BODYLINE BOWLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 29, 4 February 1935, Page 10

BODYLINE BOWLING

SPECTATOR AT LAST TEST. WHAT MR-. D. M. RAK HEARD AUSTRALIANS SELECTED ENGLAND’S TEAM. NEW PLYMOUTH, Jan. 20. The story of the “bodyline” meeting of the Notts. Cricket Club which appeared in Thursday evening’s Herald, was the inspiration for some com ments on the subject by Mr. 1). M. Bae, of Auckland, president of the Teachers’ Summer School, who was in England last summer and a spectator at the final test match at the Oval. Mr. Rae stated to a Taranaki Herald reporter that there was a very general opinion in England that the move by the M.C.C., supported l>y certain sections of the press of the country and in some cricket, circles, was one definitely in opposition to the attitude of Carr and Larwood, and designed to overcome or improve the unfortunate situation that had arisen, in order Io meet the wishes of the Australian team. It was accepted that they plainly objected to what, has come to be known as “bodyline'’ howling. In this they were supported by some of the most influential of the supporters of the game, including such men as Lord Hawke ami Sir Stanley Jackson, who treated cricket as the sacred sport of gentlemen. They were willing to make almost any sacrifice to ensure the reestablishment. of the good feeling ami happy relations between the cricketloving public and players of both conn tries. Mr. Rae went, so far as to suggest that, in England there were those who believed that the test teams were being selected to suit the visitors, and some even said that “the Australians were selecting the teams.” Minus the services of Jardine, Lar W’ood and Voce the English public did not. contemplate the result of the tests with any real confidence. Notvvith standing this the crowd at the Oval for the final test was a very sporting crowd and during tho record-breaking partnership of Bradman and Ponsford tho ap pinuse was most, generous throughout, although it was realised, with gradually growing resignation, that these two were giving the death knock to any hope England had of retaining the ashes. Mr. Rae’s opinion was that, much of the fooling that had boon created was the outcome of somewhat sensational notices given to the subject by a section of the press. It was claimed that an injustice was being done to certain English players and tho newspaper helped to fan the flames of this fool ing. Small incidents had been magnii fied. ami comments of tho chief per I -on« concerned were given particular in certain napers.