Cricket is definitely one
of the most popular sports in the world. The game
has an intriguing history.
In the 17th century before cricket reached North
England, it was introduced to North America. Cricket
was introduced to other parts of the globe in the
18th century. It reached India and West Indies in
the first half on the century followed by Australia,
New Zealand and South Africa in the early 19th
century.
The basic rules of cricket already existed since
time immemorial but innovations, such as middle
stump, lbw and maximum width of the bat were added
in 1774 when the laws of cricket were amended.
The laws of cricket have changed many times
throughout its history. It was only in 1774 that
laws of cricket were first written. The bats were
different from what we use today. They were long
curved pieces of wood. Most of the laws of cricket
have changed except one that is the length of the
pitch of 22 yards.
Earlier, bowlers use to bowl underarm because
overarm bowling was initially illegal. John Willes
introduced overarm bowling. Christina Willes, sister
of John Willes, tried to bowl underarm. However,
when her skirt was getting in the way she bowled
with her arm slightly higher and this is how overarm
bowling is believed to have evolved.
Development of rail network played an important role
in the popularity of cricket in the second half if
19th century. It also helped to increase the
popularity of the game as the spectators were able
to travel longer distances to watch the matches. The
early twentieth century marked the growth and spread
of cricket.
