James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annnual 1881

H I N T SO N B A T T I N G, 2 3 deterred frominfusing vigour even into this movement. So muchfor what Im a ycall the first rudiments of scientific batting . There are other points which m a y affect the student who has mastered the early lessons and succeeded in gaining a knowledgeof batting as well as a sufficiency of con- fidence to enable him to experimentalise on his o w nbehoof. I a mnot going to enter into a description of the three kinds into which , I have read , straight balls are divided , as I cannot but think that this is a line of instruc- tion of but little practical value . It is practice , and, as I have previously remarked, the aid of a good example for imitation , that will do mostto form a successful batsman. Indeed, no more useful lesson can be derived in the study of batting than the sight of a skilful batsmanat work. The willing scholar will learn muchto do, andmorestill to leave undone, from the example of a good master . He will be, as it were, initiated into mysteries that were previously beyond the pale of his comprehension . He will, if he love the game, take up readily the position , be quick to compre- hendthe exigency of each movement, and with increasing perception , gain increased knowledgeas well as the confidence incidental thereto . H ewill see for himself the practical good of the theoretical instruction he has received , the practical demerits of the defects against which he has been cautioned . H ewill find that there is something more needed to gain dis- tinction than a display of wild hitting ; and that in hitting there is a certain skill that requires more than the possession of great physical force . H ewill , if the lesson proves fruitful , find that to hit well necessitates a combination of eye and hand, the former to time and the latter to strike ; as well as a large amountof wrist play which will alone tend to produce a freedom of hitting and a power inconceivable to one who has not dis- covered the secret of this peculiar gift . H e will see , too , with what confidence every ball is played , with what decision every artifice of the bowler is met, and how skilfully the line is drawn between the delicate distinctions of forward and back play . It is obviously in the uncertainty of deciding on these last two points that the bowler has the greatest advantage. There is a ball of a certain length that baffles every player , or at least one that requires the undivided attention of the best batsman. 'It is a length ,' says Mr. Felix , ' that brings over a man most indescribable emotions .' Perhaps I m a ynot be inclined to go so far as Mr. Felix in the extent of his expression , though I have realised fully the force of his state- mentat times . It requires muchpatience and decision indeed to be able to meet this same representative ball with fortitude , and a continuance of practice to master it throughly . The mechanical persistency of a bowler in workingawayat the weakpoint in a batsman's armouris seldom unsuc- cessful . There are only two methods of playing what is termed a length ball, and it depends on the immediate selection of the one or the other whetherdiscomfiture or success ensues . Abatsmanwith a long reach will smother balls that would puzzle one of smaller stature . Reach has un- questionable much to do in the matter , but patience and decision are still morepowerful allies . To play forward is , undoubtedly , whenpossible , the more advisable plan , as by this means are avoided all the devia- tions of the ball from spin or accidendal deflections by reason of ground or other causes . But forward play should be only used with caution , and to step out to a ball for the sake of smothering it is adangerous exper cous periment that should be discouraged . With a straight bat much is possible , and it will be found much can be accomplished . Obviously , in playing forward the ball must be met at or near its pitch , and unless it can be so met, that