DON'TS FOR CRICKETERS 1906

With a text from 1906 and photographs and captions from the 2020 reissue, this captivating little book shows that nothing really essential has changed. The game still respects fair play, keeping to the rules and behaving in a gentlemanly manner under defeat, though the word gentlemanly may not be appropriate given that women have been playing cricket since the 18th century. Most of the rules here were formulated in the golden age between 1880 and 1914. Wisdom such as don't "look at the ball" can be from any era, though "don't bowl with a flapping sleeve to distract the batsman" may reflect an earlier style of cricketing dress. A photo of the women's team from 1939 depicts no helmets or protective gear other than batting pads. Good manners are at the heart of good cricket, so don't dally in getting to the wicket, always obey your captain cheerfully and promptly, don't indulge in any exhibition of anger towards the umpire, and be modest after a victory. Practical advice includes "put the left leg over", "get on top of the ball", and don't bat too cautiously. When uncertain, play a half-cock, where the bat is held and the ball allowed to hit it. Don't go back once you've called a run. Good bowling starts with command of length, which takes endless practice, but the best bowling in the world is useless if it is not supplemented by "decently good fielding". Captaincy, umpires, the pitch, and "gentlemen and players" ("don't expect a professional to make a good captain") all come under scrutiny. 95pp, mono illustrations.