will be fully prepared by playing in the method I have described. You will see, by what I have said, that it is well to have an hour of 'all sorts' now and then. Besides, it will teach you to be on your legs, and show you that there are many balls you have been in the habit of merely playing at and laying down, which you might hit away with confidence. For instance, balls over tossed, you will be able to drive forward hard by using your feet, while if you stand screwed to the ground you can only lay them down, and by that means you make a Bowler seem to deliver many more good balls than he really does. There is, in short, only one true method of play. That is, not to make up your mind till the ball is delivered, then if it be a little too far, play forward; if a little too short, play back. If it be put on the right place, be decided, and play either one way or the other, no half-way.
In running your runs you should always be prepared to take the advantage; which you will be able to do by leaving your ground as soon as the ball is out of the Bowler's hand. That will give you the advantage, not only by being well on your legs, but by having a less distance to run. But bear in mind not to leave your ground till the ball has quitted the Bowler's hand, or he will be justified in trying to put you out. Nothing looks worse than a man standing like a fixture, perhaps leaning on his bat. Then having to make a start, and calling that a hard run, which, if he had been prepared, he might have walked. Run your first run well, in case of any mishap in the field, and be sure always to let your partner know what you are going to do, by shouting at the top of your voice, so that he can't mistake your meaning. How bad it looks to see two men getting into the middle between wickets and staring at each other, not knowing which way to go for want of decision and speaking out. If a man stands fast to his ground and seems to have no care about the runs, he deadens the play; the Fielders care nothing about him; what puts Fielders about more than
