THE YOUNG
CRICKETER'S TUTOR;
COMPRISING
FULL DIRECTIONS FOR PLAYING THE ELEGANT AND MANLY GAME OF
CRICKET;
WITH A COMPLETE VERSION OF ITS LAWS AND REGULATIONS:
By JOHN NYREN,
A Player in the celebrated Old Hambledon Club, and in the Mary-le-Bone Club.
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
"The Cricketers of My Time,"
OR,
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MOST FAMOUS OLD PLAYERS:
BY THE SAME AUTHOR.
THE WHOLE COLLECTED AND EDITED
By CHARLES COWDEN CLARKE.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY
EFFINGHAM WILSON, ROYAL EXCHANGE.
1833.
DEDICATION
TO WILLIAM WARD, Esq.
&c. &c. &c.
Dear Sir,
You have kindly consented to my wish of dedicating my little book to you, and I am much pleased that you have done so: first, because you are a countryman of my own having lived in Hampshire; and secondly, and chiefly, because, as a Cricketer, I consider you the most worthy man of the present day to reflect credit upon my choice as a patron.
It would ill become me, Sir, in this place to allude to other weighty reasons for congratulating myself upon this point—an insignificant book of instruction—as to the best mode of excelling in an elegant relaxation, not being the most fitting medium for digressing upon unquestionedly high public worth and integrity, or private condescension and amenity: at the same time, I cannot but feel how happily such a combination of qualities in a patron must redound to my own advantage.
I have not seen much of your playing—certainly not so much as I could have wished; but so far as my observation and judgement extend, I may confidently pronounce you to be one of the safest players I remember to have seen. The circumstance of your rising so much above the ordinary standard in stature (your height, if I recollect, being six feet one inch), your extraordinary length of limb, your power and activity; to all which, I may add, your perfect judgement of all points in the game; have given you the superior advantages in play, and entitle you to the character I have given. As a proof of its correctness, the simple fact will suffice of your having gained the 'longest hands' of any player upon record. This circumstance occurred upon the 24th and 25th of July, 1820, at Mary-le-bone, when the great number of 278 runs appeared against your name, 108 more than any player ever gained: and this, be it remembered, happened after the increase of the stumps in 1817.
May you long live, Sir, to foster and take your part in our favourite amusement; and may you never relax your endeavours to restore the game to the good old principles from which, I regret to say, it has in some instances departed since the time I used to be an active member of the fraternity. You are aware that I principally allude to the practice that the modern bowlers have introduced of throwing the ball, although in direct infringement of a law prohibiting that action.
- I beg to subscribe myself,
- Dear Sir,
- Your faithful Countryman,
- And obedient humble Servant,
- JOHN NYREN.
- And obedient humble Servant,
- I beg to subscribe myself,
Bronley, Middelsex,,
- March, 1833.
INTRODUCTION
Of all the English athletic games, none, perhaps, presents so fine a scope for bringing into full and constant play the qualities both of the mind and body as that of Cricket. A man who is essentially stupid will not make a fine cricketer; neither will he who is not essentially active. He must be active in all his faculties—he must be active in mind to prepare for every advantage, and active in eye and limb, to avail himself of those advantages. He must be cool-tempered, and, in the best sense of the term, Manly; for he must be able to endure fatigue, and to make light of pain; since, like all athletic sports, Cricket is not unattended with danger, resulting from inattention or inexperience; the accidents most commonly attendant upon the players at cricket arising from unwatchfulness, or slowness of eye. A short-sighted person is as unfit to become a cricketer, as one deaf would be to discriminate the most delicate gradations and varieties in tones; added to which, he must be in constant jeopardy of serious injury.
It is hoped that the present little work will be found a useful as well as entertaining companion to the young practitioner in this graceful and very exciting game. The name of Nyren was for many years held in high estimation in the cricketing world; he was the father and general of the famous old Hambledon Club, which used to hold its meetings on Broad-Halfpenny, and afterwards on Windmill-down, near to Hambledon, in Hampshire. While old Nyren directed their movements, the Club remained unrivalled, and frequently challenged all England. The most polished players that this country ever produced were members of the Hambledon Club—if John Nyren, the son of the good old patriarch, and father of this little manual, be worthy of credit; and many eminent members of the Mary-le-bone Club, both 'gentle and simple', can attest his solid judgement, as well as his regard to truth and plain dealing. Of the former class in society, the names of Lord Frederick Beauclerc, with Mr. Ward, and Mr. Ladbroke, will alone form ample testimony to his fitness to speak upon such points; while his first-rate instruction, long practice, and superior accomplishment, will qualify him to impart his half a century's experience to the young practitioner.
The papers entitled 'The Cricketers of My Time', which conclude the work, have already appeared in a weekly periodical. They have been collected at the desire of a few friends, and published here. If they afford any amusement to the young reader, it is to be wished that he may at the same time be led to emulate the skill of the most eminent men recorded in the different papers, and not wholly to disregard the sterling qualities of integrity, plain dealing, and good old English independence—the independence of native worth and moral rectitude, not of insolence and effrontery, which signalized many of their characters, and endeared them to their equals, while it commanded the respect of their superiors in rank and fortune.
All the players there recorded were either members or companions of the Hambledon Club, or their opponents. As it formed no part of Mr. Nyren's plan to include those of any other society, the reader will perceive why several players of recent date, equal, perhaps, in skill to those eminent veterans, have not been included. These may, possibly, be installed with their ancestors in some future edition of our little chronicle, if fate, and the Cricketers, decree in favour of a reprint.
THE YOUNG CRICKETER'S TUTOR
THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME OF CRICKET
In commencing the game the following preliminary steps will be found requisite; first, the
NUMBER OF THE PLAYERS,
which in a complete game should comprise twenty-two men, eleven on each side. The future description of their different stations in the field, and of the importance of each in his station, will convince the young practitioner that the whole arrangement has been the result both of judgement and experience. He would find it difficult to spare one of them. Upon occasions of mere practice, however, a fewer number will answer the purpose: yet I would recommend his availing himself of as many opportunities as possible of playing with the full complement in the field; and for this purpose he must necessarily enrol himself as a member of some club, which, from the late increased popularity of this very elegant and manly recreation, he will have no difficulty to accomplish. The next step to consider will be the
CHOICE OF THE GROUND.
I need say no more on this head, than that the more spacious and smooth, and the shorter the turf, the better will it be adapted to the purpose. It should be kept well rolled, and if possible fed down by sheep. The nearer the centre, if the ground be good, the better will be the spot for pitching the wickets. These preliminaries being arranged, the
UMPIRES
for the two parties must be chosen, to whom all questions in dispute must be referred, and whose decree must be final. These should be men of known competence to judge all points of the game, also of good repute for honesty of mind—free from prejudice and partiality.
The umpires take their post, one at each wicket: he where the striker is should be partially behind it, so as not to interfere with the fieldsmen; and the umpire at the bowler's wicket should place himself directly in a line behind it, in order that he may perceive whether the ball be stopped by the striker's leg; for if such accident should happen, and the ball have been delivered straight to the wicket, and the batter not have touched it with his bat, any of the adverse party may require the umpire to pronounce whether he should be out or not. If the ball have not been delivered straight to the wicket, and strike the batter, he is not out. The 'Laws of Cricket' will describe the other duties of the umpire.
PITCHING THE WICKETS
will be the next point of consideration. When two matches are played to decide the question of superiority, the party leaving home are allowed the privilege of pitching the first wickets, also the choice of going in first or not. The wickets must be pitched within thirty yards of a centre that has been previously selected by the opposing party: but if one match only, or even two matches, be contested upon the same ground, then it devolves upon the umpires to pitch the wickets. It is the duty of these to choose, to the best of their ability, such ground as will be convenient to, and for the advantage of, the two parties.
The reader is again referred for farther provision respecting the position of the wicket, to the 'Laws of Cricket'.
THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE FIELDSMEN
is the last point to be attended to previously to commencing the game. Full particulars under this head the reader will find detailed, both in the frontispiece and in the body of instructions.
THE LAWS OF CRICKET,
According with the Revision of them by the Mary-le-Bone Club, in 1830
THE BALL
must not exceed in weight five ounces and three quarters, or be less than five ounces and a half. Either party may demand a new ball at the commencement of each innings.
THE BAT
must not be more than four inches and a quarter in width at the broadest part. There are no restrictions as to the height of the bat; it may be made as tall, short, or narrow as the player chooses; twenty-one or twenty-two inches, however, will be found the most convenient height for it, independently of the handle.
THE STUMPS
must stand twenty-seven inches above the ground; the stems must also be of sufficient substance to prevent the ball passing between them. The bails, when united, must not exceed eight inches in length.
THE BOWLING-CREASE
must be a yard in length on each side of the stumps, and be drawn in a line with them: at each extremity of the bowling-crease there must also be a return-crease, towards the bowler at right angles.
THE POPPING-CREASE
must be four feet distant from the wicket, and extend parallel with it.
THE WICKET-KEEPER
must remain quietly at a reasonable space behind the wicket, and not stir till the bowler has delivered the ball. If any portion of his body, limbs, or head be beyond, or even over the wicket, the batter shall not be considered out, although the ball hit the wicket. The wicket-keeper also is not allowed to annoy the striker, either by noise, uncalled-for remarks, or unnecessary action.
THE WICKETS
must be pitched opposite to each other, and at the distance between them of twenty- two yards.
It is not lawful for either party, during a match, without the consent of the other, to alter the ground by rolling, watering, covering, mowing, or beating. This rule is not meant to prevent the striker from beating the ground with his bat, near where he stands, during the innings, or to prevent the bowler from filling the holes, watering the ground, or using sawdust, &c., when the ground is wet.
After rain the wickets may be changed with the consent of both parties. THE BOWLER
shall deliver the ball with one foot behind the bowling-crease, and within the return-crease, and shall bowl four balls before he changes wickets, which he shall be permitted to do but once in the same innings.[1]
He may order the striker at his wicket to stand on which side he pleases.
If the bowler toss the ball above the striker's head, or bowl it so wide that it shall be out of distance to be played at, the umpire (even although he attempt to hit it) shall adjudge one run to the parties receiving the innings, either with or without an appeal from them; which shall be put down to the score of wide balls, and such ball shall not be reckoned as any of the four balls.
If 'No ball!'[2] be called by the umpire, the hitter may strike at it, and get all the runs he can, and shall not be out except by running out. In the event of no run being obtained by any other means, then one run shall be scored.
When a fresh bowler takes the ball, before he can proceed, he is not allowed more than two balls for practice; but is obliged to continue the next four in the game, before he can change for another better approved of; but when six balls are agreed to be bowled, then he must continue the six instead of four.
The ball shall be bowled. If it be thrown or jerked, or if any part of the hand or arm be above the elbow at the time of delivering, the umpire shall call ' No ball'.
THE STRIKER IS OUT,
if the bail be bowled off, or the stumps be bowled out of the ground; or
If the ball from a stroke over or under his bat or upon his hand (but not wrists) be held before it touch the ground, although it be hugged to the body of the catcher; or
If in striking, or at any other time, while the ball shall be in play, both his feet be over the poppingcrease and his wicket put down, except his bat be grounded within it; or
If in striking at the ball he hit down his wicket; or
If under pretence of running, or otherwise, either of the strikers prevent a ball from being caught, the striker of the ball is out; or
If the ball be struck, and he wilfully strike it again; or
If in running, the wicket be struck down by a throw, or by the hand or arm (with the ball in hand), before his foot, hand, or bat be grounded over the popping-crease. But if the bail be off, the stump must be struck out of the ground; or
If any part of the striker's dress knock down the wicket; or
If the striker touch or take up the ball while in play, unless at the request of the opposite party; or
If with any part of his person he stop the ball which, in the opinion of the umpire at the bowler's wicket, shall have been delivered in a straight line to the striker's wicket, and would have hit it.
If 'Lost Ball' be called, the striker shall be allowed six runs; but if more than six shall have been run before lost ball shall have been called, then the striker shall have all which have been run.
In single wicket, the striker shall be entitled to three notches for a lost ball; and the same number if a ball be stopped with a hat.
The bowler or striker may claim one minute between each ball, after its being dead.
If the batters have crossed each other, he that runs for the wicket that is put down, is out; and if they have not crossed, he that has left the wicket which is put down, is out.
When a ball is caught, no run shall be reckoned.
When a striker is run out, the notch they were running for is not to be reckoned.
When a ball has been in a bowler's or wicket-keeper's hand, it is considered as no longer in play, and the strikers need not keep within their ground till the umpire has called 'Play'; but if the player go off the ground with an intent to run before the ball is delivered, the bowler may put him out.
If the striker be hurt, he may retire from the wicket, and have his innings at any time in that innings. Another person may be allowed to stand out for him, but not to go in. No substitute in the field shall be allowed to bowl, keep wicket, stand at the point or middle wicket, or stop behind to a fast bowler, unless by the consent of the opposite party.
If any person stop the ball with his hat, the ball shall be considered dead, and the opposite party shall add five runs to their score; if any should be run, they shall have five in all.
If the ball be struck, the striker may guard his wicket either with his bat or his body.
If the striker hit the ball against his partner's wicket when he is off his ground, it is out, provided it have previously touched the bowler's or any of the fieldsmen's hands, but not otherwise.
THE UMPIRES
are the sole judges of fair and unfair play, and all disputes shall be determined by them; each at his own wicket: but in case of a catch, which the umpire at the wicket bowled from, cannot see sufficiently to decide upon, he may apply to the other umpire, whose opinion shall be conclusive.
The umpires in all matches shall pitch fair wickets, and the parties shall toss for the choice of innings.
They shall allow two minutes for each man to come in, and fifteen minutes between each innings; when the umpire shall call 'Play', the party refusing to play shall lose the match.
They are not to order a player out, unless appealed to by the adversaries.
But if the bowler's foot be not behind the bowling-crease, and within the return-crease, when he delivers the ball, they must, unasked, call 'No ball'.
If the striker run a short run, the umpire must call 'One short'.[3]
The umpire at the bowler's wicket is to be first applied to, to decide on all catches.
The umpires are not to be changed during the matches, except by the consent of both parties.
BETS
If the runs of one player be laid against those of another, the bets depend upon the first innings, unless otherwise specified.
If the bets be made upon both innings, and one party beat the other in one innings, the runs in the first innings shall determine the bet.
But if the other party go in a second time, then the bet must be determined by the number on the score.
INSTRUCTIONS
Having provided the young cricketer with the requisite preliminaries to prepare him for playing the game, also with a code of the laws, the next step will be to give him the result of more than fifty years 1 experience and actual practice among the finest players the country ever saw. Without farther preamble, therefore, I shall commence with
THE BOWLER
The three best qualities in this important person in the game are, a high delivery, an upright body, and for his balls to be pitched a proper length. Without these requisites no man can be an effective bowler.
RUNNING IN TO DELIVER THE BALL
By a little practice the proper distance to run will easily be discovered. The bowler should make a mark in the ground from which he intends to start. This mark will facilitate his treading uniformly in the same steps each time he runs to deliver his ball; he should commence at a gentle pace, and increase his speed till the ball is delivered.
The following verse of the old cricketing song, written for the Hambledon Club in the year 1776,[4] and which will be found in another department of this little work, expresses in few words the chief excellence to be required in a bowler:—
Ye bowlers, take heed, to my precepts attend,
On you the whole fate of the game must depend.
Spare your vigour at first, now exert all your strength,
But measure each step, and be sure pitch a length.
The best method of holding the ball to bowl, is between the thumb and fingers, firmly enough to steady it, yet that it may leave the hand with ease.
When practising, let the bowler always use, if possible, a ball of the required weight, and measure the exact distance that is settled from one wicket to the other; viz. two-and-twenty yards. If his pace be moderately fast, he should endeavour to pitch the ball about four yards and a half before the wicket: if it be slow, somewhat nearer, and in swift bowling not farther off than five yards. The young practitioner cannot do better than to place a mark upon the ground at the stated distance from the wicket, according to the speed at which he intends to bowl, and to aim at that mark.
In a match, when running to bowl, he should fix his eye upon a certain spot where he is desirous the ball should pitch: there will be no difficulty in selecting an object for the purpose of a guide; either a difference in the colour of the grass, or a slight unevenness in the ground, will answer his purpose. This is a rule from which he should not deviate—all the finest bowlers I have known have pursued this plan; for, if the length be correct according to his rate of bowling, he can do no better than adhere to that distance.
He should also habituate himself to bowl with equal ease on either side of the wicket; he will experience the advantage of such practice; for he will frequently notice that the ground on one side will prove more favourable to his play than on the other; it may happen also, that upon trying the two, he will perceive the ball to rise better on one side than the other of the wicket. All these things will turn to the young bowler's account, if he play with his head as well as his hands. Besides, changing the side of the wicket is never agreeable to the batsman. A quick eye, with practised observation, will induce the bowler early to detect the weak points in his adversary; let him not neglect this and then regulate his balls accordingly.
A good length-ball now and then pitched a little wide of the off stump, will often turn to great advantage, for it may produce a catch, when a straight one would be stopped with ease.
In his little book upon cricketing, Lambert has laid down some useful instruction on bowling; I cannot, however, approve of his recommending the young player to give a twist to his balls: for, in the first place, there are a hundred chances against his accomplishing the art, and ten hundred in favour of the practice spoiling his bowling altogether. I never perceived any twist in Lambert's own bowling, unless indeed the ground were in his favour. If the young practitioner have once gained a good high delivery, let him never run the risk of losing it; for in this department of the game it is the greatest gift he can possess.
IN PITCHING THE WICKETS
much responsibility lies upon the bowler. The chief art is, to select a situation that will suit your own style of bowling, and at the same time prove disadvantageous to your adversaries; as these two points, however, can rarely be accomplished, you can at all events pitch the wickets in such a manner as to benefit yourself. On this head I would refer the young artist to that portion of this little work, in 'The Cricketers of my Time' where the practice of the two most celebrated old bowlers, Harris and Lumpy in pitching their wickets, is described, and commented on.
It is the duty of the bowler to be the wicket-keeper at his own wicket, during the intervals of his bowling. He will have many balls to stop in the field, and many a struggle will ensue between him and the batsman, one to get the run, and the other to save it.
I shall conclude this article by recapitulating the chief requisites in a bowler. In beginning to run, start gently, and increase your pace till the ball be delivered. Fix your eye on the spot where you wish the ball to pitch, keep your body upright, deliver your ball high, pitch a good length, straight to the off stump; practise these points, succeed in them all, and you will be a first-rate bowler.
THE RIGHT-HANDED BATSMAN
Place both hands on the middle of the handle of the bat, near to each other, yet not so as to touch. The young player will find this simple direction of the utmost importance; for, in the course of my experience, I have noticed many instances of failure in batters, from their ignorance of, or inattention to, this valuable rule, and who would otherwise have become very promising players. Let the learner make the trial of the two modes of holding his bat, and he will prove that when the hands are placed far apart, the one will act against the other, and that his playing will be feeble.
HOW THE BATSMAN SHOULD TAKE HIS STAND AT THE WICKET
First walk up behind the wicket, and inquire of the bowler from which side he will deliver the ball. Then take a direct view from the wicket to the place where the ball is or should be delivered. This will show the exact spot for you to place your bat, so as to cover the middle stump. Place your bat on this spot, upright, and make a mark in the ground in order that you may know it again. This mark is your only guide for placing your right foot at a proper distance from the wicket, behind the popping-crease. The toes should be slightly inclined towards the opposite wicket; and the left foot extended to a short distance before the popping-crease. In taking your situation at the wicket, be careful to observe that you can with ease cover the off stump with an upright bat, and at the same time leave a clear view of the wicket to the bowler.
The young batsman should be very, particular respecting his position at the wicket, since much will depend upon that. He should be able to move with ease in any direction, and place his feet, as already described, in a proper direction for hitting. These should be extended only far enough to give him full power for striking. If the legs be placed too far asunder, the result will be, that he will hit under, instead of over the ball. Let him, for his own satisfaction, try the experiment of the two positions, and I have no doubt as to which he will prefer. The body also should be kept upright; it will assist him in playing well above the ball.[5]
HOW TO STOP A LENGTH-BALL STRAIGHT TO THE WICKET
Place the bat down, upright, on the mark made to cover the middle stump, and the feet in their proper situation. Immediately before the ball is delivered, raise the bat steadily till you see where the ball will pitch. Then move the left foot forward, about three feet, keeping the right foot behind the poppingcrease. Now move the bat as far forward as you can reach, so as to present its full face to meet the ball; keeping the bat upright, or rather slanting the handle towards the bowler to an angle of about 22 degrees. In order to maintain an upright position of the bat, the left elbow must be turned up. Let me urge the young batsman not to neglect this direction of turning up the left elbow, for he cannot play his bat upright without doing so. It is likewise the best and safest way for hitting, as well as stopping; for, if a stroke be made with the left elbow in the position stated, and the bat at the same time well upright, the ball cannot rise. I need not point out the advantage of this.
The reaching in to stop a length-ball will prevent it from rising or twisting. It will also save the hands, and, better than all, prevent the batter from being caught out. In reaching in too, be especially careful that the right foot remain firmly in its place behind the popping-crease; for, in the eagerness of playing at these balls, the foot will unconsciously draw in. Be careful therefore as to this point, for should you miss the ball, a clever wicket-keeper will surely stump you out.
I would strongly recommend the young batsman to turn his whole attention to stopping; for, by acting this part well, he becomes a serious antagonist to the bowler; who, when he sees a man coming in that he knows will stop all his length-balls with ease, is always in a degree disheartened. He has no affection for such a customer. Besides, in this accomplishment lies the distinction between the scientific player and the random batsman.
HOW TO STOP A SHOOTING BALL DROPPED SHORT OF A LENGTH
When you see the ball shoot, play the bat back as near to the wicket as possible, taking care not to knock it down. This backward movement will give you a better sight of the ball, and more time for stopping it. The only difficulty is to be soon enough; for, if you are not quick, the wicket will be down before your bat is.
HOW TO STOP A BALL DROPPED RATHER SHORT OF A LENGTH, AND WHICH RISES AS HIGH AS THE BAIL
This ball must also be played behind the popping-crease. The bat must be lifted from the ground high enough to play above the ball, and so as to prevent its being caught. It should also be held in the same position as when stopping a length ball on the ground. Let me again caution the young batsman to turn up his left elbow, as he cannot well perform the motion here required without doing so. If the ball should rise higher than the wicket, let it pass, by removing your bat. My reason for giving this advice, is, that if the man, placed at the point, understand the game, he will get in close to the player while he is raising his bat; and will, in all probability, catch him out.
HOW TO PLAY AT A LENGTH-BALL A LITTLE WIDE OF THE OFF STUMP
This is a puzzler to a short-armed batsman. I recommend the young batsman to have nothing to do with it. The old hand will, of course, do as he pleases: but I should much wish to be informed in what part of the field he can play it with safety, and make a run.
Beldham would cut at such a ball with a horizontal bat. I once made the remark to him, that I thought it dangerous play: he answered me, 'I always play above the ball.' If he always played above such a ball, it was useless his playing at it at all. Now Beldham must have played from the pitch of the ball, instead of having a sight of it after it had pitched; therefore it could never be a safe hit. He was the only one of a good batter that I ever saw play at such balls.[6]
HOW TO PLAY AT A BALL DROPPED RATHER SHORT OF A LENGTH ON THE OFF-SIDE OF THE WICKET
There are two ways of playing at this ball, and in each I have seen it treated by the best batters.
Old Small, one of the finest batsmen of his own day, or perhaps of any other, always played such balls with an upright bat. He would pass his left foot across the wicket, and this action gave him power and command over the ball. The upper edge of his bat was turned slightly back towards the wicket. The whole motion was performed by the wrist and arms. I never saw any batter who could use the wrist like this admirable old man.
I do not remember to have seen Lambert cut at a ball with the bat held horizontally: such as I have described he always played with an upright bat.
Lord Beauclerc mostly, beldham always, and the principal part of the best batters, play the bat horizontally at such balls.
Having now given the example of the above eminent men, some playing one way and some another, I shall venture to ofter to the young batsman my own opinion. I have frequently played in both styles, and I consider the holding of the bat upright the safer, and horizontally the more brilliant playing. At the same time, whichever way it be played, I still recommend the movement of the left foot across the wicket. The power that this action gives the striker over the ball, must always be felt and acknowledged.
There are other balls dropped still shorter of the length. On the off-side these may be played straight off, or between the point of the bat and the middle wicket, whichever the batsman may find most pleasant to himself; yet taking care to play well above the balls, and to hit them on the ground. In preparing and making himself up to hit a fair ball, let the batter bear in mind the sportsman's motto: 'Never to be in a flurry.' If he neglect this caution, he will surely find something wrong when it is too late to remedy it: his legs, for instance, may be too widely extended, in which case he will certainly play under the ball. More errors are committed in a man's making himself up to hit, than in the hitting: but let him prepare steadily, coolly, and with decision, and a hundred chances to one will be in favour of his hitting well. Observe any one who is batting indifferently—examine his position—see how he holds his bat, and you will rarely fail to discover in that the cause of his incompetence; for either his position will be out of rule, or his hands will be wrongly placed on the bat; and if the latter be the case, no man can strike well. Let me also strongly caution the young player against over-hitting, or hitting too hard; this will almost invariably throw him off his balance.
All straight balls should be played straight back, and with an upright bat. To cross a ball is the worst of all bad play.
HOW TO PLAY A BALL THAT IS PITCHED ON THE INSIDE OF THE LEG STUMP SHOOTING ON THE GROUND
Draw the right foot back; play back, with the bat upright, as near to the wicket as convenient: the lower edge of the bat slightly turned towards the stumps; the wrist and arms will do the rest, if you ply them well. This is always a safe hit, and many runs are made by it. Add to which, if the batsman play these balls well, the wicket-keeper is frequently obliged to move one of the fieldsmen in, to save the run: this weakens the field, and consequently gives an advantage to the batsman.
Balls dropped short of the length on the on-side, or tosses, must be played on the on-side. The batter has but to set himself steadily to work; to take his best position—his legs right—body upright—to play above the ball, and hit it as hard as he can along the ground. I never wish to see a ball mount: for it always goes farthest when it skims like a swallow; moreover it is then safe, and, better than all, it gets the greatest number of runs. The great beauty of hitting, is to see a batsman go in and get many runs, without giving a chance.
THE BEST WAY TO PLAY A BALL, BOWLED AS WIDE AS YOUR LEGS ON THE ON-SIDE
Make a quick movement in before the wicket, and hit the ball behind you. A ball played in this way is always safe, and gets many runs. It goes farther than any other, for the batter gives additional force to its speed in the direction in which it is already going. The great error in playing these balls is, that the batsman begins at them too late.
Balls tossed beyond a length must be met with a full bat, and held in the same position as when stopping a length-ball—that is, with the left elbow turned well up. The only distinction in the two cases consists in this; that on the present occasion the ball is hit; in the other, that it is blocked. Care must be taken here to strike late enough, or the ball will be hit into the bowler's hands.
If the young practitioner wish to go in at a length-ball (I speak with reference to slow bowling), it must be at a ball that comes straight to the wicket: let him bear this in mind. If the ball be wide, how can he play at it with an upright bat? and unless he do so play it, he can be at no certainty in hitting the ball: again, therefore, I repeat—the ball must be straight to the wicket; then the movement to get in must be quick; the position the same as before described. If his legs are not at their proper distance from each other, it will be impossible for him to make anything of a hit. Having pointed out the difficulty of playing these balls to advantage in this way, the learner will, of course, act as he pleases. I will, however, take the opportunity of naming the very few of the best players who have succeeded in going in at length-balls. Sueter, of the Hambledon Club; Hammond, a Sussex man; Lambert, a Surrey man; and Shearman, from Mitcham[7]. Sueter was the first player that I remember to have broken through the old rule of standing firm at the poppingcrease for a length-ball. If these are the only batsmen that I remember to have succeeded upon this occasion (and I remember all the best players for fifty years back), how can the young performer expect mucn chance of success?
I have indeed seen others (and the finest players too) go in, and hit the ball away; but I have also seen them out by doing so; the movement therefore, at the best, is a hazardous one.
Let me conclude this department of my instructions, by recapitulating the following brief mementos. The body and bat upright—the hands near to each other—the left elbow well turned up—and the legs not too much extended. The young batsman will find these to be golden rules for his guidance.
THE WICKET-KEEPER
holds the most important station of all the fieldsmen, and for the following reasons. He always presides at that wicket from which the ball is struck. This very circumstance will enable him to command a full view of the whole field with greater facility than any other player. His position being just behind the batsman, is another reason why his situation is the best to move the fieldsmen. He therefore is the General, and is deputed to direct all the movements of the fieldsmen: not, however, by word of command, like the military commander, but by the simple motion of his hand; and the reason for this will be obvious to every one; for instead of calling out to each fieldsman distinctly, and by so doing putting the striker upon his guard, the alteration and exact position of each fieldsman is effected in perfect silence. This motion of the hand cannot, of course, be executed with effect, without the proper attention on the part of the fieldsmen; each one therefore, upon arriving at his appointed place, should turn his eyes towards the wicket-keeper, to discover if he be satisfied with his exact situation.
For instance: suppose the fieldsman to be standing out to the hip, for the purpose of saving two runs, and the wicket-keeper draw him in by a motion of his hand, to save the one run, the chance is that the striker will not be aware of this precaution on his part, and will suffer in consequence. I have frequently witnessed the advantage of this provision on the part of the wicket-keeper by the striker being out. The bowler, on the contrary, should never give any motion or signal to the fieldsmen; for being placed opposite to the striker, his intention cannot fail of being observed, and frustrated by him. He will have no difficulty in communicating his opinion to the wicket-keeper, and indeed, he may frequently have occasion to do this, for he must always have the superior advantage of noticing the capabilities of the batter, and may make his suggestions accordingly. The short-fieldsmen may also do the same; leaving the wicket-keeper, however, to the full exercise of his judgement and discretion; for no interference between the fieldsmen and wicket-keeper can ever be allowed.
The young wicket-keeper will therefore see the necessity of his knowing the exact position that each man in the field should occupy. I need not observe that slow bowling will require a very different arrangement of the field from fast bowling: in the latter case, the greater part of the field are all considerably extended.[8]
In short, the wicket-keeper may be considered with reference to the field, as the fugleman to a regiment. The duties of these others will be fully detailed when the directions are given to the fieldsmen.
The position of the wicket-keeper in his standing, should be that of a man preparing to spar, so that he may in an instant move any way he pleases.
His legs should be a little extended from each other—the left forward. He should feel himself easy in his position, and ready to move in any direction. The position of the legs are of the utmost importance in this situation. The upper part of the arms, to the elbow, should hang down easily by the body. From the elbow they should incline upwards towards the chest—both hands being open—the left rather higher than the right.
The young player will do well to consider this direction as to his position, for I have known many good catches missed from an ignorance of, or inattention to, this highly important matter. The reason of it is scarcely worth detailing; for it must be obvious even to one ignorant of the game, that the man who stands with his feet close together, and hands down by his side (like a soldier at drill), will be totally unprepared for quick action.
The wicket-keeper should also stand at a little distance behind the wicket, yet not so far back but that he may, by a short and quick step, stump out the batter, should he move from his ground. My reason for recommending that he should remove a little backward from the wicket is because by his doing so the catches will be much more easy, and he may stump as well. Many wicket-keepers will frequently put down the wicket when the striker has not moved from his ground; but this practice is doubly objectionable in the eyes of a good cricketer, and is after all but a piece of stage effect, and to make a show. The more serious wrong, however, in the action, is, that it puts the striker on his guard, and prevents his getting off his ground.
The young wicket-keeper must aim to acquire the power of deciding at a glance the exact situation of every fieldsman—of those whom he wishes to stand in, for the purpose of saving one run, or out, for that of saving two.
There is only one hit the wicket-keeper should ever have to move after from the wicket: that is, when the long field to the hip is out to save the two runs, and the batsman blocks a ball between his leg and the wicket. There is no other person can save this run but the wicket-keeper, and if he wish to save it he must start before the ball is struck, or he will be too late. In this case the slip should take his place at the wicket.
If the batsmen are running, the ball should be thrown straight to the wicket, about as high as the top of the stump. The wicket-keeper should leave the wicket between himself and the ball; take the ball before the wicket, and, as he receives it, his hands should be drawn back, putting the wicket down with one motion. This should be done steadily; if it be done in a hurry it can seldom be well done.
Sueter, of the Hambledon Club, and Hammond, a Sussex man, were the two best wicket-keepers I ever saw. Both of them would put the wicket down without any flourishing or fuss; but I never saw either of them do so without a chance of putting out the batsman. The young wicket-keeper will do well to follow their example.
My last advice is, that the ball be always tossed easily home to the bowler.
THE POINT OF THE BAT (SLOW BOWLING)
The young fieldsman who is appointed to this situation should possess a quick eye and a quick action. Without these two qualities he will never succeed in this important place.
He should place himself within three yards and a half of the batsman, directly opposite to the popping-crease. This is nearer than is generally recommended; but I have played for many years against the best of batsmen, and always found the distance named preferable to one farther removed; indeed, I have more frequently played at three yards than at three yards and a half from the batsman, and yet never received an injury from the ball.
For the position of body in the point, I can do no better than refer him to instructions upon this head given to the wicket-keeper—they will be essentially the same: the legs rather extended; arms to the elbows hanging easily, and near to the body; from the elbow inclined upwards, and hands open.
The next subject for this fieldsman's consideration is to know from what balls he should play back, and at which he should go in. Let him master this, and he need never fear any batsman.
When a ball drops short of a length, yet straight to the wicket, and rises, he will notice that the batsman will be under the necessity of raising his bat high to play above the ball. Upon such occasions he must play forward, and nearly up to the bat. By this action he will frequently have the chance of a catch. When the batter blocks at a length-ball, he should again play forward. If the ball be dropped short of a length, or be tossed on the off-side of the wicket, he will observe the batsman preparing to hit it in the direction in which he is standing. Before he can do this he must play back at least four yards; and the movement must be made promptly, from the pitch of the ball, and from the motion of the batsman before he strikes—afterwards will be too late; besides which he will be unable to defend himself against the ball: the point all the while must keep his face towards the batter, and his arms and hands in their proper position. By due attention to this hint, he will not throw away the chance of catching out his man. I have twice succeeded in catching out Lord Beauclerc, and many others, by this movement. Independently of the advantage to be derived from playing so near, I never knew a batsman like to have the point moving in at every ball he blocked.
In backing up, this fieldsman should always keep farther from the wicket than the slip, leaving plenty of room between them.
In fast bowling, the station of the point should be at least seven yards from the batsman, and rather behind the popping-crease.
LONG FIELD, STRAIGHT OFF,
should be an active man, and able to throw well. His station is on the off-side, between the bowler and the middle wicket, and out far enough to save the two runs. His duty is to cover the middle wicket and bowler.
This fieldsman is occasionally brought in to save the one run.
LONG FIELD, STRAIGHT ON,
should stand at some distance out from the bowler's wicket, to save the two runs. When the bowling can be depended on, and the hitting is not severe, he may be brought in to save the one run.
LONG FIELD TO THE HIP
The fieldsman must stand out to save two runs opposite to the popping-crease. Every person who takes the long field should be able to throw well, to run well, and he should begin to run before the ball is struck: this, in the language of Cricket, is called 'getting the start of the ball'.
As in the instance of the two formerly named players, this fieldsman is frequently moved in to save the one run.
THE LONG STOP
holds a most important station in the game of cricket. His appointment is behind the wicket-keeper, and he should stand in, so as to save the one run.
When the ball does not come to his hand with a fair bound, he must go down upon his right knee with his hands before him; then, in case these should miss it, his body will form a bulwark and arrest its farther progress.
In addition to this duty, he is required to cover many slips from the bat, both to the leg and the off-side. It is requisite that he should learn to throw with a quick action to the top of the wicket.
SHORT SLIP
The situation for the slip is between the wicket-keeper and point of the bat, and at a rather greater distance from the wicket than the wicket-keeper, yet nearer to his side than to the point of the bat, because it affords better play for his right hand.
For the position of his body, I refer to the instructions already given to the wicket-keeper and point.
As the balls usually come from the bat to the slip with considerable swiftness, this fieldsman should be perpetually on his guard.
Whenever the wicket-keeper is compelled to leave his station, the slip should move up and supply his place till he returns.
In backing up, the slip should come next to the wicket-keeper.
THE LONG SLIP
is generally placed between the short slip and point, and near enough to save the run. I should prefer, however, his standing nearly behind the short slip, on account of the balls twisting; for, if the ball be struck to his right hand, he will surely find it twist to his left. This is a station of great difficulty in fast bowling.
THE MIDDLE WICKET
should stand on the off-side, not more than eleven yards from the bowler's wicket, or more than twentytwo from the batsman's.
That this situation may be well filled, a person of more than common activity will be required; one who, judging from the motion of the bat, will start into action before the ball is hit: one with a quick movement of the arm in throwing, and a steady hand to return the ball into the wicket-keeper's hands at the top of the stumps. To be quick and steady are two most valuable qualifications in a fieldsman—and, indeed, in which of our worldly callings are they not valuable? There is no place in the whole field where so many struggles occur to save a run, or to put the batsman out, as at the middle wicket; add to which, many catches arise, some from severe hits, others difficult to get at: with the constant movement, therefore, in covering his ground, and closely backing up, the eyes, legs and hands of the middle wicket are never unoccupied. This situation will furnish lively employment for an active young gentleman.
LONG FIELD TO COVER THE MIDDLE WICKET AND POINT
is a situation in which the fieldsman will have many hard balls to stop, and many a one to catch. The first thing he should make himself master of is to play from the pitch of the ball, and the motion of the batsman, so as to get the start of the ball. By so doing he will be enabled to cover many balls that would otherwise pass him; and many catches, difficult in themselves to get at, will become comparatively easy. He must learn to judge the direction in which the batter, by his position and motion, will strike the ball, and whether high or low, hard or gently, and before it is struck, he should be off to meet or cover it. This instruction will apply to either the long or the short field.
The second point of consequence to know is the exact spot where the two runs may be saved, and that where the one run may be prevented. Minute and trifling as these matters may appear, let the young practitioner be assured that he never will be accounted an effective fieldsman till he have made himself master of them. Time in the play and trouble to the wicket-keeper will be spared, and, were no other advantage to arise, these are well worth securing. The following, although a personal anecdote, as it bears upon the present subject, I may be pardoned for introducing upon this occasion. The first match of any importance in which I played was when the Hambledon Club challenged all England: I was then between seventeen and eighteen years old, and played for England. The celebrated James Aylward was our General. His command to me was, 'You will cover the middle wicket and point.'—'What,' said I, 'out to save the two runs?'—'Why, you would not play in to save one on this ground!'—'I would, when Clifford bowls.' (Clifford was a slow bowler.)—'You shall do as you like,' said he, with an approving smile, and a hearty shake of the hand. Now, the time I took to move in to save the one run was just before the bowler had started, the batsman's eye being at that time fixed upon him. By this manœuvre I had the good fortune, in the course of the match, to put out two of the Hambledon Club, and received in consequence the thanks of Sir Horace Mann. The glory of this reward made me scarcely to know whether I stood on my head or my heels; and if my memory be an honest one, some time elapsed before I had rubbed off my conceit.
Suppose the fieldsman in this station be brought in to save the one run—a case of frequent occurrence when the bowling is good he should not wait and let the ball come to him, but dash in to meet it, fielding it with his right hand, and with a quick motion, throwing it at the top of the stumps to the wicket-keeper's hands. If this act be performed neatly, it has a beautiful effect, and is the very essence of fine fielding. It is a movement that any active young player may attain with a little perseverance, and the best mode of accomplishing it, is to get a person to stand at the wicket and throw the ball towards him—moderately quick at first, increasing the speed with his improvement.
If a ball be hit very hard in the direction of the long field, the safe way to play it is by dropping on one knee with both hands before him: should these miss it, the body will act as a rampart to prevent its farther progress.
To the young cricketer I cannot too frequently repeat that activity, observation, and steadiness are the most valuable qualities in a fieldsman, and allow me to add, as an old 'Tutor'—in any other man.
SINGLE WICKET
The parties in a match at single wicket vary in number from one to six on a side. The distance between the wickets is twenty-two yards. At the bowler's wicket, two stumps are placed with a bail upon them; and this the striker, when running, must come to, and strike off, and return to his own wicket. This is counted one run. If the bail should be off, the batter must strike the stump out of the ground. When the party consists of fewer than four on each side, if the striker leave his ground to hit the ball, he will not be permitted to reckon a notch.
THE PLAY BEFORE THE WICKET
When the parties consist of fewer than five on each side, the custom of the game is, to make bounds on each side of the wicket; which bounds are to be laid down parallel with it, as well as with each other: they must likewise extend twenty-two yards from the wicket. The man who is in, must strike the ball before these limits, or boundary lines; and it must be returned in the same direction by those who are seeking out. It must also be thrown back in such a manner, that it may cross the play between the wicket of the batter and that of the bowler; or between the bounds and the wicket of the man who is in, before it is considered dead.
If the striker in running have knocked off the bail upon the opposite wicket, and return home before the ball have struck down his wicket, or crossed the play, or been between the bounds and his own wicket, it is to be considered a run.
The wicket must be put down by the ball, whether by throwing, or holding it in the hand, and always from before; for the ball is dead when once it has been behind the wicket.
The striker may continue running so long as the ball is in play—in other words, till it has crossed the play, or been returned between the bounds, or is dead in the hand of the bowler.
SINGLE WICKET WITH MORE THAN FOUR ON EACH SIDE
is subject to the same rules as when the game at double wicket, with the full complement of men, is played.
PROTEST
AGAINST THE MODERN INNOVATION OF THROWING, INSTEAD OF BOWLING THE BALLS
Having concluded my instructions to my young countrymen, before I finally take my leave of them, I feel anxious to place upon record my opinion respecting a new style of playing the game of Cricket which has been adopted only within these few years. As I have not been actively engaged in the field for several seasons, my motive for offering the following observations can arise solely from a wish to preclude the possibility that my favourite amusement, while it changes in feature, should deteriorate in character.
I conceive, then, that all the fine style of hitting, which the reader will find recorded in the latter part of this little work, must in a very material degree cease, if the modern innovation of throwing, instead of bowling the ball, be not discontinued. It is not the least important objection I have to offer against the system to say, that it reduces the strikers too much to an equality; since the indifferent batsman possesses as fair a chance of success as the most refined player; and the reason of this is obvious, because, from the random manner of delivering the ball, it is impossible for the fine batsman to have time for that finesse and delicate management, which so peculiarly distinguished the elegant manoeuvring of the chief players who occupied the field about eight, ten, and more years ago. If the system continue, I freely confess that I cannot even hope again to witness such exquisite finish as distinguished the playing of such men as Old Small, and Aylward, and the Two Walkers, and Beldham, and Lord Frederick Beauclerc: the last indeed, I believe it is pretty well understood, retired as soon as the present system was tolerated.
I am aware that the defence which has been urged in behalf of the throwing, is, that 'it tends to shorten the game'; that now a match is commonly decided in one day which heretofore occupied three times the space in its completion. This argument, I grant, is not an irrational one; but if the object in countenancing the innovation (and one, be it observed, in direct defiance of a standing law) extend solely to the 'curtailment of the game' why not multiply the difficulties in another direction? Why not give more room for the display of skill in the batter? Why not have four stumps instead of three, and increase the length of the bails from eight inches to ten? The gentlemen forming the Mary-le-bone Club have the power to order this. Will they consider the proposal, and sanction it, seeing that the fair character of their game is at stake? And that this is actually the case I feel perfectly confident, both from my own observation and experience, as well as from the corroboration of men whose judgement I esteem. If, therefore, the present system be persisted in a few years longer, the elegant and scientific game of Cricket will decline into a mere exhibition of rough, coarse horseplay.
I do not speak from prejudice, or from the partiality of one who has been educated in a particular school, however natural that such should be the result of my present opinion; but I can use my eyes, and I can compare notes and points in the two styles of playing; and they who have known me will bear testimony that I have never been accustomed to express myself rashly; I have, therefore, no hesitation in declaring that none of the players who have risen with the new system can compare for a moment in the standard of excellence (clever though they undoubtedly are) with the eminent men already named above, and for the reason I have assigned.
- ↑ Formerly it was customary to bowl six balls before changing over, and, by the mutual consent of the parties, this may still be done.
- ↑ This same law is binding in single wicket, unless the parties decide otherwise by mutual consent.
- ↑ In playing a single-wicket match, if fewer than five persons are engaged at play, the batter who shall leave his ground to strike the ball shall not be allowed to score for such stroke, unless an agreement to the contrary have been previously arranged.
- ↑ See footnote on page 50.
- ↑ The above direction is given only with reference to the striking, and not the blocking of the ball.
- ↑ Mr. Ward, from his great judgement and experience, as well as from his length of limb, would play this ball gently between the middle wicket and point, and get a run.
- ↑ Shearman, when he has not found himself in the right position to hit such a ball, has played it softly between the middle wicket and point, and got a run.
- ↑ Upon occasions of very fast bowling, however, the fieldsman straight off, that covers the bowler in middle wicket, is moved round to cover the middle wicket and point; and the one that covered the middle wicket and point is moved farther round to cover the slip; and he who covered the slip is placed to cover the long-stop and the long-slip. The man straight on is often brought in to save the one run, and the long field to the hip will be brought up behind the batsman, to save the run that may be hit between the leg and the wicket.