YOUNG CRICKETERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 248, 18 October 1924, Page 38 (Supplement)

YOUNG CRICKETERS.

HINTS BY J. B. HOBBS.

The advice of the greatest batsman in England, and said by Englishmen to be the greatest batsman in the world, J. B. Hobbs, should be of interest to young cricketers, and a few useful hints are given below. Discipline and co-operation are the two keywords of cricket. Quick footwork is just as essential to cricket as it is to boxing. Were I to be the captain of a side I would not include a bad fieldsman, no matter how good a batsman he might be. Enthusiasm is the key-note of cricket, for without it there is not much in stopping and hitting a ball with a piece of wood. To train for cricket seems something wonderful, but traiuing such as I suggest is nothing more nor less than to live a clean life. Remember that it is only by very careful watching of the ball that you will be able to play it with the middle of your bat. The young bowler must use his brain, always endeavouring to find a batsman's weakness, and, if possible, read hie thoughts. Good length is an essential, for without it you can do Tmthing. Let mc tell you that a young cricketer's first duty is absolute loyalty to his side. He is sent in to bat in order that runs shall be scored, and it is his duty to score when the opportunity presents itself. Cricket, like every other game, should always be regarded as an exercise and test of skill, for so soon as we make it a test of wits all sport and pleasure depart, and it would be far oetter if we never took bat or ball in hand. The youngster who wants to take up wicket-keeping must possess an extraordinary amount of courage, because if he takes proper steps to become proficient he will have to stand up close to the ordeal which savors of frightfulness when one looks at the rough and lumpy state of the wickete that most of our juniors hare to play on.