THE CROWD’S WAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 March 1921, Page 7

THE CROWD’S WAY.

SCENES AT THE TEST MATCH. BARRACKING INCIDENTS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, March 1. The Telegraph says that Sydney cricket ground habitues will never forget! the scenes on Monday, when all sections of the crowd gave Wilson a salutary lesson. It leaves a nasty taste in the mouth that, but for the wondrous demonstration in favor of Hobbs, would be wellnigh unbearable. No one imagined the demonstration possible from members of the stand, but they literally rose with groans and hoots, and angrily taunted Wilson, who, on returning to the dress-ing-room, menacingly confronted a critic, necessitating the intervention of Make-: peace and Noble to prevent fisticuffs. Hobbs had a wonderful reception, rarely equalled. Fender was at first jeered at, but subsequently cheered for his bright cricket.

The Telegraph, in a leaderette, states that Hobbs’ welcome was the best reply to the absurd allegations that he had been jeered at by the crowd. Unfortunately the demonstration, which was honorable ,to the crowd, was preceded by demonstrations of another kind, Wilson and Fender being almost howled off the ground. In the circumstances this was not unnatural; they had brought the trouble on themselves.

The Herald says that the unprecedented reception accorded Hobbs must have been thrilling even to Hobbs. Although inured to enthusiastic applause, this demonstration seemed to incite him to brilliancy. His display was. all brilliance, but his impetuosity led to the loss of his wicket. Douglas set an example as captain, playing a plucky innings carefully and deliberately. It was interesting to note the reversal of the previous order. Mailey was taken off when Douglas arrived; previously Armstrong invariably sent Mailey to the crease with the advent of Douglas. Mailey deserved the five wickets he secured. On the figures he seemed somewhat expensive, but his value cannot be measured in figures. He has been an unsettling element throughout. He has established a record and taken most test wickets (36) in any one season. With Carter as wicket-keep-er the pair should account for innumerable wickets in England. The Herald, in a sub-leader, says that Monday’s exhibition of barracking should convince all that no man can represent a side and also report the game for the newspapers. An actual player, because he is a partisan, must be an inferior reporter of the game he plays. Quite unconsciously he is himself a barracker. It is a noteworthy fact that during this tour those most sensitive to the barracking are one or two who act as cable correspondents. Legitimate barracking adds life to the game. Neither Englishmen nor Australians can look back on the fifth test with much pleasure, but we trust any bitterness will be buried at the conclusion of the match. ’Wilson in a -statement, says he was astonished at the conduct of the barrackers on Monday, more particularly those in the members’ stand. “It is no use saying anything for publication with the press against me. I did not come twelve thousand miles to say anything untrue. The cable referred only to a section of the crowd, those on the hill.” Wilson said he did not care what people capable of such treatment as yesterday’s thought about him. Their attitude wa's the best answer to the cable. The weather was muggy and heavy There was ‘a shower overnight, and more rain is expected. THE MANAGER’S THANKS. Sydney, March 1. The manager of the English team, in a letter to the secretary of the Board of Cricket Control thanking the cricket and civic authorities for the kind and generous treatment accorded them everywhere, adds, “I cannot leave Australia after five happy months without congratulating you on the possession of the powerful side which has so handsomely recovered the ashes.”