A "Bawl" for American Cricket/Chapter 5
CHAPTER V
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.
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 _pg_69.png)
THE F.GUTEKUNST Co.
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."
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 increaased 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.
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THE F.GUTEKUNST Co.
No. 11―READY FOR THE FORWARD CUT.