TRIANGULAR CRICKET MATCHES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9106, 4 June 1908, Page 5

TRIANGULAR CRICKET MATCHES.

MR J. DARLING'S VIEW. THE PROPOSAL IMPRACTICABLE. A SLUR ON AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS. Received June 3, 9.50 a.m. ADELAIDE, June 3. Mr Barling (&: 1 ex-Australian captain), referring to the cabled dr.*.merits regarding Austr'aliVg decision in regard to the triangular? crick:t contest proposal, said he was cctLiin that the money was absolutely a secondary consideration, and that iho players had no hand in it. What weighed most with him was the conviction that such contests would not be in the best interest of the gam?. He believed the other members of | the board came to a conclusion on the same ground. The resolution nofcto, take part in the contests- was unanimous. A triangular series of games "To play them properly," said Darling, "you must play home and home matches in England, Australia, and South Africa. No doubt it is possible to do that in England, but just imagine two teams touring South Africa or Australia at the same time. It would mean financial disaster. More than that, it would mean that test matches in South Africa would be ployed on matting wickets, whi<h would be unfair to the visiting teams. It would be no advantage to Australia to train young players, and then have them playing their tests on matting. It would not b? a fair contest. It will be time enough to tak about home and home matches between the three countries when South Africa gets turf wickets." "From a cricket point of view," continued Mr Darling,- "South Africa has everything to gain and nothing to lose, the position is exactly the reverse for Australia. Two teams in either Australia or South Africa at one time is out of the question. The only other place is England. It would, however, be unfair that triangular contests should take place in England, because the home team would have an advantage in playing on their own ground. Considered from any point of view, the proposition is unworkable. The impracticability of making the necessary arrangements satisfactorily weighed with me. I look upon the suggestion conveyed in the cablegram as a slur ou Australian players."

In a draft scheme issued by the M.C.C. it was suggested that England, Australia and South Afric° should each play the other twice in 1909. The full text of the scheme submitted by Capt. Wynyard, on behalf of Mr Abe Bailey, the South African magnate, who suggested triangular contests, was: — 1. England, Australia, and South Africa will play three test matches each, it being proposed to give two cr five points for a win, one or two tor a draw or a win on the first innings. There will be no reduction for a loss. 2. The profits for test matches will be one-third uf the gross gate each. 3. Each visiting will play at least one match with all firstclass county teams besides with Marylebone'c.C. 4. Counties will fix dates for visiting teams prior to t'eciding their inter-county programmes. 5. Triangular matches will be as follows:—South Africa v. Australia, at the Oval, on 31st May; at Leeds on Ist July; and at Nottingham on 2nd August. South Africa v. England at Lords on 10th June; at Birmingham on 22nd July; and in Kent or at Bristol on 12th August. England v. Australia at Manchester on 21st June; at Lords on 12th July; and at the Oval on 23rd August. 6. The rights of all members of clubs, where test matches will be played, will be entirely restricted. Free admission to the grounds and pavilions and all other personal privileges will be suspended. There will be no complimentary tickets except, to the press. Each contesting team in the tournament will ba empowered to purchase 300 transferable tickets for complimentary purposes, or to be soli No stand ticket 3 will include entrance to the ground. 7. Test matches will be confined to three days. 8. For test matches there will be a shilling gate, but the gate at county matches will be a matter for arbitration between South Africa, Australia and the local authorties. With slight amendment this scheme was adopted. After a careful and exhaustive'eonsideration of the matter, Captain Wynyard advocated that South Africa should adopt a very firm attitude with regard to financial matters connected with the tour, and must obtain a full and fair share of the takings. The concessions made now simply meant trouble in the future, because Australia, in accepting the triangular contest, would claim a South African tour in Australia, which would necessitate rnonej, consequently South Africa would have to form a reserve fund with the profits of 1909.