2nd.—Upon its being properly timed.
3d.—Upon the amount of energy transmitted by the batsman to the ball.
Last but most important, the correct handling of the bat while in contact with the ball.
Hits divide themselves into the natural, which comprise all hits to the “leg,” or “on” side of the wicket, and the acquired which include all hits to the “off” side. There are three distinct “leg” hits resulting from striking short pitched, well pitched, and full pitched, balls together with numerous sub-varieties following strikes of leg balls which vary from standard lengths.
1st.—The stroke from a “short” or “half volley” leg ball should be to square leg or a little forward of that point, with the bat held at such an angle that the ball will strike the ground twenty or thirty feet from the crease. It is with regret that we observe that this beautiful hit is often elevated into the hands of the nimble fielder.
2nd.—The hit resulting from the well pitched leg ball, which the perfect batsman strikes as it rises, to that part of the field just back of short leg. The appearance of the batsman while making this satisfying hit is illustrated in figure 7.
3d.—The full pitched leg ball can be properly dealt with in at least three ways by the perfect batsman. First, he can drive it to long field if not far to leg. Second, he can wait its arrival to a point between the umpire and himself, strike it on the fly to the rear of that long robed individual, bounding to the ropes. Third, while playing the waiting game an instant longer he may turn his person two-thirds around on his left foot, and strike the ball from the rear to sharp leg.
All natural hits require determination and energy on the part of the batter if good results are expected. Modern cricket does not prepare itself for natural hits. On the contrary the beginner as well as the expert will have few balls delivered to him opportune for these hits.The modern bowler is instructed to force the “off” or unnatural upon the batsman. But during long matches even the best bowlers send up flukes, notwithstanding the elaborate instructions in Chapter 3. Batsmen must therefore understand what is expected of them, and we do not hesitate to say, that the batter who can deal with good bowling can usually make the “loose” show upon the score. Many balls are delivered upon the leg side, from which only the best batsmen can score.
Illustration No. 8, shows Mr. Bromhead preparing to drive a nearly straight ball to the mid-wicket on.
The on drives will always excite the admiration of cricketers. The shoulders, arms and wrists though most prominent promoters of these beautiful hits are assisted by every muscle of the body. They exemplify human energy and force. The upright bat plays the prominent place in this hit, and we must insist that the learner ignores the “cross bat” if he hopes for success.