Cricket Over The Centuries
Cricket
A Traditional Sport
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Cricket, a bat-and-ball game that is often referred to as the "gentleman's sport," holds a significant place in the realm of sports. With a prominent presence in various nations globally, cricket has evolved throughout the centuries, captivating millions of fans worldwide. Examining the origins, development, and global influence of cricket will shed light on the enduring legacy of this remarkable sport.
In the earliest definite reference, it was spelled creckett. The name may have been derived from the Middle Dutch krick(-e), meaning a stick; or the Old English cricc or cryce meaning a crutch or staff, or the French word criquet meaning a wooden post.
Origins
There have been several speculations about the game's origins, including some that it was created in France or Flanders. The earliest of these speculative references is from 1300 and concerns the future King Edward II playing at "creag and other games" in both Westminster and Newenden.
It has been suggested that "creag" was an Old English word for cricket, but expert opinion is that it was an early spelling of "craic", meaning "fun and games in general
The roots of cricket can be traced back to the 16th century in England. There is a consensus of expert opinion that cricket may have been invented during Saxon or Norman times by children living in the Weald, an area of dense woodlands and clearings in south-east England that lies across Kent and Sussex. Records from 1611 indicate the first time that the sport was documented in Sussex; this is also the first reference to cricket being played by adults. The first reference to women's cricket is also from Sussex and dates from 1677.
In 1709 Kent met Surrey in the first recorded intercounty match at Dartford, and it is probable that about this time a code of laws (rules) existed for the conduct of the game, although the earliest known version of such rules is dated 1744. Sources suggest that cricket was limited to the southern counties of England during the early 18th century, but its popularity grew and eventually spread to London, notably to the Artillery Ground, Finsbury, which saw a famous match between Kent and All-England in 1744. Heavy betting and disorderly crowds were common at matches.
The Hambledon Club, playing in Hampshire on Broadhalfpenny Down, was the predominant cricket force in the second half of the 18th century before the rise of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London. Formed from a cricket club that played at White Conduit Fields, the club moved to Lord’s Cricket Ground in St. Marylebone borough in 1787 and became the MCC and in the following year published its first revised code of laws.
Lord’s, which was named after its founder, Thomas Lord, has had three locations over its history. Moving to the current ground in St. John’s Wood in 1814, Lord’s became the headquarters of world cricket.
In 1836 the first match of North counties versus South counties was played, providing clear evidence of the spread of cricket. In 1846 the All-England XI, founded by William Clarke of Nottingham, began touring the country, and from 1852, when some of the leading professionals (including John Wisden, who later compiled the first of the famous Wisden almanacs on cricketing) seceded to form the United All-England XI, these two teams monopolized the best cricket talent until the rise of county cricket. They supplied the players for the first English touring team overseas in 1859.
In August 1914, after the First World War broke out and in England droves joined the war effort, the County Championship continued for a couple of weeks, even as cricketers were summoned by the War Office mid-match. It took the Battle of Mons and a letter from WG Grace in the Sportsman, echoing the sentiment of the country at large, to bring the season to an early conclusion.
"I think the time has arrived when the county cricket season should be closed, for it is not fitting at a time like this that able-bodied men should be playing cricket by day and pleasure-seekers look on," Grace's letter said.
Though all first-class cricket in England was suspended for the duration of the war, a few charity matches and games between army regiments and representative service sides were played.
The next big break in cricket across the world came with the onset of the Second World War. England and West Indies had just wound up a Test series, the third and last match of which was played at The Oval, in August 1939, before West Indies were called back home in anticipation of the war to come. The Oval was requisitioned soon after for use as a prisoner-of-war camp.
And while World War II disrupted cricket in England, matches were still played. Lord's had a packed schedule and crowds showed up for games, even as the Luftwaffe was bombing London and its surrounds. In 1944, Germany began deploying doodlebugs - V1 flying bombs - most of which found their targets in London. On July 29, a Royal Air Force side - featuring Wally Hammond - played the Army at Lord's, with over 3000 spectators in attendance.
About an hour into play, Middlesex batsman Jack Robertson was in to bat for the Army, facing up to Bob Wyatt, when they heard the telltale buzz of a doodlebug - an indication that it was going to hit Lord's or somewhere very close to it. The players and spectators dropped to the ground, but fortunately the bomb landed 200 yards short of the match. The players rose, dusted themselves off, and resumed. Wyatt - earlier interrupted in his run-up - bowled to Robertson, who, with perfect nonchalance, lofted the ball into the stands for a six.
The 19th century witnessed the establishment of international cricket and the first international match. In 1844, the United States and Canada played the inaugural international cricket match in New York. However, it was in 1877 when England and Australia clashed, marking the commencement of Test cricket. This historic encounter laid the foundation for international cricket series and established England and Australia as archrivals.
Throughout the 20th century, cricket continued to expand its boundaries globally. In 1909, the Imperial Cricket Conference (now known as the International Cricket Council) was formed, fostering collaboration and instituting standard rules for the game. Consequently, more nations ventured into the world of cricket, with India, Pakistan, West Indies, and Sri Lanka emerging as dominant forces.
Evolution in Formats
Cricket has seen several transformations in its format, leading to the emergence of three primary formats played today: Test cricket, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) cricket.
Test cricket, known for its duration, tactical battles, and endurance, has been considered the pinnacle of the sport. ODIs, introduced in 1971, revolutionized the game with limited overs, resulting in quicker-paced matches. The popularity of ODIs soared, culminating in the creation of the Cricket World Cup in 1975, further elevating the sport's global appeal.
In 2003, the advent of Twenty20 cricket radically transformed the game, bringing a faster and more explosive format. T20 cricket reimagined cricket as a spectator sport, attracting a broader audience and propelling the game to new heights of excitement. The wildly successful Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, epitomized the global fascination with T20 cricket.
Third Umpire
The third umpire was conceptualized by former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer, and current cricket writer Mahinda Wijesinghe.
It debuted in Test cricket in November 1992 at Kingsmead, Durban for the South Africa vs. India series. Karl Liebenberg was the third umpire with Cyril Mitchley the on-field umpire, referring the run-out decision in this match. Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to be dismissed (run out) by using television replays in the second day of the Test scoring 11.
Appointment
The third umpire is appointed from the Elite Panel or the International Panel of ICC Umpires for Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is.
For all Test matches, and for ODIs where DRS is used, the third umpire is appointed by the ICC, and is a different nationality to the two sides. For ODIs where DRS is not used, and for all T20Is, the third umpire is appointed by the home side's Governing body.
Women first played cricket in England in the 18th century. In 1887 the first club, White Heather, was formed, and it survived to 1957. In 1890 two professional teams known collectively as the Original English Lady Cricketers were in action.
In 1926 the Women’s Cricket Association was founded, and in 1934–35 it sent a team to Australia and New Zealand. Australia paid a return visit in 1937, and, since World War II, tours have increased. The International Women’s Cricket Council was formed in 1958 by Australia, England, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Africa and later included India, Denmark, and several West Indian islands. A World Cup was instituted in 1973, two years ahead of men’s cricket, and England and Australia played in the first women’s matches at Lord’s in 1976.
Cricket's global influence is evident, with the sport captivating fans and players from diverse cultures across the world. While it originated in England, cricket has become a passion in countries such as India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies.
In India, cricket is a national obsession, with fervent support for the national team. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a domestic T20 tournament, has not only galvanized Indian audiences but also attracted top international players, elevating the sport's reach and commercial value.
Cricket has become a symbol of national pride, fostering healthy rivalries between nations. The Ashes series between England and Australia is one such example, evoking intense competition and nationalistic fervor.
Conclusion
It's amazing to think how a simple village game from England could become a global phenomenon. The evolution of cricket is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together and transcend cultural and national boundaries.
From the dusty cricket fields of rural England to the packed stadiums of India and beyond, cricket has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the skill and athleticism of its players, the complexity and strategy of the game, and the sense of community and shared identity that it fosters.
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