man; and Shearman, from Mitcham[1]. Sueter was the first player that I remember to have broken through the old rule of standing firm at the poppingcrease for a length-ball. If these are the only batsmen that I remember to have succeeded upon this occasion (and I remember all the best players for fifty years back), how can the young performer expect mucn chance of success?
I have indeed seen others (and the finest players too) go in, and hit the ball away; but I have also seen them out by doing so; the movement therefore, at the best, is a hazardous one.
Let me conclude this department of my instructions, by recapitulating the following brief mementos. The body and bat upright—the hands near to each other—the left elbow well turned up—and the legs not too much extended. The young batsman will find these to be golden rules for his guidance.
THE WICKET-KEEPER
holds the most important station of all the fieldsmen, and for the following reasons. He always presides at that wicket from which the ball is struck. This very circumstance will enable him to command a full view of the whole field with greater facility than any other player. His position being just behind the batsman, is another reason why his situation is the best to move the fieldsmen. He therefore is the General, and is deputed to direct all the movements of the fieldsmen: not, however, by word of command, like the military commander, but by the simple motion of his hand; and the reason for this will be obvious to every one; for instead of calling out to
- ↑ Shearman, when he has not found himself in the right position to hit such a ball, has played it softly between the middle wicket and point, and got a run.
