“SLOWEST OF FUNERALS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 614, 16 March 1929, Page 1

“SLOWEST OF FUNERALS”

CLEM HILL’S COMMENT WANTS LESS PERFECT WICKETS (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 12.46 p.m. LONDON, Friday. Mr. Clem Hill describes the test as the slowest of funeral processions. Over-long matches are spoiling the game; but the solution has been fully demonstrated, namely, to reduce the perfection of the wickets.

On a pitch allowing the bowlers to spin ever so slightly, the game would be restored to its first principles. It will be unnecessary to limit the time if the wickets are less elaborate. The methods of the game have changed vastly since the first test. The present game is not anything the veterans know. The first five days were a travesty, but the last two slightly improved, with a wicket more in the bowlers’ favour. The batsmen at last were forced to attempt some strokes. Tho Australians to-day were slower than ever in their attempt to wear down the tired men. The wicket was again rock-solid, giving no assistance to the bowlers.”

Hill says Tate’s virility is wonderful. his nip and power Ine English bowlers are feeling tlic eitects of the tour.

F. E. Woolley says he will be surprised if the game does not cause a revision of the Australian test arrangements. The best example we ever have had of the present effects is Australia’s wearisome innings of 167 ?° r .. He , Sives great praise to the Hormbraok-OJdfield partner-

Mr ; “Plum” Warner in the “Morning finish SUyS he anticl Pates a desperate

“Even now an English victory will 2S no . sur P r *se to nl< ‘. I dreamed on I hursday that the match resulted ir a tie. Never has interest in the tesh been greater than on the present tour this being maintained to the last ball "This may be the last of the timelimitless tests in Australia. Ii anj

case, the present match will go down to posterity for a record duration game and for the closeness and intensity oi the struggle. Should Australia win every English cricketer will congratulate her with genuine sincerity.”