 His bowling was smooth and effortless , with a classical action . He could bowl fast , but more often bowled at fast @-@ medium pace . He could make the ball swing in humid weather , and deliver off @-@ spin when conditions were suitable . However , Hammond was reluctant to bowl , particularly for Gloucestershire . Bill Bowes believed that he was a very good bowler who would not take it seriously . In his obituary , Wisden said that " at slip he had no superior . He stood all but motionless , moved late but with uncanny speed , never needing to stretch or strain but plucking the ball from the air like an apple from a tree . " He was also able to field further away from the batsmen than was the norm , particularly in his younger days , as he could chase the ball quickly and had a very good throwing arm . 
