ENGLISH CRICKET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 12 April 1934, Page 2

ENGLISH CRICKET

TRIBUTE TO HOBBS (From Our Own Correspondent) LONDON, Ist March. When the new wall is completed at the Oval, the main entrance is to be furnished with gates bearing the. name of the most famous Surrey batsman. Hobbs lias already cabled from India to the committee expressing his approval and appreciation of this “wonderful compliment.” It is a peculiarly happy method of commemorating the great player s prowess at the Oval, inasmuch the same tilling was done for “W.G., ’ Ins rival in century records. The great gates at Lord’s were erected in memory of Dr. Grace, and bear an inscription to that effect. In future the principal entrance gates at Kennington Oval will be known as the “llobbs Y ’ gates, which will bo completed in time for the opening of the cricket season. OUR NUMBER TWO Cricketers seem to regard C. F. Walters, the Worcestershire amateur, as .completely 'establish,ed after his fine Indian record as England’s partner for Sutcliffe against the Auzzies. He will, it is confidently expected, be our Number Two to the Number One of Herbert

Sutcliffe. Walters lias a superb defence, though it cannot be said he possesses the all-round artistry with the bat that distinguished Jack Hobbs in his palmy days. Nor does lie know, as the latter did, how to score runs off really good bowling dead on the wicket every time. Blit lie is steady, consistent, and bighearted enough for anything and he will no doubt acquire still further stroke mastery with experience. In one respect he has a great advantage over even Jack Hobbs. ITe is as strong as a horse, with a physique equal to anything.