HOW TO STOP A LENGTH-BALL STRAIGHT TO THE WICKET
Place the bat down, upright, on the mark made to cover the middle stump, and the feet in their proper situation. Immediately before the ball is delivered, raise the bat steadily till you see where the ball will pitch. Then move the left foot forward, about three feet, keeping the right foot behind the poppingcrease. Now move the bat as far forward as you can reach, so as to present its full face to meet the ball; keeping the bat upright, or rather slanting the handle towards the bowler to an angle of about 22 degrees. In order to maintain an upright position of the bat, the left elbow must be turned up. Let me urge the young batsman not to neglect this direction of turning up the left elbow, for he cannot play his bat upright without doing so. It is likewise the best and safest way for hitting, as well as stopping; for, if a stroke be made with the left elbow in the position stated, and the bat at the same time well upright, the ball cannot rise. I need not point out the advantage of this.
The reaching in to stop a length-ball will prevent it from rising or twisting. It will also save the hands, and, better than all, prevent the batter from being caught out. In reaching in too, be especially careful that the right foot remain firmly in its place behind the popping-crease; for, in the eagerness of playing at these balls, the foot will unconsciously draw in. Be careful therefore as to this point, for should you miss the ball, a clever wicket-keeper will surely stump you out.
I would strongly recommend the young batsman to turn his whole attention to stopping; for, by acting this part well, he becomes a serious antagonist
