James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1876

CHAPTER II. HINTS ON BATTING. B y W. G. G race , E sq . F irst let it be premised that, in my opinion, one hour of practical tuition in cricket will be of more use than volumes of theoretical instruction. It lias been cleverly stated by some one or other that “ an ounce of mother’s wit is worth a pound of clergy.” And while deprecating any literal application of the proverb to clerical interests, I think there is much in its inference that may not only be worthy of universal consideration, but of special connection with the topic before us. In batting, indeed, as in every pursuit where science has to a great extent refined what at first depended mainly on the superabundance of rough and uncultivated force, common sense, and a reasonable amount of observation, will do much to promote success. There is no royal road to cricket; and batting, above all, is an art that requires much cultivation. “ I have remarked,” said Carlyle, “ that of all things a nation must first be drilled.’ ’ Ponder over this and consider it in the light of a cricket precept. Above all things it is essentially necessary for a young batsman at the outset to receive judicious tuition at the hands of a qualified drill sergeant. The necessity of acting upon this advice cannot be over­ rated. A habit acquired in youth of correct play, will materially aid the aspirant, and will, believe me, never be lost, while on the other hand, an awkward attitude or a peculiarity calculated to mar the execution of a batsman will take much time to eradicate, even if the habit be not formed beyond the hope of correction. “ The gods themselves cannot undo the thing that is done.” Hereon I should like to base my first word of caution to the young beginner. The acquisition of a good style and natural position is as easy as falling into loose and ungainly attitude, and the one will do much to inspire confidence, while the other will always prove an obstacle in the way of excellence. Nothing is of such incalculable benefit to the student in the art of batting as the early adherence to the necessary principle of playing with a straight bat. It is in this special point that a young cricketer must of all others seek earnestly to excel. It is the want of this essential habit, or the momentary neglect of it, that causes so many experienced batsmen to retire with the fatal cipher attached to their names. Practise then, first of all, the secret of straight and upright play, and you will have grounded well in the first rudiments of the art. I am ready to anticipate the argument that there are many batsmen who have gained fame without the acquisition of this principle. But I maintain that they are very exceptional instances, and that, despite the eccentricities of the learned critics who have advocated a contrary course with their motto, “ Buns at any price,” to play with a straight and upright bat is the point by which you can recognise above all others the accomplished and skilful batsman. To achieve this desirable end, constant practice is necessary, and with increasing perfection will also be gained a natural position, which must be studied as only next in importance. On these topics, it may possibly be argued, there can be but little to say that can be new or original. ‘The