CRICKET IN CANADA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23012, 13 April 1938, Page 20

CRICKET IN CANADA

M.C.C.'S INVITATION VISIT 16 ENGLAND PROPOSED [fhom OUB OWN correspondent] TORONTO, March 0 Jlarjlebone Cricket Club's invitation to Canada to send a representative team to England in 1939 or 194J is regarded as one of the most constructive developments for years in the history of the sport in the Dominion. Prospects of international tests in a few years, should Canadian cricketers measure up to English first-class county strength, will give a decided boost to the game in Canada. For many years there has been little intersectional competition and its expansion would be welcomed. The invitation will mean a lot jco the growth of junior cricket. "If everything associated with the ideals of British fair play and sportsmanship is worth maintaining, Canada should take advantage of the forthcoming opportunity to become a participant along with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and India in intra-Imperial sport," declared Mr. E. W- Sharp, secretary of the Canadian Cricket Advisory Board, in commenting on the M.C.C.'s invitation. "Canada has the talent and ability to cortipete with and definitely

surpass any > opposition if provision is made fpjr . equality of training t and opportunity. Let Canadian boys have the same chance as those in other parts of the Empire and, the. destiny of 'The Ashes' will cease to be an Antipodean sports {■ affair," Mr, Sharp added. "ReeoOTitioJi-Jby the. jNE.C.C. of : . the improved standard of Canadian cricket is very gratifying," said W. E. N. Bell, .one of the Dominion's leading players. "Certainly our younger players should be greatly enthused, as a number will undoubtedly »be asked to represent Canada if the invitation is accepted," Canada's record in the past two years. has jpiprepisecl English officials. The Hon. R. C. Matthews' eleven made a great showing«.in England in 1936, the tour being followed by the M.C.Gi-'a, Ivisit .to the Dominion. The Englishmen's.' only, defeat was inflicted by the Matthews team in Toronto and most of the Canadians who participated would be strong candidates for places in any team to visit England.