LORD HAWKE AND BODYLINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19626, 21 October 1933, Page 16

LORD HAWKE AND BODYLINE

INTERESTING LETTER Kindly Reference to Australia The Ceylon ‘ Observer” of August 16 provides its readers with a most interesting letter from Lord Hawke, in which he refers to the body-line matter and Australia. The famous old Yorkshire captain is most tactful in his general remarks and most kindly in his reference to Australia. Under the notes by "Onlooker” in the Colombo paper appears the following—- “ Writing to me from 10 Belgrave Square, London, by the last mail. Lord Hawke, president of the Yorkshire County C.C., former president of the M.C.C., and now chairman of committees at Lord’s, says:— “ ‘We are shortly asking the County committees and captains what they think of this leg-theory fast bowling, with something like seven men on the leg side. I certainly hope that you will see none of it when the M.C.C. team visit India and Ceylon next season. “ ‘The other night at a meeting of Cricketer’s Friendly Society, I did say that cfbles would never end the impossible position that has been reached and that naught but a round-table conference and jolly good-will on both sides would terminate the unfortunate trouble which has arisen. “ ‘The M.C.C. a week ago gave a great banquet to Jar dine and his men. A most successful evening. Everyone was very, very guarded in all they had to say about this bugbear which is worrying, alas! the whole game of cricket, and it is certainly not good for it. I expect that you will have Jardine as captain of the team to India and Ceylon. 44 ‘A lot of the best players, like Hammond. Sutcliffe, and Leyland, think they have had enough cricket, and they must take a well-earned rest, and I certainly do not blame them. With so many of our Dominions and States asking for teams every winter, it is not always possible for us to send our best team. You will, however, have quite a good side, and it is just as well that some of our younger men should have the experience of a nice tour. ‘“As you were in Australia last summer, and saw four of the Test matches, I am exceedingly sorry that you have not sent me your views on this leg-theory bowling, or, as they like to call it, body-line bowling.’ “Here is the “London Sporting Life’s” reference to Lord Hawke’s speech at the Cricketers’ Fund Friendly Society annupj meeting at Lord’s:— ‘“I hope our cricket troubles will end when we all sit down to a roundi conference, and that the matches which have been so happy in the past will go on happily in the future. “ ‘When those Australian fellows come here next year, we will warmly welcome them, and I am sure that when we go back they will have the same feeling for us.’ "These remarks by the chairman seem to dispose of the idea that there j is danger of the Au tralians not com- • ing here next season.”