First, he can drive it to long field if not far to leg. Second, he can wait its arrival to a point between the umpire and himself, strike it on the fly to the rear of that long robed individual, bounding to the ropes. Third, while playing the waiting game an instant longer he may turn his person two-thirds around on his left foot, and strike the ball from the rear to sharp leg.
All natural hits require determination and energy on the part of the batter if good results are expected. Modern cricket does not prepare itself for natural hits. On the contrary the beginner as well as the expert will have few balls delivered to him opportune for these hits. The modern bowler is instructed to force the "off" or unnatural upon the bateman. But during long matches even the best bowlers send up flukes, notwithstanding the elaborate instructions in Chapter 3. Batsmen must therefore understand what is expected of them, and we do not hesitate to say, that the batter who can deal with good bowling can usually make the "loose" show upon the score. Many balls are delivered upon the leg side, from which only the best batsmen can score.
Illustration No. 8, shows Mr. Bromhead preparing to drive a nearly straight ball to the mid-wicket on.
The on drives will always excite the admiration of cricketers. The shoulders, arms and wrists though most prominent promoters of these beautiful hits are assisted by every muscle of the body. They exemplify human energy and force. The upright bat plays the prominent place in this hit, and we must insist that the learner ignores the "cross bat" if he hopes for success.
The perfect batsman plays every ball with a purpose. Illustration No. 9, shows how to play a well
