BIG CRICKET

Southland Times, Issue 19898, 17 June 1926, Page 7

BIG CRICKET

TEST CONTROVERSY RAPID DEVELOPMENTS COLLINS RETICENT. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) London, June 15. The controversy over the three days’ tests is developing rapidly. The abandonment of the first test has given a great impetus to the demand for an extension marked by the outspoken comment by those previously silent. Smith touched the controversial issue when he made a statement in which he Said:—“Can any wonder that the people of Australia are exasperated and are saying unless the matches are played to a finish future tours will not be worth while?” Several things, he said, irritated the Australians such as the policy of keeping English bowlers secretly for tests —a policy of having mystery men, a policy of “diplomatic colds.” This is understood to have reference particularly to Root, who did not play in the English trial match because he is reported to have a cold. Smith adds the Australians did not play the real South and North of England teams. Star bowlers were missing. Why should not England keep to the sensible course and play the best men in all games and play the tests to a finish? Carr ranges himself definitely behind the Australian point of view. He says: “I think it farcical that the Australians should come such a great distance to play tests restricted to three days. What are the tests for except to test the cricket of the two countries? The Australians have a perfect right to object, and under similar conditions I would object pretty strongly. I do not favour a less drawn-out-business, but an extra day is invaluable in order to get results.” Continuing, he said the abandonment of the test was one of the biggest disappointments in his life because he was confident England could have beaten Australia. Collins remarked that he hardly liked to say anything at present, but added, “I shall have a great deal to say in this connection later.”—A. and N.Z. FOUR DAY TESTS. London, June 15. Colonel Trevor, writing in the Daily Telegraph, says he is convinced a huge majority of English cricketers approve of a four-day tests, but any attempt to introduce unlimited time matches will be strenuously resisted as a direct to the principle of the game. Spectators already are complaining, not without reason, of slow and dull batting, to which the Australians as well as the English are addicted. Let us not make any sacrifice of convenience, but be firm in declining to sacrifice principles.—A. and N.Z. RECORD TAKINGS. London, June 15. Though there was a loss in cash takings at the test match at Nottingham,£6ooo was taken, chiefly from five shilling and half guinea booked seats. This is easily a record for threequarters of an hour’s play. THE YORKSHIRE TEAM. London, June 15. The Yorkshire team to meet the Australians at Sheffield, commencing today, is: Rhodes, Kilner, Holmes, Leyland, Sutcliffe, Robinson, Oldroyd, Macaulay, Waddington. Lupton and Dolphin. ’’TIE YORKSHIRE MATCH. RAIN DELAYS PLAY. (Rec. 1.10 a.m.) London, June 16. Several days’ rain caused havoc with the pitch at Bramall Lane. The rain cleared early this morning but the pitch was then in such a state that a prompt start was impossible. As a result of an inspection at 11.30 it was decided to re-inspect at two o’clock. The sun made a welcome appearance before noon and will be of material assistance in the process of drying of it.—Reuter.