CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1921, Page 3

CRICKET.

ENGLISH TEAM REACH SOME. AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, London, -April 17. The cricket teams arrived at Toulon on Saturday morning. The Australians proceeded to Monte Carlo, and are expected at Paris on Monday. The Englishmen went overland, arriving in London to-night. Paris, April 17. The Marylebone cricketers arrived this morning in a blinding snowstorm and proceeded direct to . London, except Douglas and tis family, who remained on the Osterley. Toone, the manager, and members of the team are delighted with the Australian tour. All the cricketers are a happy family, and had a pleasant voyage, during which rivalry was extended to deck games in which Gregory’s all-round ability was further evident, be winning the deck tennis. Bardsley and Hearne were opposed at quoits in the final, the former winning. Toone described the tour as a magnificent success, but all were glad to be home after the long absence. Wilson was uncommunicative when asked for an interview, and said: “I am not going to say much.” Questioned regarding the rumors of dissension in the English team, he said, “There was not any." Wilson added that the Australians were a very hospitable and lovable people, especially the country Australians. The Australian Press agent asked Hobbs whether he was in . earnest in saying that he did not intend to visit Australia again. He replied: “Who said that?” and looked surprised. The interviewer said: “You did, In a letter to the London Star.” Hobbs replied, smiling: “Ah, well, I’ll wait until I am asked to go again.” Hendren, who was delighted with the tour, said: “I love Australia and had a grand time, and want to go again.” Questioned regarding • the wickets, he said: “They are wonderful, but too good, and quite as fast on the fifth day as on the opening day. This eliminates the element of uncertainty, usually associated with cricket.” He considered the Adelaide wicket the best in tl:e world, but lie added, “Melbourne is my favorite city.” He and Fender ridiculed the reports of discord amongst the Englishmen; they were all a happy family. The English cricketers arrived at Victoria station and received an enthusiastic reception. Hundreds of people rushed the platform and waited two hours. Hobbs was the hero or the occasion. He endeavored to evade his admirers, but they hemmed him in, and it was only when the police appealed to the crowd that Hobbs was able to escape, the crowd raising three ringing cheers for the Surrey player. Hearne was quite recovered, and said he now felt quite fit, but bemoaned his ill luck in not taking part in more matches, The crown! warmly greeted Fender, who said: “We 'have been jolly well beaten, but I am quite optimistic about the result of the tests in England, as missed catches were largely responsible for the results in Australia. STATEMENTS BY PLAYERS.

Received April 18, 2 p.m. London, April 17. Referring to the umpires’ controversy, Fender said that what he had to say he would put in wri‘ing after conferring with the authorities. H? added: “I certainly said what I believed to case, and the people over there perfectly understood me. It was exaggerated by comments upon my comments, but really there is nothing at all in it.” \ Toone interviewed, said he was naturally' very disappointed at the result of the tests, but the team did not lose because they were not triers. They would try to do better in England. Financially, the tour was a great success, and wizen the figures were published they would afford great surprise.

With regard to Wilson’s cables, he was sure Wilson did not mean them to read th< way they were interpreted.

To another interviewer he said the umpires were conscientious men, but, like all men were liable to make errors. Personally, he thought the one disputed decision was a mistake, but the umpire had no intention tc be unfair.

Wilson declined to discuss the controversy: but naid the highest tribute to Australian cricketers. He did not wish to play against a better or more sporting lot of men. Theii batting was wonderfully sound. Macartney’s was brilliant.

Wilson was greatly Impressed with Gregory, and was of opinion that Gregory would be even a greater success in England. He thought if it had been necessary to bowl Malley longer against well sek, batsmen they might not have been so formidable.

Australia possesses a very large number of young cricketers coming on to take the places of the older men. He thought bad fielding contributed to the defeats. Thfe Australians were a better side than the English, whose bowlers were handicapped by the hard ground In running to the wicket, causing them to slip. Thus Parkin, Howell, and Woolley were obliged tn check their run, and Woolley was unable to employ body action.

Rhodes said the Australians deserved to win, but thd Englishmen were capable of much better things. Makepeace said that barracking was carried overfar, though they barracked their own men as much as the visitors. He paid a great tribute to the Australian fielding, especially in saving runs in the outfield, in which he’ contrasted the Englishmen. The Australian bowling ought to be equally effective on English wickets. Everyone, he said, enjoyed the tour Immensely, especially the newcomers, who were anxious to go again, but the general feeling was that there were too many umpiring mistakes. Waddington mentioned that though Crockett umpired in all the tests, others were frequently changed.

As the team left the station there were loud cheers.