LEG THEORY BOWLING

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 13 June 1933, Page 7

LEG THEORY BOWLING

~4> TERM BODYLINE IMPROPER

VIEW OF M.C.C. COMMITTEE,

PROPOSED LAW IMPRACTICABLE

CENSURE OF BARRACKING,

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Copyright.) Received 1.50 p.m. to-day. LONDON, June 12,

The Maryl'ebone Cricket Club, in a seven-hundred word cable in reply to the Australian Cricket Board of Control, says it has carefully considered the Board’s cable of April 2S and also the reports of the English captain and manager. It adds: “We consider the term ‘bodyline bowling’ misleading and improper. It has led to much inaccuracy of thought by confusing a short,, bumping baß, whether directed off the middle or .leg stump, with what is known as the 'leg theory.’ The term ‘bodylme’ would appear to imply a direct attack by the bowler on the batsman. The committee considers such an implication applied to any English bowler in Australia as improper and incorrect. SuCli action on. the part of any bowler would be an offence against the spiiit of the game and would be immediately condemned. “The practice of fowling on the leg stump, with the field placed! on the leg side, as is necessary for such bowling, is legitimate and has been in force for many years. It was generally referred to as the 'leg theory.’ The present habit of batsmen to move in front of the wicket with the object of gliding straight balls to the leg tends to give the impression that the bowler is bowling at the batsman, especially in the case of a fast bowler when the batsman mistimes tlie ball and is hit. “The new law recommended by the Board does not appear to the committee to be practicable. Firstly, it wouldplace an impossible task on th'e umpire; secondly, it would place in the hands of the umpire a power over the game more than dangerous and which any umpire might well fear to exercise. The committee (has had no reason to give special attention to the ‘leg theory’; as practised by fast bowlers. “The committee will watch carefully during the present season for anything which (jan be regarded as unfair or prejudicial to the best interests of the game. It proposes to invite opinions and' suggestions of county clubs and' captains at the card of the season with a view to expressing an opinion at a special meeting of the Imperial Cricket Conference. “Regarding the report of the captain and managers the committee, while deeply appreciative of private and public hospitality shown to the Englishmen:, is much concerned about the barracking which is referred to in all reports and of which there is unanimous deprecation. Barracking is unfortunately always indulged in by spectators In Australia to a degree unknown in England. During the late tour it would appear to have exceeded previous experience, occasionally being thoroughly objectionable. There appears to have been little or no effort on the part oi those responsible for the administration of the game in Australia to interfere or control such exhibitions. The team naturally regarded this as a serious lack of consideration. _ . “The committee is of the opinion that cricket played under such conditions is robbed of much of its value as a game. Unless barracking in Australia is stopped or greatly moderated it is difficult to see how a continuance of representative matches can serve the best interests of the game. The committee regrets these matters were dealt with by correspondence Instead of _ a personal conference. If duly accredited representatives of Australian cricket, would confer with the committee they would be welcomed by Marylebone,”