Lives in Cricket No 37 - William Clarke

123 Appendix Two Practical Hints on Cricket Set out below is a full version of our subject’s advice to cricketers, which originally appeared in William Bolland’s Cricket Notes published in 1851, over the name of William Clark [sic], slow bowler and secretary to the All- England Eleven, and dedicated to Hon Frederick Ponsonby. I The Science of Bowling The merit of Bowling in my opinion is delivering the ball according to a man’s play, which you must ascertain by strictly watching the movements of the batter; that you will be able to do, by giving him what you would call a good length ball, according to the speed; for instance, Clark 4 and a half yards. Hillyer 5, Wisden 5 and a half. By giving him a few of those to begin with, as near as you can, you will be able to find out his particular play, and where he is most deficient. In the present day you will find they are most of them inclined to play back. I should say this has been caused by bowlers not working sufficiently with mind, but always pitching the ball at the same length. When you see this back play, you must force the ball onwards, so as to make the man play out; and the ball is never tossed far enough, till that object is gained; that is, the batsman made to play forward. Perhaps before that is the case, you will have caused him to retire; for instance, in 1850 I drove twelve men on their wickets. If your man is particularly fond of playing back, you must keep repeating the dose; for if he plays out once or twice, he is sure to go back to his old play. If he does not, but tries to hit you forward, he will very likely give a chance, not being used to that style of play. In case he should hit you forward, you will be well prepared for him, by having a man or two placed in the long field. The hit will most likely fetch but one; and if hit up, it may be caught. A short ball is the worst ball a man delivers; the batsman can hit it almost where he chooses, and is likely to give no chances. (There are a few exceptions as to bowlers, whose style won’t allow them to over toss the ball, I shall explain this in another part). A ball over tossed on the contrary makes the batsman play out; and if the ball is not well covered with an upright bat, he is almost sure to give a chance. Therefore, a ball should sooner be over tossed than short. Many bowlers pay no attention to the most essential, and I should say, the prettiest part of the game; that is, the field. I have seen a man deliver the ball, and never look to the field, or see whether they are all there, even before the long stop has got to his place. A bowler must have a high opinion of his own abilities, to think he can beat his opponent without his field.