James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1876

7 subject, doubtless, is one, you say, that is by this time worn thread bare, but good cloth will bear much patching, and I would fain hope that in ruy hands the garment will at least be treated practically, if not skilfully. On the proper position to be maintained at the wicket by the batsman, the doctors who have already been engaged in the case disagree. On the one hand, Mr. Felix, of whose treatise on the bat I think no one can speak except in terms of the highest praise, recommends, as the best attitude, “ to stand with your knees slightly bent, just enough to enable you to spring immediately into whatever attitude you may be required to go.” But I am compelled on this point respectfully to disagree with that ancient authority. The author of the Cricket Field , on the other hand, advises the adoption o f an entirely different plan, and his recommendations my own experience induces me cordially to endorse. Indeed, the latter writer lias a very powerful case to support his side of the question. He maintains that the knees should he kept firm and rigid, as it is only then that the muscles can he relaxed and ready for sudden action. In this respect, however, much m a y b e learnt by watching the attitude of a good batsman. To my mind the facility of acquiring a good position is a valuable gift, to which I cannot but think too slight importance is accorded. The following diagram, which I have been permitted to use by the proprietors of the Cricket F ield , in illustration of the present article, will serve to demonstrate to some extent my ideas, although special attention must be given to the note thereto appended.