BATTING.
An expert batsman experiences unspeakable pleasure during his innings.
Cricketers glory in him, his friends delight in him, and the sweetest
smile of his best girl emphasizes his triumph.
Nearly every young American learns base ball before cricket. When
he first stands before a wicket, he is almost paralysed by the fear
of losing it. Nothing corresponding to it appears upon the diamond.
When his wicket has been successfully attacked a few times he is
disheartened, and is likely to abandon cricket and return to his
first love. This is a critical period in the history of the beginner.
But a hint from a cricketer able and willing to explain that the
straight ball can be successfully met by the straight bat may open
the gate of cricket to him.
Illustration: No. 6--THE LATE BLOCK.
Courage, energy and decision, mark the successful cricketer.
A good excuse is more easily made than a good play.
“A straight bat” is the technical term for an upright bat, as
distinguished from a “cross bat.” It should also be explained to
all aspirants that the regulation wicket was not constructed for
beginners but for expert batsmen. But let us not digress from the
blunt “straight bat question,” which staggers the “man out,” as
did the straight ball his wicket. Why can a batsman who wields a
“straight bat” make a long stand, and why does the bowler delight in
the man who plays a “cross bat?” The answer is simple. A “cross bat”
must of necessity be an imperfect defense for a perpendicular wicket.
The minds of many boys seem to be constructed upon the “cross bat”
plan, but when they play the upright game of cricket with an upright
bat, an upright boy is the likely father of an upright man.
Every beginner aspires for the results of batting which are recorded
by the scorer, conveniently ignoring the hard work of those who
by many patient efforts have reached comparative perfection. But
the repeated loss of his wicket will force him to reason out why a
straight bat thwarts the bowler’s efforts, and why when playing a
“cross bat” he has been unconciously reducing his defense in a ratio
of four to one. To help this reasoning process let us demonstrate
by stating that the batsman’s wicket without the bails presents to
the bowler a surface of 216 square inches. The batsman who wields a
straight bat covers about 120 square inches of the wicket, hands and
gloves increasing it to about 130 inches. The “cross bat” presents a
defense of only 34 square inches, or one-fourth that of a “straight
bat,” the hands and gloves ceasing to the part of the defense for
a “cross bat.” When the legs and pads of the batter are added to
the defense, the bowler would seem to have an almost impossible
task to “out” the wielder of the “straight bat.” Yet the “man out”
seldom understands it, for he has not profited by the tremendous
mathematical advantage of a “straight bat” over a “cross bat.”
When this difference is appreciated and acted upon, the lesson of
“blocking” has been learned and the batsman may expect scores: for
he is ready to hit intelligently.
Each ball is a lesson to the eye of the batsman who has learned to
play a “straight bat.” The forward block as shown in illustration,
must obtain for well pitched balls rising to the bails. The bat
must be forwarded to the ball with left shoulder well over it, the
bat carried at an angle of about 70°, the eye of the batsman being
intently fixed upon it in order to insure against personal accidents.
Such action, if prompt, forces the ball forwards towards the bowler.
If the ball is met by the bat it strikes the ground at the angle
of least resistance, bounds quickly into the field, and a run may
result. Having given at length the necessity for the “block” as well
as the scientific reasons for the play, we will refer the reader to
illustrations Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6, which show the “forward block,”
the “half forward block,” the “half back block” and the “late block.”
If the young cricketer will study the attitudes taken by Mr. George
Bromhead when making the four characteristic blocks, he will see
that each ball must be blocked in a manner appropriate to itself.
Thus far only the defensive use of the bat has been considered. But
it is a weapon as well as a shield. The tendency of beginners is to
ignore the shield and use the weapon. One of the objects of these
pages is to emphasize the shield, thereby perfecting the wield of
the weapon, and multiplying the opportunities for its use. Let us
close this portion of the chapter on batting with the remark that the
defense of the wicket is an absolute necessity. It must be cultivated
by beginners and practiced by experts. After it is thoroughly learned,
like swimming, it is never forgotten. The batter must also resemble
the swimmer in another important point, for the swimmer must continue
swimming while in the water, and the batter must continue “blocking”
during the rest of his career.
The hit is the evidence of successful batting. An opportunity taken.
The result hoped for by the batter. As in blocking, well defined
principles govern the successful hit, which depends:
1st--Upon its true conception by the batsman.
2nd.--Upon its being properly timed.
3d.--Upon the amount of energy transmitted by the batsman to the ball.
Last but most important, the correct handling of the bat while in
contact with the ball.
Hits divide themselves into the natural, which comprise all hits
to the “leg,” or “on” side of the wicket, and the acquired which
include all hits to the “off” side. There are three distinct “leg”
hits resulting from striking short pitched, well pitched, and full
pitched, balls together with numerous sub-varieties following strikes
of leg balls which vary from standard lengths.
1st.--The stroke from a “short” or “half volley” leg ball should be
to square leg or a little forward of that point, with the bat held at
such an angle that the ball will strike the ground twenty or thirty
feet from the crease. It is with regret that we observe that this
beautiful hit is often elevated into the hands of the nimble fielder.
2nd.--The hit resulting from the well pitched leg ball, which the
perfect batsman strikes as it rises, to that part of the field just
back of short leg. The appearance of the batsman while making this
satisfying hit is illustrated in figure 7.
3d.--The full pitched leg ball can be properly dealt with in at least
three ways by the perfect batsman. First, he can drive it to long
field if not far to leg. Second, he can wait its arrival to a point
between the umpire and himself, strike it on the fly to the rear
of that long robed individual, bounding to the ropes. Third, while
playing the waiting game an instant longer he may turn his person
two-thirds around on his left foot, and strike the ball from the
rear to sharp leg.
All natural hits require determination and energy on the part of the
batter if good results are expected. Modern cricket does not prepare
itself for natural hits. On the contrary the beginner as well as
the expert will have few balls delivered to him opportune for these
hits. The modern bowler is instructed to force the “off” or unnatural
upon the batsman. But during long matches even the best bowlers send
up flukes, notwithstanding the elaborate instructions in Chapter 3.
Batsmen must therefore understand what is expected of them, and we do
not hesitate to say, that the batter who can deal with good bowling
can usually make the “loose” show upon the score. Many balls are
delivered upon the leg side, from which only the best batsmen can
score.
Illustration No. 8, shows Mr. Bromhead preparing to drive a nearly
straight ball to the mid-wicket on.
The on drives will always excite the admiration of cricketers.
The shoulders, arms and wrists though most prominent promoters of
these beautiful hits are assisted by every muscle of the body. They
exemplify human energy and force. The upright bat plays the prominent
place in this hit, and we must insist that the learner ignores the
“cross bat” if he hopes for success.
Illustration: No. 7--THE LEG HIT.
The element of danger is almost eliminated by constant
watchfulness.
The mind of a brilliant fielder, extends to the ends of his
fingers and toes.
The perfect batsman plays every ball with a purpose. Illustration
No. 9, shows how to play a well pitched ball wending its way towards
the leg stump. This ball he robs of all its dangerous tendency by
forwarding his bat toward the bowler, carried at an angle of 85, and
almost perpendicular. This position presents almost a full blade to
the ball, thereby defending his wicket, but also forces it to glance
to the short legs.
No. 10, illustrates a safe and easy method of scoring from a ball
not far enough off the wicket to risk a leg hit. Guarding the wicket
does not enter into the batter’s calculations. But he forces the bat,
carried at an angle of about 70 degrees against the advancing ball,
which rapidly finds its way towards sharp leg. We cannot leave this
portion of our chapter until we emphasize the part the shoulders
should play in making the natural hits. It is in our judgement to be
regretted that the exigincies of the game have largely remanded the
shoulder hitter to the back ground; but it must be acknowledged that
he is no longer the power in the game he was prior to the period of
special “off” bowling. But the best “trundlers” give chances to the
shoulder hitter, and when accepted the spectator feels gratified that
the science of cricket has been momentarily relaxed. If the muscular
power of the batsman be not fully exerted upon the natural hits, we
think all good cricketers will agree with us, that safety demands
that the ball should be “let alone.”
The modern captain instructs his bowlers to give preference to “off”
rather than “on” balls, and places his field in accordance. If the
bowlers do their full duty, the batter must score from unnatural hits
only, if at all.
1st.--He may receive a short pitch “off” ball, which he can drive to
mid off, or “cover,” or he may “pull it” to “leg” by advancing his
right leg towards point, thereby assuming the natural attitude, and
acting as if it were a leg ball.
2nd.--The over pitched “off” ball the batsman drives to long field,
or over the bowler’s head. These “off” balls require little beyond
a correct eye and ready hand. But the modern batsman who expects
great success must learn to “cut,” for the large proportion of balls
delivered are best suited for cutting.
There are three distinct varieties of cuts. First, the forward cut.
Second, the square off cut. Third, the late cut. Each play resulting
from the relative position of the ball to the batsman while he is
making the hit. All the cuts are made from rising balls distinctly
to the off. When an off ball falls outside of the line of safety
for a forward play, the batsman instantly prepares himself for the
forward cut. This he does by elevating the bat as in No. 11, at
the same moment turning his face towards point, with his right foot
somewhat advanced in the same direction, using his left as a pivot.
This movement towards the advancing ball enables him to reach the
spot it is soon likely to occupy. Then while carrying his bat at an
angle of about 70, he suddenly brings it down with a chopping motion
until it comes in contact with the ball, which moves rapidly towards
the boundary in a line between point and mid-wicket. This hit is
illustrated by No. 12. It is effective, as it has a tendency to
spread the field forward.
Illustration: No. 8--PREPARED TO DRIVE “ON.”
The Cricket Field says with truth: “You won’t win by a hitting
game if there is no hit in you,” and adds in somewhat different
language, “the game to carry you through is the game you play
best.”
No. 13, illustrates the position of the batter while making the
square cut. This hit is made from a ball rising to the off but
falling somewhat farther from the line of the wicket than that from
which the forward cut is made. Were the batter to stand firm in his
position it would be an impossibility for him to strike this ball,
for it must be remembered that it is advancing obliquely towards
point, and that it will have moved a considerable distance in that
direction by the time it arrives opposite the batsman. But it is his
business to move towards the ball, so that he can at least try to
hit it. Mahomet must go to the mountain, for it is quite evident that
the mountain is rapidly moving away from Mahomet. Having elevated
his bat as in No. 11, the batsman takes a long stride with his right
foot along the line of the popping crease, then suddenly and forcibly
bringing down his bat carried at an angle of 70°, he “cuts” the ball
towards point.
The late or back cut is beautiful as well as the safest and most
graceful hit in the repertoire of the batsman. But he must posess
experience of no mean order to guide the bat to strike the ball,
which is moving by him at a double acute angle and usually at a rapid
rate; for instead of facing the ball and meeting it with his bat as
in the forward and square off cut, he turns his person two-thirds
around towards the wicket keeper using his left foot for a pivot.
Then he takes a long stride with his right towards short slip, which
moves him in the direction of the motion of the ball. While these
movements are in progress the batter has elevated his weapon with
which he strikes the ball a blow, oblique with its course after it
has passed the line of the wicket in the direction of the slips. If
the bat is held at an angle of about 50° when it strikes, the ball
will rebound from the turf and elude the nimble fielder. The force of
the late cut is tremendous, as it combines the power of the shoulder
hit with the speed of the ball. The cut is such an effective play
that the snick has largely encroached upon it. We do not desire to
condemn the tip or snick, for it is a frequent counter, but only
desire to warn beginners, not to flatter themselves into the belief
that snicks are cuts.
The off bowler has come to stay, and if batters want scores they
must cut. Batters are justly proud of their ability to cut, though
but comparatively few make a clean hard hit of it. The tap is more
usual, while for certain bowling safe and effective. The tap is from
the wrist, while the cut is a combination of arm, wrist and shoulder.
For clean hard cuts the Scotts of Belmont, Lord Hawke and George
Patterson may be cited as exponents. The power behind their cuts
is phenominal. The cutting of any of these is a study for experts.
Illustration: No. 9--Playing a Well-Pitched Straight Ball on
Leg Stump.
John Wisden says on page 25 of his _Cricket and How to Play It_:
“A thoroughly good, active, lively and fearless wicket keeper
does more to win matches than almost any man on the field.” We
wish he had made his remarks more emphatic by omitting the word
“almost.” We think, if Wisden had spent the last few years in
America, and had seen the disastrous effects of reducing that
all important position to the rank of an out-fielder, he would
have used language quite as emphatic as that found in these
pages.