From other information received, I could tell this veteran that, even in his much-repented Nottingham match, his was not the only side that had men resolved to lose. The match was sold for Nottingham too, and that with less success, for Nottingham won: an event the less difficult to accomplish, as Lord Frederick Beauclerk broke a finger in an attempt to stop a designed and wilful overthrow! and played the second innings with one hand.
It is true, Clarke, who played in the match, thought all was fair; still, he admits, he heard one Nottingham man accused on the field, by his own side, of foul play. This confirms the evidence of the Rev. C. W., no slight authority in Nottingham matches, who said he was cautioned before the match that all would not be fair.
‘This practice of selling matches,’ said Beldham, ‘produced strange things sometimes. Once, I remember, England was playing Surrey, and, in my judgment, Surrey had the best side; still I found the Legs were betting seven to four against Surrey! This time they were done; for they betted on the belief that some Surrey men had sold the match, but Surrey played to win.
‘Crockford used to be seen about Lord’s, and Mr. Gully also occasionally, but only for society of sporting men; they did not understand the game, and I never saw them bet. Mr. Gully was often talking to me about the game for one season; but I never could put any sense into him! He knew plenty about fighting, and afterwards of horse-racing; but a man cannot learn the odds of cricket unless he is something of a player.’”
If a suggestion is made as to your style or method, (however well meant) do not adopt it in a match, until you have tried it in practice and found it a satisfactory improvement.
American Cricket owes a debt of gratitude to base ball. The undaunted pluck that stops and holds the fierce grounder; the strong arm which returns it to the baseman; the steady judgement that guides the out-fielder to the fly; all deserve the highest praise. Cricket welcomes the base ball fielder to the cricket ground, gives him the post of severest duty, depends upon his keen eyesight, splendid throwing, quick action and steady nerve. She soon calls him her own; for these qualities are just what she is always wanting. Let base ball players then not hesitate, for all their training is in the line of perfect fielding on the cricket ground.