WEST INDIES’ TEAM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 115, 18 May 1933, Page 8

WEST INDIES’ TEAM

THE TESTS IN ENGLAND. WILL THERE BE TROUBLE! The West Indies team, now in England, will play three tests with England. If they prove powerful in batting, we may possibly hear of a bodyline battle. On what we saw of them in Australia, the West Indies may not have sufficient batting stability to worry England. If it be otherwise, however, we may sec a body-lino duel unless the M.C.C. gives a deterring decree. Australians did not see such a duel only because W. M. Woodfuil would not have any of it on his side. Discussing the body-line possibilities, a writer in the Barbados Advocate says: “I hope that Messrs. Grant and Kidney and the West Indies Cricket Board of Control have taken careful note of the manner in which England has handled the last cricket crisis. It is common knowledge that West Indies fast bowlers have had their style cramped by instructions when the English batsmen have been in manifest difficulties. “Bowling at the body deliberately is wrong, but the West Indies Board have only to say that it has full confidence in Mr. Kidney and Mr. Grant to do nothing unsportsmanlike, and tha job is done. “It will be a fine contest, for Larwood seems to be a real terror, and we know already what Voce can do in the body-line bowling department. Unpleasantness is caused by the lack of understanding, but now we know where we are. “The West Indies fast bowlers could hardly do better than to take a leaf out of the book jf their Englishmen competitors. Hitherto, I know they have not been allowed to exploit their natural disadvantages. That day is past now,”