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Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1926, Page 2

Although three test fixtures have gone by there is still no conclusive decision as to the supremacy either of Australia or England in the cricket field. Of the three matches the first had to be abandoned owing to the weather and time operating adversely. In the second game the honors, such ns they were, went to England. In the third contest the .honors were with the Australians uifdonbtedly. There lias been much controversy over the play, and also the tactics, but there is as yet- no real decision as to prowess. There remain two tests fixtures, hut there is not any guarantee that either will give a. conclusive result. The disposition of certain players to make centuries when the occasion seems to demand it .defies the possibility of finishing games within the time limit. The public at Home, who are paying

for all the alarms anil excursions centred round a great test match, must be rather tired of the process of joining the queue at the gates, paying up admission money, and then witnessing a match which is not conclusive as to actual result. The Australians themselves are anxious that test matches should be played to finality, and the public at Home will be growing of that opinion also. The cricket authorities in England, however, profess to be more concerned about the rounds of County cricket, as being the mainspring of the . pastime, and are not disposed to sacrifice dates for test matches which would affect County fixtures. It would appear this objection could he overcome by reducing the test games from five to three, and spreading the time limit Tor .the five so as to cover the three matches. This arrangemnt would of course reduce the opportunity for gate money, and probably that phase of the question plays rather a larger part- in the situation than appears on the surface. But cricket is cricket, and being the outstanding national game it is in the Old Land, it should be above considerations for self, and the game should be everything. The experience at Home this year in regard to the succession of abortive test matches will have its effect no doubt. Public opinion is sure to be stirred and that will prove the only lever to move the authorities in the direction of some reasonable change to afford the conclusion desired—a test to a finish of the rival teams in the noble game of cricket.