Page:The Cricket Field (1854).djvu/166

142 will safely meet forward every ball which pitches within that distance from the crease.

There are two ways of holding a bat in playing forward. The position of the hands, as of Pilch, in the frontispiece, standing at guard, will not admit of a long reach forward. Bat by shifting the left hand behind the bat, the action is free, and the reach unimpeded.

Every learner must practise this shifting of the left hand in forward play. The hand will soon come round naturally. Also, learn to reach forward with composure and no loss of balance. Play forward evenly and gracefully, with rather an elastic movement. Practice will greatly increase your reach. Take care you do not lose sight of the ball, as many do; and, look at the ball itself, not merely at the spot where you



expect it to pitch. Much depends on commencing at the proper moment, and not being in a hurry.