ENGLISH CRICKET TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19748, 22 September 1927, Page 13

ENGLISH CRICKET TOUR.

BENEFITS TO DOMINION. DEFINITE STATUS SECURED. IMPORTANT LESSONS LEARNED. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] CHRISTCHUKCH, Wednesdi» y. In an interview to night Mr. D. Reese, chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council, reviewed the tcur of the NewZealand cricket team in England and made an important statement regarding the financial aspect of the tour. "I think," said Mr. Reese, "that perhaps the two outstanding matters for satisfaction are the definite st.*tus which has been given the Dominion in tha cricket world and the creation of a national pride in the cricket of our country, similar to that which was created by the 1905 All Blacks. The tour opens immense possibilities for the cricket of the Dominion and, with a definite prospect of regular tours to both Britain and Australia, there will now be a decided incentive to the young players cf this country. "The play of the New Zealand team in England has proved conclusively tbst this is the finest batting side that hss ever represented New Zealand. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of tha bowling and fielding, with »n admittedly wet season ir. England. "The recognition of this fact brings out the first important lesson of the tour. A definite effort should be made to reinstate the bowler and more recognition and encouragement should be given to young bowlers. It should also he a stipulation that efficiency in fielding be essential to inclusion in a first-class team. "The results of the tour," added Mr. Reese, "have proved that we were a little too modest when tha framing of the programme was under consideration. Not only did it prove disappointing to find we were too strong for the minor counties, but it had a very definite bearing on the financial results of the tour. It is certain that any future tour of England would be planned along the line of Australian tours, whereby they play the major counties." The figures available at present mad® it difficult to compute the actual loss on the tour, but it would certainly exceed £4OOO, Nevertheless, it was hoped to bring the loss back to a more nominal figure. The council would contribute £IOOO as promised from ita own fundi, and the management committee had applied to the Government for a grant of £IOOO toward the expenses of the tour. It was felt that the Government would favourably view the request. The team would arrive at Colorabo on October 8 and would play a one-day match there against Ceylon. There was every prospect of the Australian Board of Control sending a firstclass team to Now Zealand during the' coming season and there was also a pro*, pect of the English team, which will visit Australia in 1928 29, flaying at least two matches in the Dominion in March of the latter year. "I think ail will agree," said Mr. Reese, "that the tour has proved a very wonderful event for the cricket of this country and that the player* themselves are entitled to the bent thanks of the Dominion for the splendid way in which they have upheld the country's honour on the cricket fields of England."