“A GREAT FIELD”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 841, 9 December 1929, Page 7

“A GREAT FIELD”

NOBLE ON DULEEPSINHJI S DISPLAY •BOUNDS WITH CATLIKE AGILITY” The famous old Australia test match captain. M. A. Noble, writing in the Sydney “Sun” of November 24 during the progress of the M.C.C.-New South Wales match at the Sydney Cricket Ground has some interesting remarks to make on the performances of the members of both teams. Referring to McCabe, the New South Wales colt. Noble says that at present he bowls too fast, and rather much at the off stump, for his legbreak. Although one occasionally out there is likely to result in a catch anywhere behind the wicket, the most deadly effect is produced by bowling the legbreak on the middle and leg stump. If it is a good length ball, the batsman must play it with a chance of being put lbw, or clean-bowled. A little more experience, and he will be a fine all-rounder. Allsopp went on imperturbably and aggressively until he had obtained the coveted century. He was not so certain in his timing on Friday. but his defence was impregnable. Two months ago this lad was absolutely unknown, and since then he has played two cen* try innings on the Sydney Cri Ground. Surely the scheme o annual colts’ match has just itself. His rise to fame and public has been phenomenal. Only tirr tell if the high opinions already f of his future possibilities will t filled. The great feature of the New Wales batting was the quick s« Coming after the dreary batting Test matches of last season, It w. balm to an open wound. The appreciated the change from the tious methods of the Test match was batting worth going a long v i. > see. M.C.C. UNLUCKY Ii is only fair, however, to say that sickness and accident have robbed the M.C.C. attack of its contrasts. Duleepsinhji gave a great exhibition of fielding. He is quick on his feet, and accurately senses the strength and direction of the strokes. lie has great length of leg. from the hip to the knee, which indicates great pace. He bounds about with catlike agility, pounces on the ball, picks up quickly, carries the ball up and in front of the face, and returns remarkably straight with great power from such an unorthodox throwing position. Whatever the team lacked in fielding ability was compensated for by keenness and untiring energy. It mist be remembered to their credit that they have had little opportunity of btjeoming physically fiat. Therefore, their work during the first innings was highly commendable. ENGLISH BOWLERS A Horn is well knit, strong and athletic, and a right-hand medium pace bowler, with an easy delivery. The ball is delivered with a sudden forward movement of the body, with a good swing and a decided twist of the wrist, very similar to Maurice Tate’s flick at the moment of delivery. He does not appear to spin the ball, nor does he vary his pace. He was also lacking in direction, too many balls being delivered outside the leg stump. He was distinctly lucky to get Jackson caught there. This, however, is a failing which should be rectified as the tour progresses. He will be infinitely more dangerous when he cultivates variation, flight and spin. Barratt is a big, strong, hefty man. with remarkable activity. His pace is fast medium. He has a high action, with the arm bent at the elbow, and a most pronounced jerk of the forearm. which gives pace and lift off the pitch. I should say he would hop about dangerously on anything but a billiard table wicket BENEFITS OF TOUR These two and Worthington ar* great workers, but mechanical effort seems to be their trump card rather than versatile, heady experiment. The arrival of an English cricket team to play Test matches arouses a much greater measure of public excite- ! ment and enthusiasm than any other i sporting event. Though our English visitors came primarily to tour New Zealand, it is fortunate that a series of games against the strong teams of the Australian States was included in the programme. It serves the purpose of ensuring continuity of practice for Australian players against a first-class team, and provides an opportunity of i trying out our promising young players who are fighting for a place in the next Australian team. Again, such a visit stimulates and sustains public excitement and preserves national interest. TRIUMPH FOR KIPPAX It would have been a popular selection if young “Bill” Howell had been included in the New South Wales team. He appears to be the most likely spin bowler Australia has had for years. What a delightful knock Bradman played on Friday! He was on top of the attack from the outset, played with great freedom and made beauti-fully-timed hard strokes. Good as h was last season, he has improved in batting ability’ and general knowledg In view of Kippax’s recent illness, his innings was a triumph. He had had no practice and. knowing he was out of form, he went in determined to play safely. People have not forgotten the shocking mistake made when he was omitted from the 1926 Australian team. They did not want illluck to beat him on this occasion. Not a man on the ground failed to experi - ©nee a keen sense of satisfaction a l his success.

PROFESSIONALISM IN YACHTING

I see that the question o£ proteysionalism in yacht racing has cropped up again on the Broads, says an English writer. Many clubs stipulate that yachts competing in their races shall be steered by bona fide amateurs, but as amateur status is not defined in the Y’.R.A. rules, it is not surprising that the question, “What is an amateur?” should be rather a vexed on* 1 . The chief bone of contention seems to be the standing of yacht designers and builders. As members of these professions live and work among boats, it is contended that they have more frequent opportunities of sailing different kinds of craft than the average amateur, and thus attain greater skill and experience, than the latter can hope to acquire. There is a modicum of truth in this assertion. This question as to the eligibility of designers and yacht builders is nothing new. as to my knowledge it been debated at intervals for the past 40 years, and the incorporation in tho rules of the Yacht Racing Association of a clear definition of amateur status would appear to be overdue.