SPOILING THE GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21553, 26 July 1933, Page 9

SPOILING THE GAME

1 LEG-THEORY ATTACK OPINIONS OF CRITICS "SAVOURS OF INTIMIDATION" By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 25 'Writing in the Daily Telegraph Mr. P. F. AVrrner savs: "Eighteen thousand silent spectators saw body-line bowling at Old Trafford yesterday after tho manner practised by Larwood in Australia. What they thought I know not, but I shall bo surprised if they approvo of it. Hammond later had to havo two stitches inserted in the wound in his chin. England had to contend against a form ot attack to which 1 am sorry tho West Indies bowlers had recourse. Apart ironi any question of ethics this iorm of bowiing has mado tho gamo very dull.

" What has happened will bring the question more acutely than ever to tho lront, for until yesterday very few Englishmen had seen this bowling. Previously tliev had confused it with tho leg-theory. I am, and always have been, definitely opposed to this style of attack. It may be within the laws, but to my miiid it is not in the best interests of tho game. It savours of intimidation and certainly looks venomous. " I have in no way altered tho view I expressed on August 22 during a certain match at tho Oval." Mr. A. E. R. Gilligan, writing in the News Chonicle, says: " Tho fast legtheory created a sensation. The bowlers certainly were well within their rights, but if this type of bowling is allowed to dominate cricket tho game will loso much of its charm and eventually will not be worth watching." Mr. I). R. Jardine's book to be published on July 28 is dedicated to tho English team which toured Australia under his captaincy, " because of what they are, because of what they proved themselves to be, and because of what they bore and forebore."