Plan for Bright Cricket

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 174, 26 July 1939, Page 2

Plan for Bright Cricket

SCHEME ADOPTED BY SOUTX AUSTRALIA “When the grade committee of the N.S.W.C.A. is considering Mr. S. Storey's scheme for one-day games to brighten our cricket, it might also examine tho new scheme adopted by South Australia for next season’s club games," states Mr. A. G. Moyes in an Australian journal. The scheme is based on the English county championship system, with alterations and adjustments to meet local conditions. It appears to be better in principle than one-afternoon games, which would develop excitement, but not cricket technique. Don Bradman, who Is a delegate from the Kensington Club, submitted the scheme to the S.A.C.A. Tho scoring system is as follows: Pts. (a) Win on first innings (these points to be retained if match subsequently lost) 6 (b) Loss on first innings Nil (c) Outright win where first innings lead also gained 12 (d) Outright win where first innings loss sustained 6 (e) Outright loss Nil (f) Draw: (1) When only one team has batted > 3 (2) When neither side has batted 3 (3) When each team has batted half of ono period—(a) To the team scoring tho greater number of runs 4 (b) To tho other team 2 (4) When both teams have batted and the batting time of the team which batted first is less than that of the other team—(a) To the team scoring the greater number of runs 4 (b) To the other team 3 (5) When both teams have batted and the batting time of the team which batted first is greater than that of the other team 3 (g) For a tie on the first innings either by tho loss of all wickets or by tho effluxion of time 3 (lx) For a tie on tho first innings when outright loss sustained 3 (i) For a tio on tho first innings and subsequent outright win 9 (j) For a tie both on the first and second innings C (k) Loss on tho first innings and subsequent outright tio 4 (l) Win on the first innings and subsequent outright tie 8 In every instance incentive is provided for teams to score fast and to make an effort ’to win. Obviously a sido leading on tho first innings is in control of the game. It can either rest on its laurels and allow the game to die of suspended animation; or it can look for the major victory. Tho new scheme provides that even if it is subsequently beaten outright, it will still retain points for the first innings lead, so that it has everything to gain and nothing to lose by going all out for the major points. The side beaten on tho first innings is also urged to greater efforts. If it wins outright it gains six points. In the case of drawn games, provision is made to reward the team which, when tho batting times arc unequal, scores faster. Here again is an incentive to brightness without in any way tending to a development of unscientific slogging. Richardson’s Praise. The schemo seems to me to be based on sound principles and should be carefully considered in this State. In England, where it is in vogue, cricket this season has ax>parently shown a revival, and we can Jearn from others. Victor Richardson discussed the idea in tho following terms:— “The committee felt that tho control of the game was in tho hands of tho team leading on tlio first innings, and to avoid action which would prevent further excitement and interest in the game, decided that points scored for the first innings should not be iu jeopardy. “Only a trial can prove the wisdom of tho step, and the committee, in its endeavour to brighten club cricket, decided to take the bold step." He also praises tho provision for allotting extra points to the fasterscoring team in the case of drawn ! games.