James Lilllywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1880

3 0 LILLYWHITE'S CRICKETERS' ANNUAL. bythe batsman , the doctors whohave already been engaged in the case disagree . O nthe 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 . B u tI a m compelled on this point respectfully to disagree with that ancient authority . The author of The Cricket Field , on the other hand, advises the adoption of an entirely different plan , and his recommendations myown experience induces mecordially to endorse . Indeed , the latter writer has avery powerful case to support his side of the question . He maintains that the knees should be kept firm and rigid , as it is only then that the muscles can be relaxed and ready for sudden action . In this respect , however , much may be 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 recorded . The following diagram , which I have been permitted to use by the proprietors of The Cricket Field ,' 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. o movelled fler bin Liz rodio edt slidw sonовітомонида eaal of sail birodalQuotoll Looga to nоітівілров е н т -ints pictogen ban sroof a otul -Issai doue to al grifion Jaisaga aida ni ai of Jad alais o d tatal क भ ीबतत्व gritosto t h e m n ml i w-yely downroe to dawang o eft zo slide, daol of misge modireazaoutthat of b a t a n č n o d o mo fJidedodržiz o v a Dentobar domtus conferitelt t o t oof n o b r e10 j n o wsoftr int o b iis s u o e d i b u so b r t 1 parst healeye v s ae d wn o t a t e d γ ω νστα γούς tent nistaism1 tull of Losing yua is от oldsaleobaidjevanion o T + s o v e de d w PREPARING FOR Kolibang bus bilgisate a diew yaq .11. Take up a good position on guard after the style of the batsman in the diagram , Be careful to study what is easy and natural , rather than aim at neatness and elegance , as, without thought , the latter is very often the conse- quence of the former . It is in this craving for effect that so many batsmen do themselves , in my opinion , so much injustice . You cannot take the art of The toes are too much before the wicket , and the foot is hardly within the crease . Fore shorteningsuits ourillustration better thanartistic effect .