which would have hit the wicket, but for the obstruction, he would be out. “But he can be out only in such a case if the part of his body struck is in front of the wicket. “This is quite different from the proposal made year in and year out'for countless years. There can be far less objection to the actual change that has been made than to that which had been contemplated, and which led to a great deal of hard criticism. “The change is worth attention from the authorities in the different States in conjunction with the leading international players. Its operation is not likely to be as drastic by a long way , as the original amendment would have been. There, is little necessity for the change out here, though, as now -in- . derstood, it might do no harm in llrst- ‘ class cricket. It has been made to counteract the tendencies of padbats- . men, who are mainly English. "In England it is reported to lme ’ brightened batting. At all events the i crops of slaughter to batsmen have not , been seen and public interest in country matches has been keen. Yorki ~

shire, for instance, are over £2OOO up on last season’s home country gates. “At first the public did not understand the exact character of the amended law, but a few writers including Maurice Tate and E. Hendren, carefully explained it in tile Press, and, after that there has been a clearer appreciation of it. One good effect it has is to induce batsmen to move out to the ball, aud make more and better off strokes than has been customary for some: years. . “The Board of Control' chairman, Mr. It. A. Oxlade, might invito the Australian captain, Victor Itichardson, and the manager, t.o ascertain the views of the youth Africans on the influence and operation of the now law, based on their experiences in England. The M.C.C. will doubtless, inform the Board of the official view in England after this season’s experience. “It is likely that the law will soma day operate in Australian first-class cricket generally. South Australia is trying it in its premiership this season. The South Africans regard it as a good thing.”