Ball was pitched, 15 yards or so,
In line with ‘off’ and ‘middle’
And the batsman caught, in two minds sure
Bat and pad, together in a shuffle

Time available to wait back for the ball
Was trifle less than needed
And to go out and meet the pitch :
Sure would have been a hasty bid !

There it was ! a good length ball !
And there and then I understood
Why some balls were called this way,
Not less, nor more , simply ‘good’ !

So what can you do, if life comes this way
Racing, perfectly pitched on the spot ?
Well friends, simply play it back
With wits collected and all you’ve got

For if you don’t, you’ll leave a hole
Between your head and your blessed heart
And even before you bring down the bat
You shall be cleaned up, dreams shattered apart !

But when the ball is a little short
As it will be, many times in this game
Just have a mighty swing and go,
Put a massive score against your name !

And now for the one that is over-pitched
Accept it as a lucky break…
Simply loft it, straight out of the stands
It’s a bonus in life, be quick to take !!