“VENOMOUS THING.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 784, 9 June 1933, Page 1

“VENOMOUS THING.”

Bodyline Attacked by Hobbs in Book. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 8. In his book, “The Fight for the Ashes,” J. B. Hobbs, the noted Surrey batsman who accompanied the M.C.C. team to Australia, says that D. G. Bradman is a better batsman than ever. He has more strokes and is the best dry wicket batsman in the world. “It was not ordinary fast bowling, even of the Larwood type, that reduced Bradman and Australia,” says Ilobbs. “It was done by body-line bowling, plus Larwood’s great pace and accuracy, together with an exceptionally clever placing of the field. You will agree that this is more than enough to make any batsman think. “Shortly, I considered it was bowling, the purpose of which was to intimidate the batsmen. “Such tactics are dangerous and unjustified. and are not in the best interests of the game. It is absolutely wrong that it should be used by anyone at any time. It seems to me that leg-theory bowling is a most venomous thing.” HOBBS THE CHAMPION. LONDON, June 4. The fine score of 167 by J. B. Hobbs for Surrey against West Indies earned high praise. The cricketing writer of “ The Times ” pays a tribute to the wonderful batting display by Ilobbs, who is in his fiftieth year. He says that Hobbs played every stroke like a father teaching his son. He gave only one chance, in the last over. He batted for five hours. . E. Tlendr.en (Middlesex) and CL P. Mead (Hampshire) are still equal second among the record-breakers, with 132 centuries each. \\ . G. Grace, whose 126 centuries stood as the record for many xears, is still fourth, ahead of F. Woolley (Kent) 1 IS, H. Sutcliffe (Yorkshire) 111, and T. Hayward (Surrey) 10k LARWOOD’S INJURED FOOT. LONDON, June 8. Larwood will see a specialist on Friday. It is almost certain that he will not bowl again this season, owing to injuries received to his foot during the tour of Australia. West Indies Player’s High Score. (Received June 9, 10.50 a.m) LONDON. June 8. In their first innings against Somerset, West Indies have lost six wickets for 482 runs (Barrow 70, Merry 75, Headley not out 224).