HOW THE BATSMAN SHOULD TAKE HIS STAND AT THE WICKET
First walk up behind the wicket, and inquire of the bowler from which side he will deliver the ball. Then take a direct view from the wicket to the place where the ball is or should be delivered. This will show the exact spot for you to place your bat, so as to cover the middle stump. Place your bat on this spot, upright, and make a mark in the ground in order that you may know it again. This mark is your only guide for placing your right foot at a proper distance from the wicket, behind the popping-crease. The toes should be slightly inclined towards the opposite wicket; and the left foot extended to a short distance before the popping-crease. In taking your situation at the wicket, be careful to observe that you can with ease cover the off stump with an upright bat, and at the same time leave a clear view of the wicket to the bowler.
The young batsman should be very, particular respecting his position at the wicket, since much will depend upon that. He should be able to move with ease in any direction, and place his feet, as already described, in a proper direction for hitting. These should be extended only far enough to give him full power for striking. If the legs be placed too far asunder, the result will be, that he will hit under, instead of over the ball. Let him, for his own satisfaction, try the experiment of the two positions, and I have no doubt as to which he will prefer. The body also should be kept upright; it will assist him in playing well above the ball.[1]
- ↑ The above direction is given only with reference to the striking, and not the blocking of the ball.
