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96 Another match might be played in which the batsman experimented with a bat more or less reduced in size, and with ordinary wickets against an eleven with ordinary bats, and wickets one or two inches higher. It would probably be necessary to have several matches played as experiments in one or more changes in the rules, but one object-lesson by practical experience would be gained, and the ground cleared for permanent and useful reforms—the one thing essential being that the matches be played on hard, true wickets.

Reforms may be classified under three heads: (1) alteration in the laws independent of what may be called the implements of the game; (2) alteration in the implements; and (3) alteration in the customs, such as boundaries. Under the first head is the all-important question of l.b.w., and the follow on. Of all questions, that of l.b.w. has provoked the greatest difference of opinion, and the position of those who favour change or the contrary is so high, that a great deal of thought has been rightly given to this point. There is one point, however, on which I think some opponents of change—even so great an