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Page:Cricket (Steel, Lyttelton).djvu/427

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OUTFIT.
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glove may very probably be the cause of your losing your wicket, as the ball is more likely to hit a glove of this description than a firm well-fastened one.

Gloves are generally fastened at the wrist by a band of elastic sewn on the top and buttoned. You can fasten them by a band of elastic without a button, or have the thumb separated from the body of the glove and sewn on to a piece of elastic, the other end of which is fastened to the back of the glove, and long enough to pass once round the wrist; this contrivance will keep the glove well in its place. Although I have never used a glove of this description, I consider the idea a good one and well worthy of a trial.

And now that the cricketer is fully equipped, so far as dress and safety to limbs are concerned, it is time to refer to those indispensable requisites of the game—bat, ball, and wickets. I have no doubt a number of young enthusiasts will say that they ought to have come first, and that what I have touched upon are small matters in comparison. I know it is the ambition of all youngsters to possess a bat long before they are able to play or to take part in club practice and matches; only give them that, and they think they are fit to do battle with the finest exponents of the game. Whilst ready to admit its primary importance in cricket, I should be sorry indeed if what I have said should appear to them of no importance. Believe me, and I speak earnestly, it is careful attention to the apparently small things that commands success so far as the playing of the game is concerned. I do not believe in elaborate dress, or being over-particular as to the look of your trousers or shirt, but I cannot too strongly impress upon the young player the importance of being able to walk to the wicket with everything about him fitting comfortably; and that can only be brought about by careful consideration of the matters indicated. When you have attended to them, you have done all that you are able to do as far as preparation for the struggle is concerned; you have determined to leave nothing to chance, and now you are at the wicket, and it is simply a matter of skill