A WORD FROM HOBBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 110, 12 May 1933, Page 5

A WORD FROM HOBBS

CRICKET CONTROVERSY FACE AGAINST BODY-LINE REASON FOR PAST SILENCE (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, May 10. In a copyright article in the Star, J. B. Hobbs says: “I think it better to say at once that I am not in favour of body-line bowling, which seems to me contrary to the spirit of cricket, its adoption generally, or even by one or two men, would not be in the best interests of the game. “I may well be asked why 1 did not say this in my cables from Australia. The answer is that 1 did not wish to embarrass Jardipe or the team during the Tests. They had quite enough anxiety. Had I expresed an opinion for or against it would have given the Australian critics a level to further harass the team and stir up strife. “I consider body-line bowling not good for cricket, as there are certain elements of danger in it. A batsman facing a fast bowler is asked to play strokes more for the protection of his body than with the idea of defending his wicket or scoring. “Looking at the question from a broader viewpoint, 1 would ask: What man with his son showing promise as a batsman would care for his boy to go to the parks and face body-line bowling with the risk of receiving a blow calculated to inflict a lifelong injury? So I say that body-line bowling is not in the true spirit of the game and, furthermore, spoils its attractiveness.” JARDINE TO WRITE BOOK INTERESTS OF ACCURACY. BARE JUSTICE TO TEAM. LONDON, May 10. 'Jardine has made a statement. He says: “When we won the Aaltos, Punch hoped that the Ashes controversy would be scattered to tho four winds. I am sure this would have been iu the best interests of cricket, and generally welcomed, but our silence and forbearance has not elicited reciprocal forbearance. I feel reluctantly compelled in the interests of accuracy and in bare justice to the team to write a book about the tour.” LOYALTY TO JARDINE LARWOOD PAYS TRIBUTE. LONDON, May 10. '•Despite what has been said in the Press, everyone is loyal to Jardine,” said Larwood, in acknowledging the presentation of an address and silver tea and coffee service from his fellow townsmen in Last Kirkley, Nottinghamshire. Ho added that one could not have wished for a better captain or had a happier time. Those who were not fortunate enough to have been selected for the Tests did their utmost to help those who were. Voce, receiving an address and a case of cutlery, also paid a tribute to Jardine as a great captain.