Page:A "Bawl" for American Cricket.djvu/47

 to the wicket is less than that required for a fast runner to traverse 18 yards at speed. If he is just as fast as the runner his exertions are lost to his side, for the batsman has reached his crease. The fielder must therefore be mentally and physically active while the ball is in play. It is not enough for him to take the ball and return it to the wicket keeper. Thousands of wickets have been held by a failure on the part of the the fielder to return to the right wicket. Which one that is can only be determined by instant thought followed by immediate action. If the fielder waits for notification to receive and return the ball he will in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred belong to the bump on the log variety.

Fielding should be practiced whenever cricketers meet on the turf. Many captains advocate meeting for fielding oniyonly [sic]. In view of the numerous occasions for practice which constantly present themselves it seems to the writer unnecessary. But these must be used. The hardness of the cricket ball causes fear to the unpracticed. It hurts tender hands to be rudely struck by the hard ball. Companions can practice fielding indoors or almost anywhere, if a ball is provided. Cricketers will find a ball a delightful companion. Passing it around gives the practice which fielders must have to become expert. A dozen occasions innureinure [sic] the hands to the sensation of stopping a fast ball. It will no longer feel hard, but the fielder will take it at lightning speed.

Perfect fielding is absolutely unknown on the American cricket fields. Errors are so numerous even among the best players, that bowlers lose courage and nerve. Each fielder should recollect that he is the support of the bowler. The strength of every bowler depends upon