latter case, the greater part of the field are all considerably extended.[1]
In short, the wicket-keeper may be considered with reference to the field, as the fugleman to a regiment. The duties of these others will be fully detailed when the directions are given to the fieldsmen.
The position of the wicket-keeper in his standing, should be that of a man preparing to spar, so that he may in an instant move any way he pleases.
His legs should be a little extended from each other—the left forward. He should feel himself easy in his position, and ready to move in any direction. The position of the legs are of the utmost importance in this situation. The upper part of the arms, to the elbow, should hang down easily by the body. From the elbow they should incline upwards towards the chest—both hands being open—the left rather higher than the right.
The young player will do well to consider this direction as to his position, for I have known many good catches missed from an ignorance of, or inattention to, this highly important matter. The reason of it is scarcely worth detailing; for it must be obvious even to one ignorant of the game, that the man who stands with his feet close together, and hands down by his side (like a soldier at drill), will be totally unprepared for quick action.
The wicket-keeper should also stand at a little distance behind the wicket, yet not so far back but
- ↑ Upon occasions of very fast bowling, however, the fieldsman straight off, that covers the bowler in middle wicket, is moved round to cover the middle wicket and point; and the one that covered the middle wicket and point is moved farther round to cover the slip; and he who covered the slip is placed to cover the long-stop and the long-slip. The man straight on is often brought in to save the one run, and the long field to the hip will be brought up behind the batsman, to save the run that may be hit between the leg and the wicket.
