CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1921, Page 3

CRICKET.

AFTERMATH OF THE TESTS. * THU AUSTRALIANS CRITICISED, ATTACK ON ARMSTRONG. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received August 18, 5.5 p.m. London, August 17. Tho Times, in a. leader, says: "Now that tie tests are over we may be permitted to say that throughout the season there has been a feeling In the minds of the cricket loving public that Armstrong once or twice was a little exigent and cavalier In his attitude towards county cricket. On tho other hand there were occasions when the spectators were unduly harsh and Pot-headed In their judgment regarding perfectly legitimate action on his part." The Times puts most of the trouble down to the overcrowded programme of matches. The Australians proved the undoubted superiors by flne bowling, slow as well as fast, and admirable fielding. The accurate placing of the field taught the English many lessons which may enable us to turn the tables in the future. Referring to England's second innings in tie last test, the paper says that after Brown and Russen played some serious bowling the proceedings becaane quite farcical. Armstrong, from a position on the boundary, declined to move to either end, and whether he continued to direct the tactics telepathically or whether the bowlers put themseJses on by lot it is impossible to say. If the finish did not increase Armstrong’s popularity on English grounds he has himself to blame. The Dally Mall says that had Armstrong used his attack seriously, it Is possible Brown and Russell would have scored heavily, as they were confident against the crack bowlers. The paper adds that the outlook of English cricket is promising and is steadily and progressively improving. 'Die loss of the rubber, so far from inducing a rot, had stimulating effects on England's play in the last two tests, which Was much more free and light-hearted, and therefore much more formidable. Armstrong, In an interview, replying to critics, says: "We came here to play the game and-1 am quite satisfied we have done so.” Now that the test Is finished the Australian Press is in a position to divulge the fact that the team has not been a happy family. Apart froci the disputes over Lours and the day off before the tests, much has been wanting to complete harmonious relations. It is openly stated that Ryder and Mayne are so disgusted at their treatment, especially regarding the tests, that they are unlikely to play further for Victoria under the 1920 conditions. They have decided on a certain course of action Immediately they arrive in Melbourne. It Is pointed out they are included tn the minority of four members of the team who insisted on Australia playing the third day in the Yorkshire match In July, a fact which prevented the cancellation of the match under circumstances which would have made ugly cricket history, enhancing the campaign of hostility against the Australians. Captains of former English teams with whom the Australian Press Association has been in close touch for months past, have more than once expressed astonishment that neither Ryder nor Mayne have'been called upon to play in a single test. They have actually gone so far as to assert that they Lave not been given a fair chance of striking their Australian form, whereas one or two consistent failures have been persisted with. One of these English captains told the Australian Press Association representative at the Oval that Mayne's Innings against Kent was one of the best of the toiir, and certainly justified his inclusion in tho final test. Ho pointed out that in the second Surrey match Mayne gave easily tho best display on his side, when things were going badly with the visitors.

Another disappointing feature w.is the frequency with which McDonald was put to bowl against the wind, as at Manchester on July 7. Newspaper comments on tho last test reflect the general anlmous towards Australian match tactics.

Mr. Warner, writing in the Morning Post, criticises Armstrong's attitude in England's second innings. Ho says Armstrong scorned thoroughly bored with the whole proceedings. It is true ho made a flne running catch, but his entire lack of interest was a bad example to the many young spectators, and altogether inconsistent with the atmosphere and great traditions of cricket, especially of test cricket. England versus Australia is the greatest cricket match in the world, and should be played In a great spirit. England’s second innings was a farce and rather a sad ending to Armstrong’s splendid success as captain. ENGLISH COUNTY MATCHES. London, August 10. Playing against Gloucester. Lancashire declared with eight wickets down for 250 (Makepeace 113). Gloucester were all out for 70. Against Kent, Sussex declared with nine wickets down, for 300 (Young 100). Kent wero all out for 123. Received August IS, R.lO p.tn. London. August 17. Playing against Hampshire, Glamorgan made 37. Kenney took eight wickets for 11 runs.