Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/268

 can reach, he can hold. Time after time I have seen him go head over heels in trying for an almost impossible catch; but rarely, if ever, did he lose hold of the ball. The young player should watch him; for he is a fine illustration of quickness and safety, and is continually bringing off remarkable catches.

This position can only be filled by a really good man, for it is one in which temper and judgment will be tried to the utmost. He is expected to stop everything that comes to him, for, if he miss it, it may mean a boundary hit, and if he is too far away, the batsman will steal a sharp run. Whatever the state of the ground, but particularly if at all rough, the ball, after it pitches, comes twisting and kicking; and if he is standing too square, he will have to try for it with his left hand. The slightest mistake, and the batsman is off; and the fraction of a second makes all the difference between a run and a run-out. The fieldsman must never get flurried, must be quick to decide the wicket to be thrown at, and not forget to throw the ball straight at the wicket-keeper or bowler's head, or so that it will fall into his hands about the height of his chest after first bound.

Sharp runs have a most demoralising effect on some fieldsmen; and I remember, on more than one occasion, in an important match third man losing his head completely and mistakes and overthrows were the result.

Third man must ask the bowler whether he should stand rather fine or square; he should also find out whether the batsmen are quick or slow in running, so that he may go close in or deep as the case may be. Four of the best men in this position at the present time are Messrs. A. E. Stoddart, P. J. de Paravicini, and Gunn and Maurice Read.