BIG CRICKET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 20 November 1937, Page 12

BIG CRICKET

AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS’ TOUR PAY

(By Air Mail—From a Special Correspondent)

LONDON, 14th October

It is not surprising that English professional cricketers take a cynical view of the rewards Australian players receive while on tour in this country. They are not regarded as professionals, and on a match card they bear the title of “Mr.” Yet they are to be paid £6OO for their trip next summer, and in addition are to be allowed £2 10s a week to cover out-of-pocket expenses. These allowances are on a higher scale than even English professionals receive in Australia. The only restriction lo be imposed on the Australians is that they must neither write nor broadcast their opinions over the air, and I think these rules are wise and in the interests of the game. As compared with the English player, the Australian is fortunate. It is not demanded of him that he should devote the whole of the summer to the game, and it is not a blind alley occupation. Under these conditions he is not faced with the tremendous problem of finding a way to earn a living on his retirement, or even to pay his way during the winter. It is true that many English players receive a small winter retaining wage, but it is seldom more than £2 a week, and, unless they have been able lo save, their experience is often an unhappy one. One is always sorry for the professional who goes out of the game. If he has anything of a reputation, he may obtain a coaching engagement at one of the schools. But while he may be paid £l4 a week, it does not last for more than three months. He may also become an umpire. But in this case his total earnings, after he has paid his expenses, are not more than £2OO.

It is almost- impossible to combine work and cricket. A man cannot expect to leave a job for four months, and go back to it. In these circumstances not only is the winter a time of discontent, but, when he is too old to retain his place in the game, the player is left entirely to his own resources. Some have prospered through the game, specially those associated with clubs who award substantial benefits. In recent years there have been notable cases of men leaving estates valued at over £20,000. But in none of them was all the money earned by playing. Each had another string to his bow. Jack Hobbs has probably obtained more from the game than any other man, and now he has a very successful sports equipment business.