Page:The Cricket Field (1854).djvu/253

qualities against fast bowling, for that is the difficulty. Like Wenman, he does not stand too near, so he is well placed for catches. Moreover, they both have weight and power—a decided advantage: a feather weight may be shaken. Winterton, of Cambridge, carries great weight with him at the wicket. This gives a decided advantage over a player of the weight of Mr. Ridding: albeit, in the Players' Match in 1849, Mr. Ridding stumped Hillyer off Mr. Fellowes's bowling, and that with an Off-ball nearly wide! Hammond was the great wicket-keeper of former days: but then, the bowling was often about Clarke's pace. Browne, of Brighton, and Osbaldeston put wicket-keepers to flight; but the race re-appeared in—the finest ever seen for moderate pace—Mr. Jenner, famed not only for the neatest stumping, but for the marvellous quantity of ground he could cover, serving, as a near Point, Leg, and Slip, as well as Wicket-keeper. Box's powers, though he has always been a first-rate man, are rather limited to pace.—"Have me to bowl," Lillywhite used to say, "Box to keep wicket, and Pilch to hit, and then you'll see Cricket;" for Box is best with Lillywhite.—As to making mistakes as wicket-keeper, what mortal combination of flesh and blood can help it. One of the most experienced Long-stops, after many years at Lord's and in the country, says, to take