ENGLISH CRICKET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22225, 27 September 1935, Page 11

ENGLISH CRICKET

NEW LEG-BEFORE RULE SOUTH AFRICANS IMPRESSED LONDON. Sept. 58 In a special interview at tie conclusion of the lour Mr. S. J. Snooke, manager of the South African cricket team, said: "The team and I hope that the new leg-before-wicket rale will be tested when the Australians are in South Africa. Undoubtedly it brightens the game and has greatly improved English cricket by preventing drearv patches of pad-play, which was beginning to ruin the game. "Also," said Mr. Snooke, "the rule gives bowlers a better chance and would be especially helpful on Australia's shirt-front wickets. The South African players unanimously favour its universal adoption. I cannot speak officially, but I expect it to be recommended to the South African Association by the president, Mr. S. J. Pitts, who was most impressed. " There is a suggestion that Mr. Pitts may submit to Australia that the rule be tested during the forthcoming tour." Mr. SAooke was not enthusiastic about the present-day standard of English cricket. He said that not one of the so-called fast bowlers would havo been called fast before the war.

" Nobody is as fast as were Knox, Kotze and Cotter, and I really think that none of the younger generation of English batsmen can compete with Woolley, Hendren or Sutcliffe," said Mr. Snooke. "We were impressed with Smith (Derbyshire) and Hardstaff and Mitchell (Yorkshire). Mitchell is a type who should succeed in Australia. Robins is easily England's best all-rounder." Mr. Snooke re-echoed the Australian team's complaint that English tours are too strenuous and expressed the opinion that the South Africans will hold their own against Australia.