BIG CRICKET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 19 January 1938, Page 3

BIG CRICKET

RUSH FOR TEST MATCH TICKETS (By Air Mail—From A Special Correspondent] LONDON, 23rd December. There is already evidence that the Australians will give the usual fillip to cricket next summer. The form of Bradman and his colleagues in the Inter-State matches is being closely followed and there is a lively interest in their coming. Although the tickets have not yet been issued for the Test , watches, applications have begun to roll in. I understand, in fact, that the Surley club have received as much as 4000 for the final Test, and it is not to take place for seven months. Many of these tickets have been bespoken on behalf of visitors from Australia who are to accompany the team. There is always a considerable party, and it is the custom to set off a section of the seats for their accommodation. This pirctice is again to be followed and it is expected that the number will require to be increased. \ isitors will note several important changes at the Oval. There can be no extension of space for the. spectators, but more room has been created by building a terrace at one end. This comprises seventeen steps on which spectators will stand and also have seats. Si ill, the total accommodation will not much more than 30,000, and there •s net much doubt that it will be taken up for as long as the match lasts regai dless of the state of the rubber. This has always been a remarkable feature of Australian tours. They have drawn the crowds no matter what the results of the Tests may have been. One special point of interest in regard to the Australian visit is whether Grimmett will come, or whether his deadly partnership with O’Reilly will be broken. Frankly it will be a relief if it is. I think the Australian authorities realise this, and, though Grimmett at home is counted as a veteran, I shall be surprised if the moral influence which he has always exercised over English batsmen in this country is sur-

rendered. Besides Grimmett has always been a more effective bowler on English wickets than his own.

But it is believed that the Australian team will not be easy to choosej owing to the fact that the bowlers they will be compelled to include are weak as batsmen. In the circumstances, steps will have to be taken to guard against too long a tail, and there will be a strong desire to select as many allrounders as possible. Still it is expected here that Grimmett will be one of the men who will be given a place.