ENGLAND’S BIG TASK.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18619, 15 July 1930, Page 9

ENGLAND’S BIG TASK.

Play In Third Test. “ONLY RAIN CAN PREVENT DEFEAT?” United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph—Copy rl gh t LONDON, July 13. The Australian Press Association correspondent expressed the opinion that, thanks to Grimmett’s great bowling, Australia is in a winning position. Indeed, it looks as though only rain can save England, whose five remaining wickets must make 204 to avoid following on. The pitch, which is showing signs of wear, will probably be difficult on Monday. The “Sunday Express” gives prominence to the question: Was Hobbs out? and publishes a photograph showing a’Beckett somersaulting as he held the ball. Sir Edwin Stockton, chairman of the Manchester Cricket Club, said that he saw the incident. It was a clean catch. NO PLAY BEFORE 2.30. RAIN HAS NOW CEASED. Listeners who expected to pick up news of the third day’s play in the test at Leeds were doomed to disappointment. A message despatched from Leeds at 10.5 a.m. (English time) stated that the ground was swamped and that pools of water were lying on the outfield. A cablegram sent at 11 o’clock conveyed the news that the captains made a formal inspection of the wicket, but ttiere was no prospect of play commencing at the scheduled time, 11.30. A message despatched at noon conveyed the news that rain was still falling, and that conditions were unpromising for resumption of play. An examination of the wicket was made at noon, and it was decided to make a further inspection later.

A 12.30 despatch stated that rain had ceased, and the covers were lifted but not removed, and another view was postponed till 2 o’clock. At this time it was decided to inspect the pitch again at 2.30.

The A.B.C. representative’s talk broadcast from 2FC at 1.45 a.m. (N.Z. time) stated that on Saturday the wicket was wearing and small patches of dust were rising, and as a Leeds wicket seldom remained good after two days it was expected to play badly on Monday. Rain threatened on Sunday morning, and commenced to fall steadily at 2 p.m.. continuing till bedtime. On Monday morning the overnight rain had not done the wicket great harm, but more rain came and at 10 o’clock pools w’ere showing all over the field, and the rain had got under the wicket covers.

The A.B.C. representative stated that the Australian bowling all'round was the best since the tour opened, and special praise was being given to Grimmett. Tate’s great trundling was specially mentioned. Hammond’s form was described as the best he had shown against Australians since the tests in the Commonwealth. It was stated that the Australians mostly played golf on Sunday, but that Bradman went to the country to escape the attentions of people who overwhelmed him with congratulations. The Englishmen require 204 to avert risk of being required to follow on, but it was stated that Woodfull was being occasioned much concern regarding the best course to pursue if England was more than 150 behind — whether to elect to bat again or send England in a second time. At 2.30 a.m. (New Zealand time) play had not commenced.

EARNINGS OF BIG CRICKETERS. THE AUSTRALIANS IN BUSINESS. It pays to play cricket. The players themselves will be the first to admit this (states the Sydney “Daily Guardian”). But it was not always the lucrative employment it is to-day, nor did it offer other profitable channels of adding grist to the mill. The pre-war period teems with dozens of examples of international men who, having sacrificed their future positions in life to the tinselled glamour of the game, finished their days in barren comfort. . . and in some cases poverty. But to-day ability in cricket offers —well, let us see.

Three years ago Bradman was an auctioneer’s clerk at Bowral. Possibly his salary was £3 a week. To-day his earnings in pounds must considerably exceed his highest score. He holds a responsible position with Mick Simmons, Ltd., of Sydney, and also receives a royalty from the English firm that manufacture Sykes’ bats.

Kippax was a grocer’s assistant dt Bondi until a few years ago, when ne opehed a sports depot in Martin Place, Sydney. Business grew so raidly that to-day he is the head of one of the most flourishing sporting businesses in Sydney. Oldfield was a clerk in the railways at possibly not more than £7 a week. To-day, with C. G. Macartney, he is the owner of the prosperous sporting business in Hunter Street, Sydney. Jackson went straight from school to Kippax, but the sporting department of Anthony Hordern and Sons, Ltd., Sydney, now pays highly for his services.

Fairfax was looking for a lob as an electrical salesman when Murdochs, Ltd., in Park Street, Sydney, saw his value from an advertising point of

Pre-war cricketers were not nearly so fortunate, although several of them have to thank cricket for the opulence they now enjoy. Warwick Armstrong was a clerk in the employ of the Melbourne Cricket Club. The admiring head of a big whisky firm, while the Australian team was on tour, appointed him head of the business in Australia at a big salary.

C. G. Macartney was a clerk up at the railway on an ordinary salary. He received a testimonial of £2700, part of which he invested in his sporting business. In addition he contributes to English and Australian newspapers. All these players owe their position directly to their ability to play the game of cricket. It is to their credit that they have displayed a similar ability to hold down their positions.