CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1925, Page 3

CRICKET.

BY TELEOIU: a PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT OR ICKET CONTROVERSY. (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 12. The collapse of Victoria against' England in a wet wicket has reanimated the controversy over the Australian eustcni of covering the wicket in Sheffield Shield matches. Alter the bad displays by Australians this season on min damaged pitch'..!, cricket enthusinsls are i.a line.l to be dubious about the Australian tour tf England next year. They claim that the covering of the wicket had a deterrent elicit on wet wicket capa-uitie.s. Australian batsmen point out that a bowler L always the sufferer on ft covered wicke where rain his delayed play, because he must grip and howl a. greasy ball t:> batsmen on a billiard table pitch. In England the wickets are not covered and batsmen have therefore no artificial aids to success. Prominent players hold that the howlers should he considered. In addition the Australian howlers would lack experience if they met lain damaged wickets in England. The suggestion has been made that Sheffield .Shield wickets next season be left un overed. This would enable Australians to enter the field in England better equipped for their fight to retain the “Ashes”.