FUTURE OF BRADMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20968, 3 September 1931, Page 9

FUTURE OF BRADMAN.

TOriC MUCH DISCUSSED.

CONTRACT WITH ACCRINGTON

ENGLISH OPINION CRITICAL

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received September 2. 9.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 2.

The secretary of the Accrington Cricket Club says Don Bradman has replied to its letter, and he says he is willing to sign a contract for two years, to which the Accrington Club has agreed. He is awaiting Bradman's confirmation. Bradman is to receive £25 a week. It is expected that he will arrive in England in the middle of April. The possibility of Bradman's transfer to English cricket is rivalling the political crisis for central place in the news columns, and tho ethics of Bradman's choice is a widespread topic of conversation in cricketing circles, where opinions are divided.

Mr. Arthur Gilligan says: "I am frightfully sorry to learn of the acquisition of a brilliant player in such circumstances. Throwing gold into the balance is a rotten thing to do in any sport, I would prefer to see Bradman playing for Australia."

The Daily Sketch says interests in the 1932 test matches will drop to zero if others follow Bradman's example. Cricketers throughout the world will deplore the arrangement, which would deprive international cricket of one of its greatest figures. Sir Edward Stockton, chairman of the Lancashire County Club, says he doe| not look with favour on brilliant cricketers being induced to come to England. At the same time it is very enterprising of Accrington and Bradman will do a lot of good for cricket in Manchester. The Daily Telegraph's cricket writer recalls that Bradman's achievements brought him £1650, apart from his journalistic earnings. Moreover, he has quite a good position in the sports department of a Sydney store. In view of these facts, his friends may wonder if Bradman is studying his own best interests and those of cricket.

Mr. P. F. Warner, in an interview, said he was a great admirer of Bradman, but he was extremely sorry to hear that he had accepted the Accrington offer. " I deprecate cricketers coming from one country to play in another, except as representatives of their own country," Mr. Warner added. " Bradman's step will nob be well received in Australia or in England." Hobbs told a reporter that although he held strong views with regard to the propriety of the Accrington Club's offer and Bradman's acceptance, he would prefer not to express them.

PLAYER RETICENT.

AGREEMENT WITH BOARD.

EXPIRY LATE NEXT YEAR.

(Received September 2, 8.15 p.m.) SYDNEY. Sept. 2,

Cricketing writers in Sydney say Don Bradman will not be able to play for Accrington until 1933, unless he risks disqualification by tho Australian Board of Control.

Bradman's agreement not to play cricket in England until two years after the termination of the last English tour will not expire until September, 1932, by which time the English season will have ended.

Bradman, in a further interview to-day, preferred to remain reticent. Members of sporting bodies here say they would be deeply disappointed if Bradman left Australia.