CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1926, Page 3

CRICKET.

[Reuter Telegrams.]

THE TEST ABANDONED

this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, June 15

ft is raining and, the test was abandoned. There were hopes when the rain ceased yesterday evening that there might possibly be a lew hours of play to-day, but these were dashed when the rain re-started in the early hours and continued throughout the morning showing no signs of clearing. As an indication of the luck dogging tho Australians it may ho stated that of 211 hours allocated to cricket hitherto, play occurred only during 18-1 hours.

The ground presented a desolate appearance at the hour appointed for the resumption, there being exactly twenty-four spectators apart from the officials. The ground was not even fit for football, let alone cricket. The match was abandoned at 11.25. This ranks with the test at Lords in 1902 and the famous test at Manchester in 1890, when not a ball was bowled. LONDON. June 14.

Speaking at a reception at the TransEmpire Theatre. Nottingham, Carr, the English captain, said he regretted the disappointment over the test. A voice interjected: “Toss over it.” Collins, the Australian captain, jocularly challenged Carr to a swimming match if there were no play to-morrow. Trentbridge is the dreariest place in England to-day. Rain lias fallen in-, eessnntly. All interest in the first test match lias gone definitely. The weather, therefore, has provided the strongest argument for the revision of the tent programme.

The newspapers deplore the unfortunate circumstances, thereby focussing attention most strongly on the necessity of affording some guarantee ilinfc future tests shall ho conculsivc.

THREE DAYS’ CONTROVERSY. (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, .Tune 15. The controversy over tho three days’ tests is developing rapidly. The abandonment of the first test has given a great impetus to the demand for an extension which is marked by the outspoken comment by those previously silent, i Mr Smith touched the controversial issue when be made a statement ir which he said: “Can there be any wonder that the people of Australia are exasperated and are saying unless matches are played to a finish the! future tours will not be worth while.’’ Several tilings, he said, irritated the

Australians, such as the policy ol keeping English bowlers secretly for the tests. The policy of having mystery men, or a policy of diplomatic colds. This is understood to have reference particularly to Root, who did not play in the England trial match because he was reported to have a cold. Smith adds that the Australians did not play real South and North of England teams. Ffie. star bowlers were missing. Why should not England keep to the sensible course and play the best men in ab games end plav the tests to a finish. Carr ranges himself definitely behind the Australian point of view. He says:

“ T think it I’arcinl that the Australians should come such a great distance to play tests restricted to three days. What are the tests for, except to test the cricket of the two countries. The Australians have a perfect right to object and under sinilar circumstances I. would object pretty strongly. I do not favour a long, drawn out business, but an extra day is invaluable in order to get results.” Continuing, lie said the abandonment of the test was one of the biggest disappointments of his life, because be was confident , England could have beaten Australia.

Collins remarked that lie' hardly

liked to say anything at present, lull added: “I shall have a great deal tr say in this connection later.” LONDON, June 15. Major Trevor writing in the ‘‘Daily Telegraph” says hei is convinced huge majority of English cricketers approve of four day tests, hut any attempts to introduce unlimited time matches will be strenuously resisted, as a direct challenge to the principh of the game. Spectators ill ready arc complaining, not without reasons ol the slow dull hatting to which Vus. tralinns as well as the English, sic addicted. Let us not make any sac. rifico of convenience but he firm if declining to sacrifice principles. LONDON, June 15. The Yorkshire team to meet Liu Australians at Sheffield areDuptoii. Rhodes, Kilner, Holmes, Ley-land, Sutcliffe, Robinson, Oldroyd. Macnuley Wnddington, Dolphin. AUSTRALIAN FIXTURES. .Tune 16—Yorkshire, at Sheffield. June 19—Lancashire, at Manchestei June 23—Derby, at Derby. .Tunc 26—Second Test, at Lord’s. June 30—Northampton, at North ampton.