Grimmett Bowled Well.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 660, 13 January 1933, Page 11

Grimmett Bowled Well.

Grimmett’s figures, one for 21 and none for 19, in the second Test, were not impressive, but evidently he was always dangerous. A special account of the match from Arthur Mailey says: “ Grimmett was tossing the ball high and making it float about disconcertingly. On one occasion in the first innings he had Sutcliffe three or four yards out of his ground. Oldfield, however, could not get the ball, which had been snicked, and Sutcliffe scrambled back. “ Although Grimmett had obtained only one wicket, the fact that he had concentrated on compelling the Englishmen to use their feet was the most reassuring feature of the day’s cricket. Grimmett was correctly applying his undoubted ability. “ With Ironmonger and Grimmett ready to be thrown into the breach in the event of O’Reilly and Wall falling away, the Australians always felt themselves fairly well supplied for effective bowling. « “ This aspect is pleasing from several angles, and one in particular—the ascendancy of intelligent bowling over shock tactics. This is not a reflection on the mentality of bowlers—it is just an analysis of the various methods of attack. I feel, and have said before, that Australian batsmen will conquer the leg theory, but I am doubtful if the Englishmen will conquer the Australian style if it is properly applied.” j; j.; Bob Crockett, Australia’s greatest cricket umpire, says: “I consider Bert Ironmonger to be the best bowler among the English or the Australians. He is a terror under any conditions, but if the wicket is damp or worn Ironmonger is almost unplayable. Some have questioned his delivery. I have taken particular pains to study Ironmonger’s action, and have no doubt as to its fairness. It is absurd to question his bowling.” New Ammunition. The following incident, not cabled at the time, occurred in Australia’s first innings during the second Test: — “ With Woodfull and Fingleton batting, the English captain, Jardine, drew the umpire’s attention to the state of the ball, and after a short discussion both umpires left the ground to find a ball similar as far as newness was concerned to the damaged one. One of the small cracks on the wicket had cut the ball, and this probably prevented it from swinging in the early overs. “ The first salvo had been a dud. and new ammunition was ordered. While the umpires were absent the fieldsmen lay down on the grass and the outer crowd shouted derisively. “ The ball which was brought out was apparently too new, so Jardine and Woodfull played tippeny-catch for two or three minutes. This Test cricket is becoming a very concise and serious game.” According to an Irish Rugby enthusiast, W. E. Crawford, one of the greatest of full-backs, was, until recently, the most incorrigible of veterans. ‘ Och,” said he, “ I’ve known him strip and turn out if he knew a man was needed without even asking if it was for the first or the fifth fifteen, and him the holder of thirty international caps too! ” “ Like Hungry Sharks.” When Larwood was bowling in the opening stages of the second Test, the field at first was placed in orthodox fashion. After the second over, writes Arthur Mailey, Larwood looked anxiously at Jardine, and probably thought that if he did not get his beloved legfield. his pace would peter out and die outside the off stump. The next over brought a transformation. Just with a nod of the head, Jardine signalled his men, and they came across to the leg side like a school of hungry sharks. Then the battle commenced in earnest. Georges Carpentier is said to be beset by an urge to return to the ring. His friends claim that this is because he misses the roar and the applause of the crowd. is now nearly thirty-eight years of age. He has been out of action since 1926,