6th.—The objects of attack are the wickets of the enemy. Straight balls only can take wickets. The bowler of such balls is likely to be in demand. He is sure to force a defensive opposition, of which a good captain can take advantage.
No. 5—THE HALF BACK BLOCK.
If you play for your side and not for yourself, at the end of the match your average will be better, than if you have constantly had upon your mind the disturbing element of selfishness.
7th.—Bowling for hits has become a usual method, when persistent blockers guard the stumps, a dozen runs is a small addition to the latter’s score in exchange for a wicket.
8th.—“Study the furthest point to which your man can play forward safely, and pitch just outside that point with every variety of pace and spin.”
9th.—All other points being equal the bowler who rotates the ball most rapidly upon its own axis will capture the greatest number of wickets.
10th.—Learn to bowl from either side of the wicket, or to change the delivery or speed without the appearance of so doing.
11th.—If a bowler is left-handed he should study bowling with extra care. He may, if he gives his mind to it, become great in that department. The reason being found in the simple fact that it is unusual and disconcerting to the batsman; nine men of every ten being right-handed.
12th.—A high delivery has its advantages as well as its objections. It must not be overlooked that what is gained by elevation is lost by the difference of angle. The angle which the course of the ball describes is greater when the arm is at right angles with the body than when elevated. The delivery from an elevated hand is made with a view to catches more than to bowled wickets. A delivery which combines elevation and angle has been adopted by the best bowlers. The ball strikes the ground with greater force, causing a more sudden and unexpected rise, while the spin and angle add to its disturbing effect upon the mind of the batsman.