Its pedantry, and I assume it is
Likely, from what I know of bookies' lore,
That on the rails he'll be "Poloometis";
For me, I do not care two pins
How they pronounce him, if he only wins.
O. S.
THE SERENE BATSMAN.
It is a common fallacy among cricketing coaches and their pupils that when the young batsman has mastered all the strokes that can be imparted to him at the nets his education is complete. So far from that being the case, it has barely begun. Under the prevailing system, the psychological factor, the most important of all, is entirely neglected. The most trying moment of a cricketer's life is when he first steps forth alone from the pavilion of a public ground. In that moment all that the old pro has taught him of cuts and drives, forward play and back play, will not prevent his knees from weakening as he totters to the wicket, whereas the following hints may enable him to face the occasion with confidence if not contempt.
Remember that for a public performer a good entrance is more than half the battle; the first impression on the spectators is the most lasting.