About the Sport of Cricket 🏏
Cricket, a sport steeped in tradition and history, is not merely a game but a way of life for millions across the globe.
Originating in England in the 16th century, this bat and ball game has extended its roots to various parts of the world, notably India, Pakistan, South Africa, the West Indies and of course our Australia.
Despite its popularity, there are a fair few interesting cricket stories and moments that have slipped through the gloves of even the most diehard fan.
So in this article, your mates at Uptown Pokies have decided to shine a light on the lesser-known facts of this beloved sport.
Take a swing and read on to send your cricket IQ to the boundary!
Fascinating cricket facts
- The first recorded game of cricket was played in 1646, and fines were handed out for those who missed church to play
- Cricket was included in the 1900 Paris Olympics where only two teams, Great Britain and France, participated. The sport has not been included in the Olympics since
- The longest cricket match took place in 1939 between England and South Africa, lasting 12 days. Even then, the game was a draw as the English team had to leave to catch their boat home
- The highest total score in a Test match is 952/6, a record set by Sri Lanka against India in 1997
- The cricket ball is made of cork, covered with leather. Its manufacture involves a 28-step process and it weighs between 155 to 163 grams
- The famous Ashes urn, which represents the rivalry between Australia and England, is only 11 centimetres tall and weighs just 174 grams
- The tradition of a cricket "tea break" is deeply ingrained in the sport. This dates back to the 19th century when players would stop for a mid-afternoon tea - a ritual that continues in many levels of the game (particularly in England)
- Don Bradman, often hailed as the best batsman in cricket history, ended his Test career with an average of 99.94… just short of a perfect 100. Had he scored just four runs in his final innings, he would have retired with an average of 100!
Memorable cricket moments
The 'Bodyline' Ashes series (1932-33)
This series between England and Australia was marked by England's controversial "bodyline" bowling tactic, devised specifically to neutralise the batting prowess of Australia's Don Bradman. The tactic, which involved directing the ball towards the batsman's body with a packed leg-side field, marked a dark chapter in cricket history due to its perceived unsportsmanlike nature.
India's World Cup victory (1983)
Underdogs India shocked the cricket world by defeating the mighty West Indies to claim their first Cricket World Cup in 1983. The victory, secured by a team led by Kapil Dev, sparked a cricketing revolution in India and turned the nation into a global powerhouse of the sport.
Brian Lara’s unbeaten 400 (2004)
Brian Lara of the West Indies rewrote the record books by scoring an unbeaten 400 not out against England, the highest individual score in a Test innings. This record stands to this day, affirming Lara as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
The 'underarm' incident (1981)
In a One Day International (ODI) match between Australia and New Zealand, Australian bowler Trevor Chappell delivered an 'underarm' ball to prevent New Zealand from hitting a six to tie the match. The incident, considered against the spirit of the game, led to a change in the laws of cricket prohibiting underarm bowling.
England's World Cup win in super over (2019)
The final match of the 2019 Cricket World Cup between England and New Zealand was a nail-biter that ended in a tie after the regular fifty overs and even the super over. England eventually won by virtue of hitting more boundaries, marking their maiden World Cup victory.
Best ever cricket sledges
Ian Healy to Arjuna Ranatunga
The Australian wicketkeeper wasn't a fan of Ranatunga's request for a runner on a particularly hot day during a Test match. In response to the Sri Lankan captain's request, Healy retorted, "You don't get a runner for being an overweight, unfit, fat bastard".
Merv Hughes to Viv Richards
During a Test match, the Australian fast bowler wasn't very pleased when the West Indies great played and missed a few times. Hughes told him, "It's red, round and weighs about five ounces, in case you were wondering".
Glenn McGrath to Eddo Brandes
In a classic exchange, the Aussie paceman asked Zimbabwean tail-ender Brandes, "Why are you so fat"? Eddo's reply was legendary… "Because every time I sleep with your wife, she gives me a biscuit".
Conclusion
In this enlightening journey through the annals of cricket, we’ve uncovered some little-known facts, revisited memorable moments and revelled in the sharp wit of (Aussie) sledgers on the field.
The best thing though? Now you can take all that info and wow your mates at matches, parties or while watching the telly. Just remember that cricket is a loooong game, so if you ever need a little reprieve, pull up Uptown Pokies and take your best shot!
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