he must play forward, and nearly up to the bat. By this action he will frequently have the chance of a catch. When the batter blocks at a length-ball, he should again play forward. If the ball be dropped short of a length, or be tossed on the off-side of the wicket, he will observe the batsman preparing to hit it in the direction in which he is standing. Before he can do this he must play back at least four yards; and the movement must be made promptly, from the pitch of the ball, and from the motion of the batsman before he strikes—afterwards will be too late; besides which he will be unable to defend himself against the ball: the point all the while must keep his face towards the batter, and his arms and hands in their proper position. By due attention to this hint, he will not throw away the chance of catching out his man. I have twice succeeded in catching out Lord Beauclerc, and many others, by this movement. Independently of the advantage to be derived from playing so near, I never knew a batsman like to have the point moving in at every ball he blocked.
In backing up, this fieldsman should always keep farther from the wicket than the slip, leaving plenty of room between them.
In fast bowling, the station of the point should be at least seven yards from the batsman, and rather behind the popping-crease.
LONG FIELD, STRAIGHT OFF,
should be an active man, and able to throw well. His station is on the off-side, between the bowler and the middle wicket, and out far enough to save the two runs. His duty is to cover the middle wicket and bowler.
This fieldsman is occasionally brought in to save the one run.
