DOMINION CRICKET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22901, 2 December 1937, Page 16

DOMINION CRICKET

HELP FROM AUSTRALIA SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCHES PARTICIPATION SUGGESTED [from OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] SYDNEY, Nov. 25 The New South Wales and Australian test batsman, J. Fingleton, has made a suggestion, in his capacity as a journalist, which should he of keen interest to followers of cricket in JNew Zealand. Writing in the Sydney Sun, Fingleton said: "New Zealand in a Sheffield Shield competition! That suggestion was made during conversation m the New South Wales dressing room after the game against New Zealand. It is an idea to which Australian cricket officials might well give serious consideration. "There has been a deal or talk concerning Australia's obligation to New Zealand. It is an obligation more honoured in the breach than the observance, but the brilliant cricket of the New Zealanders in the series of Australian games has brought the subject to a stage where talk should finish and action should commence. "Would it be possible for New Zealand to be incorporated in a competition with Australian States? It was pointed out that it takes no longer to cross the Tasman than it docs to journey by train between Adelaide and Sydney. It might be possible for New Zealand to play the winners of the Australian competition in a final here one season, and the next season the Australian leaders could cross to New Zealand.

Lengthening of Season "One difficulty to overcome would be the lengthening of the season and the fact that Australian first-class cricketers already have large inroads made on their business time. I am probably treading on dangerous ground now, but consideration might be given to whittling down an pccasional game between the other States." Mr. T. H. Howard, a former member of the Australian Board of Control, and who is the representative in Australia of the New Zealand Cricket Council, considers that the board can do much more toward developing New Zealand cricket than it has done in the past. "It seems to me," he said, "that the board does not show sufficient initiative in its relations with New Zealand. It was disappointing that the board at it« last meeting should have decided against the suggestion that the Australian team should return from England by way of New Zealand and play matches in Auckland and "Wellington. Visit ol Other Taams "There may have been shipping difficulties, but if it was decided at a much earlier stage that teams should come back through New Zealand, it would help New Zealand cricket and it would provide the players with a round-the-world trip they no doubt would appreciate. Several of the early Australian test teams played in New Zealand on the way home. "I believe that the board should go thoroughly into the question of regular visits to New Zealand, perhaps every second or third year, and of arranging for Now Zealand teams to come to Australia when circumstances are favourable. There is a silver lining for New Zealand, as the board has agreed that an Australian team shall tour New Zealand late in the 1939-40 season. This will be a big thing for New Zealand in every way, especially if Don Bradman makes the trip."