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Sydney Francis Barnes, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, England & Wales 1894-1930. ‘80th Birthday’ 1953. Handwritten one page letter from Barnes to ‘The Editor of the Birmingham Post’ on the occasion of his 80th Birthday. The letter, dated on his 80th birthday, 19th April 1953, handwritten in ink in Barnes’ beautifully distinctive copperplate handwriting, gives his views on the future of cricket. The letter reads ‘Penkridge, Staffs. 19th April 1953. The Editor, The Birmingham Post. Sir, On his eightieth Birthday a cricketer must look forward. What do I think of the game’s future. Go back to the old L.B.W. rule, the ball to pitch on the wicket. The present rule favours the ‘in-swingers’ and cramps a batsman’s strokes but the ‘going-way’ ball pitched on the wicket gets more men out with fewer balls bowled. Make the batsman play at the pitch of the ball: he may get a few more runs but is more likely to get out. Look at some present day bowling with batsman ‘playing safe’ of the back foot. I must not be too critical, for two wars have hit cricket badly. But with the talent we have the game should regain its former glory. Some complain of lack of practice against fast bowling. I used to get a fellow to throw to me at the nets, after that, sheer pace had no terrors. ‘Good luck to the Game, Warwickshire and to ‘The Post’. Nicely signed ‘yours sincerely’ by Barnes.