THE MANAGEMENT OF A MATCH.
It should be constantly borne in mind that when arrangements for a
match are being made, that the pleasure to be afforded by the game
should be the first desideratum. A fixture having been arranged,
let us suppose that the appointing power has named the elevens. The
players should immediately meet and elect their captain. If the play
of the opposing teams is even, the eleven with the best captain will
win two out of three matches. He should be chosen from among the
superior five. If in addition to his being captain he should be
wicket keeper as well, chances are in favor of that eleven, as from
that position he can silently direct the movement of any fielder
without being observed by the batsman. The captains should be granted
absolute obedience from fielders, for upon discipline depends the
result. The captain should be a natural leader, of more than average
physical endurance. He should be of sanguine disposition, always
encouraging his men to renewed efforts even though disaster is
imminent. He should command respect and obedience rather than exact
it. He should be firm but not overbearing, earnest but not anxious,
serene and not pompous in his bearing. Upon his judgement in posting
his little army depends the score of his rivals. He ought to be a
careful student of the capabilities in his own ranks as well as in
those of his adversary.
Upon the day of the proposed match the captain of the “home” eleven
should reach the ground at least one hour before “play” is to be
called. This timely arrival gives him leisure to assure himself that
the wicket has been selected and rolled, places of absentees filled
by substitutes, that lunch has been prepared, and that all the petty
commissions including lemons and saw dust have been executed. The
visitors having been welcomed, their captain interviewed, and the
toss won, a consultation with his eleven should precede the decision
of “ins” or “outs” according to condition of ground, weather,
and players. A soft turf presents great advantages to the “outs,”
whereas weather not foggy enough to prevent play may give tremendous
advantages to the batsman. While deciding this important point the
captain is entitled to the most intelligent assistance from his
fellow players.
Illustration: No. 10--SCORING FROM A WELL-PITCHED LEG BALL.
The good ball takes the wicket.
There is “a length which Mr. Felix says brings over a man most
indescribable emotions.”
Before calling “play” the umpires must be selected. These individuals
are usually overlooked in unimportant games, but to their credit
“let it be recorded” that almost without exception they become the
impartial judge, whose absolute authority is acknowledged by all. To
their further repute when judging their own batters, (for in local
matches the umpires are usually chosen from among the “ins”), let it
be said all abide by their decisions, right or wrong. A flagrantly
incorrect decision is usually reversed by the united wish of the
players; for all pleasure would be destroyed if such accidental
result should obtain. For trophy matches the umpires should be
specially chosen because of their thorough knowledge of cricket,
as well as for their patient unbiased judgement. Prompt decision
following close observation, assures implicit obedience on the part
of players and satisfaction to all. Their first duty after consulting
the two captains and before the first ball has been bowled is to
fix the hours of drawing stumps, and all details of time limits.
The captain of the “ins” having numbered and placed his batters,
while the captain of the “outs” has marshalled his field; the umpires
assume control. After “play” is called their power is absolute, and
their decisions final.
The work of the captain now begins. The “outs” if well disciplined
depend largely upon the instinctive aptness of their leader. His
assumption of the double role of captain and wicket keeper is
notice to his men that however severe they may deem their duties,
his require greater muscular strength, greater activity, greater
continuance of effort and energy, greater brain power and keener
eyesight than theirs. Every danger to which the fielders may be
exposed is shared by the captain. When the ball is struck to any
fielder an unobstructed view of it enables him to perform his duties
without fear, for the watchful eye robs it of danger. Not so the
wicket keeper, for the opaque batsman increased in size by pads,
gloves, and bat, moves in uncertain areas between him and the bowler.
Every passed ball has been momentarily obscured--practically lost
for perhaps the one-twentieth of a second, to the man who is expected
to receive it. We think it will be cheerfully acknowledged by all,
that the man who ignoring personal danger, finds a succession of
passed balls through a long match, anyone of which were it to strike
his face would finish his day’s career, is a leader to be proud of.
The ambition of the individual who can combine wicket keeper with
captain to the satisfaction of his eleven need not be limited to one
hemisphere. The points to be carefully watched by captains are:
1st.--Bowler’s lengths and speeds, with a view to pointing out
batsmen’s weak points.
2d.--Change of bowlers, to thwart batsmen who show indications of
making a stand.
3d.--Watchful care of bowlers’ physical endurance, with a view of
changing for rest.
4th.--Easing fielders whose duties require long journeys between
overs.
5th.--Anticipating and preventing overthrows, by keeping the attention
of the fielders upon the ball.
6th.--Preventing accidents from collisions, by promptly naming
the fielder who shall try to catch an elevated ball likely to drop
between men at even distances from its approach.
7th.--Willingness to answer questions without annoyance.
8th.--He should caution his men against excessive practice just
before “play” is called, also against overloading the stomach before
batting, a habit which has a tendency to obscure the sight, as well
as to dull the mental and physical energy.
9th.--He should know that every man is properly equipped, especially
as to cap, spikes and shoes.
10th.--Last, but not least, he should watch the telegraph, keeping
rather better posted in every detail of the game than any one on the
ground.
His duties though arduous and continuous, will be a delight to
himself and a joy to his men.
Illustration: No. 11--READY FOR THE FORWARD CUT.
Bat for the score instead of the gallery.
Cricket is a game of skill against skill.
A good cricketer is apt to be a good catch.