Page:A "Bawl" for American Cricket.djvu/68

 He ought to be a careful student of the capabilities in his own ranks as well as in those of his adversary.

Upon the day of the proposed match the captain of the "home" eleven should reach the ground at least one hour before "play" is to be called. This timely arrival gives him leisure to assure himself that the wicket has been selected and rolled, places of absentees filled by substitutes, that lunch has been prepared, and that all the petty commissions including lemons and saw dust have been executed. The visitors having been welcomed, their captain interviewed, and the toss won, a consultation with his eleven should precede the decision of "ins" or "outs" according to condition of ground, weather, and players. A soft turf presents great advantages to the "outs," whereas weather not foggy enough to prevent play may give tremendous advantages to the batsman. While deciding this important point the captain is entitled to the most intelligent assistance from his fellow players.

Before calling "play" the umpires must be selected. These individuals are usually overlooked in unimportant games, but to their credit "let it be recorded" that almost without exception they become the impartial judge, whose absolute authority is acknowledged by all. To their further repute when judging their own batters, (for in local matches the umpires are usually chosen from among the "ins"), let it be said all abide by their decisions, right or wrong. A flagrantly incorrect decision is usually reversed by the united wish of the players; for all pleasure would be destroyed if such accidental result should obtain. For trophy matches the umpires should be specially chosen because of their thorough knowledge