Empire Cricket Booklet

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TWO CRICKETERS AND A WRITER

'very, very useful cricketer indeed' but recalled the Natal executive lobbying the other coastal province to break the stranglehold Transvaal had on South African cricket at the time. 75 The annual report of the Natal Cricket Association contained 'a strong indictment of the policy of the South African Cricket Association' and stated that 'that body merely represents Johannesburg'. Anger was expressed over not being involved in the selection of Llewellyn, especially as Natal was the 'centre which he is supposed to represent'. 76 The Cape Times concurred: 'The Western Province has become so accustomed to the autocratic dictation of cricket policy from Johannesburg that we seem to take even the most outrageous decisions without even the proverbial grumble.' With some irony, the newspaper added: 'Now a lot of piffle has been written regarding the eligibility of Llewellyn to play for South Africa and the Natal Cricket Union has considered the matter so important that it has lodged a formal protest. Under ordinary circumstances, I will admit that it is not desirable but if ever a strong team was needed it was for this Australian tour, and Llewell yn 's services were badly needed to give some variety to the bowling.' It concluded strongly: 'Llewellyn is a South African. Why should the services of such a valuable player not be taken advantage of when he is willing and anxious and qualified under the rules for South Africa only?' 77 On the side's departure, the captain, Percy Sherwell, expressed regret that Sinclair was not a member of the team proceeding to Australia. 78 As a major figure in assembling the tour party, Sinclair was probably needed as much from a management point of view as he was as a player. Sherwell realised the tour was going to be a difficult undertaking for reasons apart from the obvious pressure to do well. Sinclair was not only well placed to contend with questions on the controversial selection of Llewellyn, but was familiar with SACA's decision to pay certain players additional amounts at a time when the country adhered strictly to its amateur principles. The tour was to be dogged by financial grumbling. An Australian reporter acknowledged early on.that he had learnt from a private source 'that the South

that Hampshire should be asked 'to offer to C. B. Llewell yn on behalf of the Association a salary of £250 and travelling and hotel expenses for the tour', and that he should leave England on the steamer, Commonwealth on 15 September 1910. A deal had obviously been struck between members of the all Transvaal executive to reduce the amount offered to Llewellyn. 71 Hampshire cabled back that Llewellyn had accepted the offer at the same time as the Natal Cricket Association protested against his inclusion. The latter 'considered that he could no longer be looked upon as a South African player and the object of the South African Cricket Association should be to encourage the younger players who in the near future will be called upon to uphold the honour of the country'. They considered the invitation, 'if issued, should be withdrawn'. 72 Natal's objection was too late but in any event the selection committee was adamant that they wanted Llewellyn in the team. As the Transvaal committee strove to assemble the strongest possible team, there was some doubt until a week or two into the tour 'as to the exact constitution of the side, and even the number of players making the trip'. 73 Years later, Herby Taylor was still under the impression that Llewellyn had kept him out of the side: 'It was between him and me. He got the selectors' vote'. Yet Llewellyn had been the first player to be selected and, it seems, the first to confirm his availability. Furthermore, whilst it had been 'resolved unanimously that the team should consist of fifteen or sixteen players', it was decided to take fifteen. 74 Then, with Maitland Hathorn able to play just two first-class matches on the tour, it was decided not to send for a replacement. The question of finance would seem to have had the last say, with the Taylors possibly concluding that the additional expense involved in attracting Llewell yn had influenced the composition of the touring party. There was great unhappiness in the selection of the team. Herby Taylor bemoaned the fact that 'apart from Dave Nourse, Micky Commaille and Buck Llewellyn, the entire team was made up of Transvalers'. He admitted that Llewell yn was a