SJS
Hall of Fame Member
In Bradman's Art of Cricket ( the finest cricket manual ever written) there is a chapter at the end on temprament. It is very interesting how he describes which batsman will have a better temprament.
' Next time you see a batsman wending his way to the wickets, give a thought to these problems. He is human like you, and desperately anxious to do well.
Is it any wonder temprament plays such an important part in batting?
Strangely enough, the player with the best temprament is seldom the phlegmatic, calm, unemotional person who gives you the impression that nothing could excite him.
Nor is it the nervy, excitable fellow who can't do his pads up, can't find his gloves or even think straight.
I always liked to see a player who was extremely concious of his responsibilitiy and all that went with it, who was really very thrilled and enthusiastic under the surface but who kept his emotions under control. The sort of chap who would find it difficult to sleep or eat as usual just before a test match. That type usually posesses a high degree of nervous energy which comes into play at the critical hour.
He may be anxious on the morning of the match, but once he sets foot on the arena he is in ful command of himself and his reflexes are quick. This man will play better in a test than in a picnic match. He is the chap for the big occasion.'
Which batsman, in your opinion, best epitomises the type of player the Don has in mind ?
' Next time you see a batsman wending his way to the wickets, give a thought to these problems. He is human like you, and desperately anxious to do well.
Is it any wonder temprament plays such an important part in batting?
Strangely enough, the player with the best temprament is seldom the phlegmatic, calm, unemotional person who gives you the impression that nothing could excite him.
Nor is it the nervy, excitable fellow who can't do his pads up, can't find his gloves or even think straight.
I always liked to see a player who was extremely concious of his responsibilitiy and all that went with it, who was really very thrilled and enthusiastic under the surface but who kept his emotions under control. The sort of chap who would find it difficult to sleep or eat as usual just before a test match. That type usually posesses a high degree of nervous energy which comes into play at the critical hour.
He may be anxious on the morning of the match, but once he sets foot on the arena he is in ful command of himself and his reflexes are quick. This man will play better in a test than in a picnic match. He is the chap for the big occasion.'
Which batsman, in your opinion, best epitomises the type of player the Don has in mind ?
