WOMEN CRICKETERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21921, 3 October 1934, Page 18

WOMEN CRICKETERS

TRIAL MATCH IN ENGLAND GOOD BOWLING AND CATCHING ' An England team of women cricketers will sail for Australia this month to play a series of three test matches and to play against State elevens. It will later come to Now Zealand to meet teams here. I went to Northampton yesterday, when the team, which will be away for nearly six months, played against a side called "The Rest," says a. wiitci in the Daily Mail of August- 31. You may, or may not, agree that women should play cricket, but this I assure you: After watching yesterday's play X am no longer a doubter. These women know the game and they play it exceedingly well. Tlio match ended in a tie, but that was merely because there were two declarations. The touring team won the toss, and Miss Archdale, the captain, admitted to me that she made a mistake; she should have sent tho other side in. So, on a sticky wicket, her side were tumbled out for 56. 1 was not surprised, for the leg-break bowling of Mrs. Holden would have troubled any player. She took five for 17 —and she is not in the English team! 1 saw three catches that would have sent the Oval crowd at the last test match delirious with delight. ]\liss Taylor's catch in tbo long field was as good as anything I have seen this season, while the wicket-keeping of Miss Snowball was really good. In tho test team are games mistresses in schools, which have had to arrange for deputies while they are away. Some aro students at universities; one, I understand, is a typist, and she has to give up her job to go! All have to pay their own fareß, and that has handicapped team selection. Who thought of the uniform these women aro to wear in Australia? I am no dress expert, but white cotton stockings and skirts that compromise between shorts and skirts are neither graceful nor suitable.