CRICKET.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 24, 10 June 1908, Page 15

CRICKET.

In the cricket match, Surrey v. Somerset, J. N. Crawford (a member of the last English Eleven which toured Australia) scored 252 runs. Che Triangular Test Matches. In reference to the decision of Australia not to participate in the triangular test matches, “Sporting Life” says that there is no doubt that the financial aspect has influenced Australia's decision. “They wanted all the cake,” the paper says, “which would be divided between two if the, South Africans were playing in England during the same season.”

Mr. C. B. Fry, in an article in the “Daily Chronicle,” strongly condemns the Australian attitude. “It is clear,’’ he declares, “that Australia wants to continue the arrangement by which her team comes to England on Australia’s terms, to the very considerable profit of Australia’s players, and the English team goes to Australia on terms infinitely more profitable to Australian than to English interests, but our authorities are determined that our cricket in future shall not be milked in favour of profits to Australia.”

Mr. J. Darling, ex-captain of Australia and a member of the Board of Control, referring to the cabled comments on Australia’s decision, said that he was certain that money was absolutely a secondary consideration, and that the players had no hand in it. What weighed most with him was the conviction that such contests would not be in the best interests of the game, and he believed that other members of the Board came to their conclusions on the same ground. The resolution not to take part in the contests was unanimous.

"In a triangular series,” he said, “it is impossible to play the matches properly 5 you must play home ami home matches in , England, Australia, end South Afriea. No doubt it is possible to do that in England, but just imagine two teams touring South Africa or Australia at the same time. It would mean financial disaster. More than that, it would mean that the test matches in South Afriea would be played on matting wickets, which would be unfair to visiting teams. It would be no advantage to Australia to train young players and then have them playing their tests on matting. It would not be a fair contest. It will be time enough to talk about home and home matches between the three -countries when Routh Africa gets turf wickets.

"From a cricket point of view,” he continued. "South Africa ha» everything to gain and nothing to lose, ami tin position is exactly the reverse for Australia. Two teams-in either Australia or .South Afriea at one time would be out of the question. The only other place is England. It would, however, be unfair that triangular contest* should take place in England, because the home team would have the advantage of playing on its own

ground. Considered from Any point of view, the proposition is unwtrrfeuble, and it was the impracticability of making the necessary arrangements satisfactorily which weighed with me. 1 look upon the suggestions conveyed by the cablegram us a slur upon Australian players.’* “Truth” says: “Australia has to learn that we are not going to play cricket in her way. We pay her cricketers when they come here, she must pay ours when out there.” “Truth” is fairly sick of the twaddle talked about Australian patriotism. They expect to get our cricketers and navy for nothing, and won’t come forward to help the imperial scheme because they’ cannot rule the roost, and get as much money as they want.’ 1 Mr. Abe Bailey, the South African millionaire and sportsman, in an interview with a representative of the “Ixmdon Sportsman,* said Hint he had little doubt but that financial reasons were responsible for Australia’s refusal to join in the triangular test scheme.

He did not consider the financial difficulties insuperable, and, personally, would do all in his power to smooth them over;

The “Daily Graphic” upltolds Australia’s attitude in regard to the triangular tests as being quite sound, and says that the sneers about want of Imperial spirit are uncalk'd for. “The Australians,” the paper adds, “see that the presence of two louring teams would be ininons to the success of either. We ought to thank them for the suggestion that the effect on County cricket finance would be little short of disastrous.” There is considerable dissatisfaction in cricketing circles on account of the decision of the board of control not to participate in the triangular contests The Noble Testimonial. . At a large gathering in the Town Hall this afternoon, the State Governor (Sir Harry Rawson) presented Mr. M. A. Noble with a cheque for £2OGO and a silver tea and coffee service, the result of the movement initiated after the visit of the English team, in recognition of his services to cricket. The subscriptions totalled £2221.

Mr. Noble, in responding, said he had not intended accompanying the next team to England, but in face of the handsome testimonial he could not novV refuse to go.