CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1926, Page 3

CRICKET.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] BASEBALLER AS COACH. LONDON, April 18. P. 0. Fender has initiated at the Oval an interesting cricket experiment. He has engaged an Anglo-American bascbnller as coach for the Surrey team in practising fast, low pitching. He believes that the basehaller’s throw will improve the. fielding and keep down runs. TEST MATCH INTEREST. . (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON. April 20. An idea of the tremendous demand for test match tickets is shown by the lj:iet that Hobbs, who is one of the selectors, asked for and was refused an additional ticket for the first test. Hobbs thereupon purchased one after considerable difficulty. The “The Evening Standard” referring to a mysterious malady by which ten Australians were atttacked, says that although they have now fully recovered. the attacks were an insidious form of muscular rheumatism, which might well have done greater damage. It is believed to be a type of influenza due to come extent to the change from a warm climate to cold, enroute.

FIRST MATCH WEDNESDAY. LONDON, April 20. The cricketers are seizing every opportunity for practice in readiness lor the first engagement, a three days match against Minor Counties at Maidenhead, commencing on Hie 28th. CRICKETERS AND CRITICS. (Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) LONDON. April 20. The Australian cricketers spent a short time at the nets at Lords. Tlie weather was showery anil wicket dead. They then were guests at the London District Institute of Journalists’ luncheon, at which there was a large and distinguished company, including Mr Baldwin, (Prime Minister), Barrie, Amery and Warner. The chairman read a message from tlie Prince of Wales conveying good wishes, and hoping to meet the cricketers timing the summer. Mr. Baldwin proposed the toast of the team, in felicitous terms recalling the giants of ilie past and added that nothing imported into Australia from Britain had flourished like cricket. The other great English export which although it flourished in Australia, had

nevertheless been kept out of the team was rabbits. He advised V arner not to allow his nerves to get rattled by the Press barrage. Be bad liimself passed 'through barrages, unscathed. Mr Baldwin gave the Australians a most cordial welcome and hoped the game would be played out to the finish in the most sporting manner, and that the best side should win.

Mr .Collins (captain) responding, referring to the press barrage, said that he had not scon the articles, but the team in nowise was responsible fo them. Dir. Smith (manager) said the team came to England with the optimism born of the fact that they had kept the Ashes since 1912. They did not forget that they were faced with a stiffer proposition in 1926. Mr. Barrie, in an Answering speech proposed the tost, of cricket and "as accorded an ovation when be began “How much sweeter the applause would be if lie could have received it for lifting Mai ley over the rope.” LONDON, Ap. 20.

“)\'o saw enough to assure us the Australians were not far behind the famous 1921 team.” says the “Evening News” critic, reviewing the first practice, which indicated the batting was far ahead of the howling.” Gregory does not get his arm over like he used to do. Mailey seems faster. Everett is neither so fast nor has so good a length. Gregory hatted as confidently as ever kind hit amazingly hard, as did Richardson, who particularly impressed the teachers. It will he surprising if the rate of scoring does not equal the quick scoring of 1921.” LONDON. April 20. Though the Australians describe the wicket at Lords as beastly, the critics comment they are getting priceless wet wicket experience. The “Daily Express” says though the conditions were extremely unfavourable for serious work, making it difficult for the Australians to get into match form, it is noticeable that they have greatly improved since Monday. Some batted as though the sea voyage was already forgotten, and none are suffering from nerves.