The Hastings Standard Published Daily SATURDAY, NOV. 13, 1897. RUN GETTING.

Hastings Standard, Issue 475, 13 November 1897, Page 2

The Ha stings Standard Published Daily

SATURDAY, NOV. 13, 1897. RUN GETTING.

For the cause that lacks assistance," For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Among the many entertaining articles that have appeared in the English magazines during the past few months from the pens of distinguished cricketers the one on the art of rungettings, contributed by Mr Gilbert Jessop to the October number of the National Review, is probably the best, as it is undoubtedly the most modern. Mr Jessop, as every cricketer knows, or ought to know, is the latest exponent of the " hit-hard-and-hit-often " style of batting which is so immensely popular with " the crowd," and yet in his article in the Review he quietly disparages the persistent hitter as a man who has his uses only on special occasions. There is, in fact, throughout the whole of his remarks, a strong leaning towards the cautious player which will be intensely amusing to everyone who has followed the author's own performances. We (Lyttelton Times) may be pretty sure, however, that when Mr Jessop begins another season he will forget all about his sage advice and step out to Richardson and the rest of them with the easy confidence that has made him the bright particular idol of many an English cricket field. In the meantime, he has a kindly word to say for the mighty hitters that have gone before him. " It was, indeed," he exclaims with ganerous appreciation of the achievements of one of his predecessors, " an astounding sight to behold Lyons; the famous Australian, hi fc a length ball from Hearne or Attewell on to the roof of the pavilion at Lord's without stirring an inch from his crease." He mention Massie, too, as a great hitter who could make runs on a bad wicket when better batsmen failed. But his sober judgment is all on the side of the scientific batsman who will wait for his opportunities and make the best use of them when they come. The whole article is |u|X of souo4

doctrine, and the good sense that comes with experience, but it ought, it seems to us, to have concluded with the parental admonition, "Do as I tell you and not as I do." It would, at anyrate, be a bitter di-appointment to the British public and a serious loss to Gloucestershire cricket if Mr .Jessop should put all his admirable theories into practice. To get runs is, after all, the principal business of a batsman, and to get them quickly ought to be the summit of his ambition.