Fielding is too much neglected for the more pleasant occupation of batting. The net is a useful invention, a tremendous time saver, thoroughly in accord with other economic devices of the age, but it has not improved fielding. Fielders should practice their art when the game is not in progress if they expect success while the eyes of spectators are concentrated upon a hard hit ball. The silence which follows faulty fielding is quite as emphatic as the cry of “muff” or “butter-fingers.” The fielder is always on exhibition in the proportion of eleven to one batter, so that his opportunities for the display of either good or bad play are many. If cricketers will bring to their game the excellent qualities displayed upon the diamond, theirs will soon be recognized as the popular game. Greater interest is felt in fine fielding than in brilliant batting by the spectator, though from a cricketers standpoint a finished batsman will always be the favorite. There seems no excuse for poor fielding unless to permit the second-rate bat to score double figures. It is with much regret that we feel the necessity of dwelling upon this subject at length, but these hints would be otherwise incomplete. Before closing we desire to thank Mr. S. V. Merrick, Secretary of the Germantown Cricket Club, for his kind assistance while these photographs were being taken at Manheim.The atitudes of Mr. George Bromhead, their professional cricketer, which illustrates this essay, were made instanteneously, and wherever possible while bat and ball were in motion. It may therefore be assumed that for the purpose of either “beginner” or “expert” these positions are as close to life as it is possible to secure them.
No. 12—MAKING THE FORWARD CUT.
“Play as ‘tall’ as you can.”—Wisden.
Good bowling surprises the batter by twists, by balls of different lengths, and balls of varied speed.
CHAPTER VII.
DEFINITIONS.
Bowler’s Crease.—A lime line, one inch to one and one-half inches wide, six feet eight inches long, the centre stump being taken as the centre of the measurement, parallel with the popping crease.
Call.—It is the duty of the colleague batsman to watch the opportunity for scoring for two reasons. First his attention is not otherwise occupied. Second, a slight loss of time occurs if the batsman after striking a ball turns his head to look whether an opportunity for a run has arrived. Captains too often do not give rigid instructions upon this most important duty (supposing that cricketers know their business), and also from a desire not to offend a batter. The unnecessary “run out” being the result. The two men in together should have an understanding, and when the “call” is given there should be such perfect confidence in the “caller” that the run is attempted without misgiving or hesitation.
Crease.—The portion of the field set apart and prepared by rolling, upon which to erect the wickets.
