News Of N.Z. Cricketers In England

Chronicle (Levin), 26 April 1949, Page 5

News Of N.Z. Cricketers In England

LONDON, April 25. Messages from the Duke of Edinburgh and Sir Donald Bradman, wishing the New Zealand cricket team an enjovable tour of England, were read by ift*. E. W. Swanton, chairman of the Cricket Writers' Club, when t'he visitors were its guests on their return to London from Eastbourne. It was yet another memorable occasion for the team and once again there were present figures well-known throughout the cricket world. The toast of the evening was "The New Zealanders,' ' proposed by Sir Norman Birkett, K.C., and replied to by Hadlee. Both speeches were broadcast on a light progrannne. Bir Norman, who spoke without a note for nearly 20 minutes, frequentlv had his audience roaring with langhter. He extended

a warm welcome to the team ^aua, speculting as to whether Hadlee was preparing a similar onslaught on Engf lish cricket to that made by Bradman last year, added: "Hadlee is a pubiic accountant which strikes me as pretty ominous." Sir Norman added that New Zealand cricket always had been distinguished I)}' the spirit of sportsmanship and he knew their matehes would be played this year in the true and traditional spirit. Wishing them ' ' good ericketing weather, and if possible, a season of warmth and sunshine," he added: "You will make our season a memorable thing. You will give the greatest possible pleasure wherever you rnay go and stimulate the game in every part of the land." Hadlee, who linds rmblic sneakinc

something of an ordeal, delightecl everybody, and especially his team, with his replv. He declared that aa far as it lay in the New Zealanders' powers, they were hoping to achieve a defmite result in their three-day inatches. Whrle they believed tlie game should be played for the enjoyment of the 22 players, they would not sacrifice any match for the sake of so-called b right cricket but put emphasis on interesting cricket. I After dinner Denis Compton had a long talk with several of the team including Hadlee, Sutcliffe, Mooney and Cresswell. Ile returned with them .to their hotel and with Jack Young, who also went to 8outh Afriea with the M.C.C. team, talked cricket. "I am particularly glad to meet tiie; New Zealanders again," said Compton. "I have the pleasantest memories of, their 1937 tour for it was then I played in niy lirst Test match — -a big event in by life. Everybody is looking forward to some enjoyable games this year." After attending the Anzac service on Monday and an Empire Societies' luneheon, the New Zealanders leave foT Bradford on. Wednesday where the match with Yorkshire starts on Saturday.