THE GAME IN ENGLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20183, 27 June 1928, Page 11

THE GAME IN ENGLAND

OPENING OF THE SEA SON. WEST INDIANS’ THREE TESTS. 1 Special “Chronicle” Service. ] LONDON, Muy 3. Though the W est Indian cricketers have been accorded three Test matches, for the first time since they became recognised as first-class players, there was a feeling amongst the counties that they would not be quite up co the best English standard. A ono-day match, however, has boon sufficient to remove this impression. They went down to Bye, which is better-known for golf than cricket, and there met a team got together by H. D. G. Leveson-Gower, the old Surrey captain. It was composed of first-class English cricketers, including Hobbs, A. p. F. Chapman, J. W. 11. T. Douglas, and several excellent bowlers. The West Indians went in first, and gave an amazing batting display and, when they declared their innings, they had lost only one wicket. G. Chailoner made a brilliant century. He so completely dominated the bowlers that even Chapman had to take the ball. They were also cuccessful as an attacking side, the bowling being almost as impressive as the batting. It is a criticism of the English batsman that he does not like fast bowling, and the way in which men edged fjom the deliveries of Macdonald and Gregory, when these two Australians were at the zenith of their powers in the Test matches of 1921, has not beer forgotten. The West Indians are particularly well off in fast bowlers. G. N. Francis is perhaps the fastest of all, but the pace of both. L. N. Constantine and J. A. Small is notable. If it is a dry summer, these bowlers arc sure to be dangerous.

The tourists have not so far met one of the counties, their first match being next week against Essex. In regard to the county championship, there is to bo a drastic reform next season, when all clubs will play twenty-eight matches, and the percentage system is to be abandoned. Instead, points are to be awarded for wins and all other games ignored- In these circumstances it will be useless to play for a draw. A side might just as well be beaten. The season opened with a match between Glamorgan and Worcestershire, and it was nota' le for the fact th&t, as last year, Davies, the young Glamorgan professional, began with a century. Fox of Worcestershire, also hit up a hundred, and saved his side.

In a few days all the other teams will bo seen, and none will to watched more closely than Notts, who, now that Larwood has proved his soundness at the nets, have a splendid chance of winning the championship which they so narrowly missed a year ago.