Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/80

 family was a cricketing one in every sense of the word, and a cricket ground in front of one's home at that time rare and exceptional. It was as natural for me and every one at home to walk out to the ground, as it is for every boy in England to go into his nursery; and what boy with a choice at his command would prefer the latter? Alfred and E. M. were showing great promise, though not quite good enough to play for the club, and spent every moment of their spare time practising.

My uncle made a point of coming to Downend frequently to coach us, and an excellent coach he made. His bowling was not fast enough to frighten us, but straight and accurate enough to enable us to learn the first principles of batting; viz., good defence. Very fortunately, at that period of my life I was given a bat to suit my strength. I say fortunately, for my uncle and Henry tell me a mistake had been made with regard to E. M. in that respect. Who was to blame, I know not; but E. M., long before he reached manhood's years, was in the habit of using a full-sized bat, and to that they attribute in some measure his cross-hitting. A little thought will show that there is a deal of reason in their argument. It is possible for a boy to handle a bat a little bit over his weight, and even play straight with it; but it is impossible for him to do so when it is inches too long. That is a point that cannot be considered too carefully in coaching a boy, if a correct style and freedom be aimed at. Good players can be reckoned by the score, who will tell you that a mistake of that kind was made with them in their early days, and that they never got thoroughly over it.

To my uncle great credit is due for teaching me, and I sincerely wish that every boy who reads this may possess a teacher as patient and as capable. His first piece of advice was:

"Use a bat suited to your height and strength, and