James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1882

H I N T SO N B A T T I N G . 2 3 m a ynot only be worthy of universal consideration , but of special connec- tion with the topic before us. In batting , indeed , as in every pursuit where science has to a great extent refined what at first dependedmainly on the super-abundance of rough and uncultivated force , commonsense , and a reasonable amountof observation , will do muchto promote success . There is no royal road to cricket ; and batting , above all , is an art that requires m u c hcultivation . ' 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 youngbatsmanat the outset to receive judicious tuition at the hands of a qualified drill sergeant . The necessity of acting upon this advice cannot be overrated . A habit acquired in youth of correct play will materially aid the aspirant , and will , believe m e, never be lost ; while, on the other hand, an awkwardattitude or a peculiarity calculated to marthe execution of ab a t s m a nwill takem u c htimeto eradicate, evenif the habit be not formedbeyond the hope of correction . The gods themselves cannot undo the thing that is done.' Hereon I should like to base m y first word of caution to the young beginner . The acquisition of a good style and natural position is as easy as falling into a loose and ungainly attitude , and the onewill do muchto 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 momentaryneglect of it , that causes so manyexperienced batsmento retire with the fatal cypher attached to their n a m e s. 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 a m ready to anticipate the argumentthat there are manybatsmenwhohave gained famewithout 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 ' Runsat any price ,' to play with a straight and upright bat is the point b y whichyou 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 mustbe studied as only next in importance. O n these topics it m a y possibly be argued that there can be but little to say that can be newor original . The subject , doubtless , is one, you say, that is by this time worn threadbare , but good cloth will bear muchpatching , and I would fain hope that in m yhands 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 whohave already been engaged in the case disagree . O nthe one hand, Mr. Felix , of whosetreatise on the bat I think no one can speak exceptin terms of the highest praise , recommends, as the best atti- tude , to stand with your knees slightly bent , just enough to enable you to spring immediately into whatever attitude you may be required to go.' ButIa mcompelled 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 m y own experience induces me cordially to endorse . Indeed , the latter writer