Page:Cricket (Lyttelton, 1898).djvu/47

Rh often sees two different men fielding cover-point, one to each bowler; but most marvellous of all is the sight of the modern wicket-keep standing up to fast bowling with no long-stop, a very striking instance of the excellence of the wickets and the accuracy of the bowling. It could not have been done in old days, because the shooter that missed bat and wicket must have gone for four or more byes, and so would the bumping ball. Still, it is a testimony to the wonderful skill of the modern wicket-keep, for it throws great responsibility upon him. The Australians started the innovation with Blackham, and at once struck the world of cricket with wonder, respect, and amazement. It must be remembered, however, that for this change almost as much credit is due to the bowler as the wicket-keep; and if anybody would like to try the experiment of standing up to the wicket while Mold was bowling, he would be astonished to find how small a proportion of balls pass the wicket at all. The few balls that pass