1900
With the Boer War dampening English spirits, the debate about the spate of high scores in first-class matches continued, as Lord Harris and AG Steel added their tuppen'orths to the argument. "Under its present conditions," wrote Steel, "[cricket] is in the very direst peril of degenerating from the finest of all summer games into an exhibition of dullness and weariness". Harris's suggestions were radical and varied - including the broadening of the wickets, the narrowing of the bat, and the abolition of boundaries. But his favoured solution revolved around that old chestnut, the lbw law. He advocated that matches at Lord's should be conducted under an experimental alteration to the rules. "We are all very proud of the MCC," wrote Harris. "Utilising its high position ... would add to the confidence which cricketers entertain in it."
Editor - Sydney Pardon
Pages - 506
Price - 1/-
© John Wisden & Co
