Page:Cricket (Hutchinson, 1903).djvu/205

Rh whenever the latter, either because of the bad return or on account of his zeal in running after a "snick," leaves his post. Many "points" stand too far out, so much so that they encroach on the duties of "cover." If a "point" stands some 16 or 17 yards away from the wicket, the "cover" must of necessity stand much deeper, and by doing so he can rarely stop two determined batsmen from stealing many short runs during the course of a long partnership. No finer "points" than Noble, and Wright of Derbyshire, who stand rarely more than 10 yards from the bat, could be found, and the number of catches that they have brought off because of their propinquity to the wicket more than counterbalances the number of runs that they might have saved by standing back.

There is no position in the field that gives so many opportunities for a fine field to shine as does that of "cover-point." It is a most trying position for any one who may not be in the best of condition, as he has to be continually on the move, for he it is that is held responsible for the prevention of short runs, quite the most arduous part of his many duties. As he has a large area of ground to look after, he must be very exact in keeping in his right place, as even a yard may mean all the difference between taking or missing a chance, especially as the ball sometimes travels at great speed in his direction. The difficulty of the position lies in the amount of "spin" that is often imparted to the ball, not only when on the ground, but also when in the air. Catches which often