Question About Bartlett’s Action

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31003, 8 March 1966, Page 19

Question About Bartlett’s Action

CX’.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. The New Zealand fast bowler, Gary Bartlett, would probably be reported for throwing if he sent down his faster ball in England, the “Daily Express” reported from Dunedin.

“New Zealand’s inexperienced test umpires are in the hot seat,” said the report. “They have to sort out the throwing rumpus raging around the 25-year-old fast bowler.”

Bartlett’s arm position looked doubtful in the first test and even worse in the second test, the report said. “The majority of Bartlett’s deliveries would probably pass inspection by England’s leading umpires. But his faster ball which had Geoff Boycott playing on to his wicket would almost certainly result in a report to Lords.” The New Zealand selectors had a chance to remove any suspicion by leaving Bartlett out of the third test, the “Daily Express" said. The “Daily Sketch” said Bartlett’s “highly suspect and dangerous action” must top the New Zealand selectors’ agenda when they meet to select their test side. “The Kiwis’ decision to play him at all in this series is strange, especially at a time when most countries are ignoring suspect bowlers. “There is no doubt several Kiwi officials believe he throws every ball." Other British newspapers contented themselves with saying that some of Bartlett’s deliveries caused eyebrows to be raised. No Complaints

R. T. Brittenden writes; from Dunedin: ‘•We have not had any re-: quest to consider Bartlett's! position from our visitors or.i for that matter, from anyone:

else. His action is a matter for the umpires,” said Mr J. G. Leggatt, chairman of the board of control when the report questioning Bartlett’s action was referred to him. i The manager of the M.C.C. team, Mr S. C. Griffith, also said it was a matter for the umpires and had no other ! comment to make, and the I New Zeaiand captain, B. W. I Sinclair, did not comment. ' “Bartlett will be considered I purely on the basis of ability.” said the chairman of the New Zealand selection panel, IMr W. A. Hadlee, when ask■ed whether questions raised about Bartlett’s action could affect his prospects of playing in the third test. “The legality of Bartlett’s action is a matter for the umpires.” Batsmen Shaken It may well be that if the sight-screens at Carisbrook were good ones nothing would have been said about Bartlett He played at Christchurch and no complaint was made about him there. But on Saturday Bartlett shook England batsmen on several occasions with shortpitched deliveries and no doubt they had had trouble at times trying to pick up the line of flight against a background of painted seats—on Saturday ropes kept spectators away from the areas at each side of the screen at ,the workshops end of the ground.

Bartlett's action was questioned by English newspapers when he bowled against D. R. Silk's M.C.C. team in 1961. Since then he has played in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and has never been called for throwing.