LARWOOD’S BOOK

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1933, Page 2

LARWOOD’S BOOK

“BODY-LINE” BOWLING. THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR/' - AUCKLAND, May 27. The New Zealand Herald has secured the rights of Harold Larwood’s cricket book, “Body-line,” and the .first install meats of this eagerly awaited contribution to the world-wide cricket controversy will appear toward the end of next month. This is Larwood’s own story written on his return to England after the much-discussed Australian tour. Following is a summary sent from London by cablegram of the beginning of the book.

Larwood says: “Fast leg theory was born at the Oval in the fifth test match of the 1930 series. A spot of rain had fallen and the ball was popping. My great friend, the late Archie Jackson, was getting ‘pinked’ once or twice, but lie never flinched.

“With Bradman it was difficult, because of which I determined then and there I would never forget the difference if I went to Australia. “I am aware that it is claimed that Gregory and McDonald bowled leg theory in 1921, but neither bowled the true fast leg theory. “I was soon convinced that fast leg theory must have accuracy, with pace as its very first essential. Accuracy or nothing became my watchword. “Accuracy permitted me to bowl with pace without injury to the batsman. 1 never had any intention of hitting the batsman. If I had I could make it very much more uncomfortable for most of them. There are batsmen that I could hit about twice in an over if I wished. “The term ‘body-line’ was coined maliciously by a cute Australian journalist for the express purpose of misleading and obscuring the issue. It was meant to damn me and damn me it did.

“The only player hit on the head was Oldfield, who said it was not my fault, and Woodfull, who wa§ almost immobile at the wicket. “My pace on fast, hard wickets, if T aimed at the batsman, would ■ be ’•(?allv dangerous. But my leg theory is not ‘body-line’ bowling, and is «o mere physicially dangerous than any very fast howling. “Actually it is much loss dangerous, because the log-side field warns batsmen what to expect. Mv conscience is absolutely clear that I never howled at any batsman. “I am like a father defending his offsuvinu. though I am not really the fond parent whose child can do no wrong.

“In this matter I listen, on the field only to the orders cf my captain. If his hands are manacled I shall realise that the knell of my career in firstclass cricket has been rung. I would retire immediately my contract expires.”