The Sun.
London, England, 1844-09-16 00:00:00

CRICKET.

THE GREAT MATCH FOR THE BENEFIT OF
THE PLAYERS OF ENGLAND, AT TUN-
BRIDGE WELLS.

This grand match was resumed on Friday morning
and again on Saturday. There was much fine play exhi-
bited throughout the contest, whilst the vast concourse
of spectators who had assembled from all parts of the
kingdom rendered the scene one of the most brilliant
that we have witnessed during the season.
Considerable disappointment, however, was manifested
by many parties so soon as it was made known that the
two lists of players were likely to be altered. This feel-
ing was very naturally the result of finding that the
betting had been made upon the faith of a strict adhe-
rence to the published lists. This is not, we lament to
say, the first by many occasions during the present sea-
son that we have heard loud complaints with respect to
the alteration in the list of names. We do not, however,
very well see how the difficulty can be obviated, although
it would be highly advantageous, and at the same time
satisfactory, if the lists were not put forth until it was
positively known who would and who could not play.
There is now very extensive betting on the game, and
the bets are usually booked as soon as the "lists " are
put forth. It not unfrequently happens, therefore, that
the substitution of one man for another will make just the
difference in the odds. Besides, in addition to this incon-
venience, there are a large number of persons who go a
long distance for the express purpose of seeing the pecu-
liar style of batting or bowling of a particular indivi-
dual, and it has frequently happened that that very
player has not been present. With respect to the at-
tendance of the "players" who are announced to parti-
cipate in any given match, we hold that, except in cases
of sudden illness, there ought not to be any difficulty in
ensuring their presence. It is their business, and they
ought to be ready when their names have been sent out
to the world. This is clearly a matter which falls within
the jurisdiction of the Committee and Honorary Secre-
tary of the Marylebone Club. Indeed, no "list' should
be issued until it has been finally determined who of the
" players" are to be in the match ; and that selection
having gone to the public, should, in common fairness,
be adhered to. With regard to the " gentlemen players,"
doubtless it is impossible that upon all occasions the list
can be strictly acted upon, although, if a gentleman pro-
mises to play, he should consider himself bound to carry
out such promise. There may, nevertheless, be some in-
stances where the party's pursuit or avocation in life is
of such a character as, at a short notice, to demand his
personal attention. In such case his absence is to be de-
plored, and the best available substitute should be
obtained. Not so with a " player ;" for whilst
the gentleman has a profession to attend to, but
joins in cricket either as a matter of health or of
pleasure only, so with the " player"—the game for
the season, at all events, is his profession, and the
first object of his care. It is, we are quite aware, not
the fault of the " players" themselves, but it rests with
their superiors, who, as already urged, should in all
matches play the players whose names are in the " list."
It has often been our fate to hear the " changes" loudly
complained of. It is much, consequently, to be hoped
that in future years the practice may not occur. In the
present match the absence of Mr. Kynaston and of
Lillywhite was greatly lamented, and gave a turn to the
odds. The married took the bat first, and made the
following score :