Page:The Hambledon Men (1907).djvu/229

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THE PRACTICE PITCH
173

add anything to the reputation of the Bowler, while the Gentleman may be so disgusted, that he won't play any more: and so no one left for you to bowl at.

In practice it is often the way to pitch wickets anywhere. That is a bad system. You ought to be particular and have a good wicket, if you mean to have a good practice and be of any service to the person you bowl to. On a good ground he will have confidence and pleasure, all the balls will be playable; on the contrary, if the ground is rough, the balls will be cut about, he will be hit and lose his confidence and his play. Not half the balls will be playable, so that half the time will be lost. Therefore there ought to be a good wicket. The roller should always be run over the ground at the pitch of the ball before commencing practice, it's well worth ten minutes' patience to get good Cricket instead of bad.

I recommend Practice Bowlers to take a little pains with their batting, and also to study the science of the game, for they will then be good men to be engaged, even if their bowling is not quite tip-top. Clubs, it is true, when first established usually begin by applying for a first-rate bowler. But I think that is a mistaken notion. Let them begin with a moderate bowler, who is a pretty good bat. The bowling will be quite good enough, while by having one who can bat, they will, by seeing him in now and then, catch the idea and learn to play in a correct method. More can be taught in a week by showing the manner of play, than by months of talking. Another consideration for Clubs may be that such men are not so expensive.


The Conclusion

Cricket is a noble, manly, and athletic game. It adds vigour and health to the whole frame. It is now established so strongly as a national game, that it will never be forgotten. I think I may fairly say that I Zingari and the All England Eleven have contributed