THE YOUNG CRICKETER'S TUTOR
THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME OF CRICKET
In commencing the game the following preliminary steps will be found requisite; first, the
NUMBER OF THE PLAYERS,
which in a complete game should comprise twenty-two men, eleven on each side. The future description of their different stations in the field, and of the importance of each in his station, will convince the young practitioner that the whole arrangement has been the result both of judgement and experience. He would find it difficult to spare one of them. Upon occasions of mere practice, however, a fewer number will answer the purpose: yet I would recommend his availing himself of as many opportunities as possible of playing with the full complement in the field; and for this purpose he must necessarily enrol himself as a member of some club, which, from the late increased popularity of this very elegant and manly recreation, he will have no difficulty to accomplish. The next step to consider will be the
CHOICE OF THE GROUND.
I need say no more on this head, than that the more spacious and smooth, and the shorter the turf, the better will it be adapted to the purpose. It should be kept well rolled, and if possible fed down by sheep. The nearer the centre, if the ground be
