Cricket is believed to have originated in England in 15th century. In the old newspapers of 1700 we can see the advertisements of cricket matches. The first recorded country cricket match was played in 1719. By 1750 the pitch was fixed as 22 yards long with a two stump wicket, 22 inches high, and 6 inches wide. But was long and curved. Players used to wear white shirts, breeches, stockings and a sort of top hat.
In 1750, the Hambledon club was founded. Hambledon was a small village in Hampshire, but it became very popular when its team defeated one representing the rest of England. Bowling was underarm, but skill in setting the field and in wicket keeping soon developed.
In 1781, Lord’s Cricket Ground opened and in 1814 it moved to its present site. On 1788, Marylebone Cricket Club (M.C.C.) was founded and it became the ruling body for cricket. By 1800 the wicket was fixed at 27 inches by 9 inches. Over arm bowling was not recognized until 1864.
Test Cricket began with matches in Australia in 1877 when Lilly White’s English touring side was defeated by a combined Australian team. The first test match in England was played in 1880 and with the exception of the war years, test matches have continued ever since. However, one day cricket matches with limited overs are gaining much popularity now a day.
