Cricket Crusaders.

Sport has a diplomatic importance these days, and cricket has a peculiar place in the diplomacy of the British Empire. Cricket Tests provide an arena in which old wars and present financial acrimony can be forgotten—an arena in which England, Australia, and South Africa are already prominent. Lately the West Indies, New Zealand, and India have been knocking at the door, and when the English cricket control gave the West Indies three Tests and New Zealand only one, there was, of course, some comment. Fortunately Lowry's team did so well in the one Test—a draw honourable to both page 11 sides—that two more Tests have now been provided. So far the New Zealanders have suffered only one defeat (Middlesex) and handsomely beat M.C.C. They are enterprising batsmen, and nearly everybody who can bat at all has scored at least one century. Political heroes cause mixed feelings, but Britain, Australian, South African, and New Zealander, all rejoice in a Bradman, a Hobbs, and a Dempster.