THE LAWS OF CRICKET

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1934, Page 13

THE LAWS OF CRICKET

PROPOSED L.B.W. RULE CHANGE. “PLUM” WARNER’S SUGGESTION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) London, Feb.. 22. Mr. "Plum” Warner has let the cat out of the bag in regard to the vexed question of leg before wicket in cricket. "I should like to see the experiment tried,” he said, “of a right-hand batsman given out to a ball which pitches outside the off stump, and a left-hander to one which pitches outside the’ leg stump, which is his off stump.” He added:— “Many eminent cricketers are in favour of such an experiment, and I think it will be given an exhaustive trial in firstclass cricket.”

What apparently is contemplated is to introduce the suggested new law into practice in the county championship, but I do not think this will be done this season, when the Australians are here. Their agreement would have to be secured, and it has not been sought. An alternative would be to make the trial in, say, the Gentlemen v. Players’ match, but that would scarcely be exhaustive. The great desire is to make the batsman play the ball with the bat instead of with his legs, because there is no doubt that leg-theory bowling is the direct result of this tendency. Bowlers pitching the ball outside the off stump, and making it break on to the wicket, have had no chance, ‘simply because the batsman made .certain of protecting his stumps by walking across so that the ball would strike his pads if he missed it with the bat. The effect of Mr. Warner’s plan would be to make the batsman out if a ball, which would have struck the stumps, hit his legs. The idea is not new. Bowlers have pressed for its introduction, and if it is put to a trial, it will give great satisfaction in the belief that it will do something to restore the balance between the bat and the ball, and also improve batting by getting rid of the two-eyed stance. Fresh doubts have been aroused as to whether D. R. Jardine will captain the England team against the Australians, owing to the report that he is unlikely to lead the Surrey county eleven. I believe the position to be this: Jardine has played continuously -ummer and winter for two years, and while he is not tired of the game, he does not wish to hold a position which would put him under the responsibility of playing regularly. Further, if he is to captain England, as I believe is certain, he would be forced to miss six or seven of Surrey’s matches. In the circumstances, I am told that he has suggested to the county authorities that it would be better if he were relieved of the captaincy. The matter has not been settled. Cables have passed between this country and India, but it is unlikely that a decision will be reached for some weeks. Surrey, I know, does not wish Jardine to resign.