Don'ts for Cricketers

By Derek Pringle

Don'ts for Husbands and Don'ts for Wives were republished by A&C Black in 2007 and have sold more than one million copies to date. The advice contained in Don'ts for Cricketers was originally printed in 1888 and 1906 and contains hundreds of snippets of entertaining, timeless and amusing advice for cricketers of all abilities. The advice, ranging from technique and equipment to etiquette on the field, provides an entertaining snapshot of life in early twentieth-century Britain.

On batting mentality:

'Don't be in two minds about how you are going to play the ball, for that way madness lies.'

On batting technique:

'Don't fail to keep the ball down in driving, for you run great risk of being caught. Of course, the "high drive" is an extremely pretty stroke.'

On bowling mentality:

'Don't be sulky or sad if your bowling is punished or your captain takes you off bowling when you want to continue.'

On bowling technique:

'Don't bend your elbow; it is not pleasant to be called for "throwing" when you are bowling in a match.'

On fielding:

'Don't forget the old story of the famous cricketer who scored 125 for the Gentlemen of England, but dropped so many catches that at the end of the day he was adjudged to owe his side 95 runs!'

On the essence of the game:

'Don't forget the motto of that famous old cricket club, I Zingari: "Keep your promise, keep your temper, keep your wicket up."'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: May 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781408192238

Book preview

DON’TS FOR CRICKETERS

I.—CONDUCT

Don’t stop cultivating the moral qualities that by necessity must have a place in such a great, glorious and unsurpassable game as cricket.

Don’t believe any man who tells you that he does not know what nervousness in cricket is. It is common to all, in greater or lesser degrees. It is in the constitution, and cannot be got rid of by much, or any, reading.

Don’t wrangle with or abuse the umpire. How would matches ever be finished satisfactorily if every batsman had a right to remain at the wicket until he thought himself fairly out?

Don’t be superstitious.

Don’t bowl with a long, loose or flapping sleeve in order to distract the batsman’s attention. This is intrinsically unfair and unworthy of any true cricketer. Waving the arms behind the ball after it has been delivered is also manifestly unfair.

Don’t grumble at the captain’s orders : the responsibility of managing a match is quite enough anxiety and trouble without being bothered by a mutinous eleven.

Don’t be sulky or sad if your bowling is punished or your captain takes you off when you want to continue.

Don’t lose your temper.

Don’t move about in an aimless or fidgety manner.

Don’t underestimate the virtue of patience.

Don’t be disheartened by a month, or perhaps even a season, with very bad luck and a bad average. Comfort yourself with this reflection : not only have good players had these reverses, but even the very best. The mighty do sometimes fall.

Don’t be afraid to follow your natural instincts.

Don’t forget the motto of that famous old cricket club, I Zingari : Keep your promise—keep your temper—keep your wicket up.

Don’t get nervous if you make a mistake.

Don’t countenance any interference with the implements of cricket.

Don’t be deceived. The batsman given out unluckily may look pleasant, but that is only one of the beneficent results of civilisation, for, as a matter of fact, he feels extremely bitter, and there are innumerable swords in his heart.

Don’t abuse a batsman, no matter what rash stroke or foolish