Page:A "Bawl" for American Cricket.djvu/67

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T should be constantly borne in mind that when arrangements for a match are being made, that the pleasure to be afforded by the game should be the first desideratum. A fixture having been arranged, let us suppose that the appointing power has named the elevens. The players should immediately meet and elect their captain. If the play of the opposing teams is even, the eleven with the best captain will win two out of three matches. He should be chosen from among the superior five. If in addition to his being captain he should be wicket keeper as well, chances are in favor of that eleven, as from that position he can silently direct the movement of any fielder without being observed by the batsman. The captains should be granted absolute obedience from fielders, for upon discipline depends the result. The captain should be a natural leader, of more than average physical endurance. He should be of sanguine disposition, always encouraging his men to renewed efforts even though disaster is imminent. He should command respect and obedience rather than exact it. He should be firm but not overbearing, earnest but not anxious, serene and not pompous in his bearing. Upon his judgement in posting his little army depends the score of his rivals.