Cricket

Cricket, the classic English sport

One of the outdoor games that date its history back to the United Kingdom is cricket. Cricket was first played by children in the 17th century in the south east of England. It later developed and adults participation was seen much later estimated at the 18th century. Funny enough, two young men were said to have been prosecuted for playing cricket on a Sunday instead of going to church in 1611 making it uncertain when the game actually began.

The word cricket in English may mean an insect that removes a chirping sound or a four legged stool but the word Cricket as a sport is thought to be derived from a Dutch word creckett meaning a stick. This gives a Dutch connection in the history of the game.

The term Cricket, the classic English sport evolved probably due to the history of the game coming from England and spreading all over the world. The first famous cricket clubs were from England in particular Dartford and London in the early 18th century. Cricket later found its way to North America in late 17th century by the English colonial administration. Another attribute for cricket, the classical English sport is been a major game in the commonwealth games which includes all the countries that were British colony.

Cricket is a game played by two teams with each comprising of eleven players. One of the teams’ bats and scores when they make a run. The batman score by hitting the ball and making a run and touching the crease without been bat out. The other team tries to bowl out the other team by reducing the number runs. They then exchange roles and the other team bats. Professional cricket game can be played for five days. The team with the most runs takes the day. Cricket pitch is oval shaped with the batman centrally located. It is about 22 yards and the game is headed by a minimum of two referees.

As cricket gained popularity, only England, Australia and South Africa were the only members of the Imperial Cricket Conference formed in 1902. A test referred to test cricket was introduced. Other countries joined this game. These countries referred to as test nation included India, West Indies and Pakistan. Later as the game grew in the early 18th century Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh joined the ICC. Cricket matches have been divided into two namely first class crickets which may take about five days to play and limited overs cricket which takes a day to play.

Another reason why this game is referred to as cricket, the classic English sport is the rules that governs the game. These rules were first made by Alan Brodick and the Duck of Richmond who were Englishmen. Later in 1744, the cricket laws were written down in England and England became the custodian of this rules. The governing body of cricket called imperial cricket council abbreviated as ICC has its head quarters in England. The current rating of cricket according to ICC ranks Australia, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and England respectively. This begs the question whether cricket, the classic English sport has seized to be English sport since England is ranked 5th.
The growth and popularity of cricket is seen in the emerging leagues in different countries. The most common leagues are the one day tournament called the ICC world cricket league for non test members and the famous cricket world cup.

Cricket as a game has numerous limitation. First of all, it is played only in the dry season making it a seasonal game. This locks out the funs of crickets from enjoying the game in winter and also rainy season. Also, having five days to watch a single match makes it challenging for funs to follow up one game which is played for six hours daily for five days.

Socially, crickets justify the statement that cricket, is the classic English sport as it has influenced the growth of English language and culture which is used at the common wealth games by participating countries. Certain phrases such as “that is not a cricket” meaning something unfair has emerge as a result of this sport. Of late, it has become a popular game for women who are actively playing this sport. A resent cricket game version is the blind cricket that came to be in 1996. It is governed by the world blind cricket council and played by the blind and partially blind people. There are only three blind world cup tournament held so far.
Summary