HOW CRICKET STARTED?

A breakdown of cricket's origins and early development: 

 Origins: 

 Rooted in south-east England, specifically the woodlands of the Weald (Kent and Sussex). Believed to have developed during Saxon or Norman times as a children's game. 

 Early Forms (Pre-16th Century):  

 Evolved from simple bat-and-ball games, possibly related to bowls.

           Rudimentary equipment: lump of wool/stone (ball), stick/crook (bat), tree stump/gate (wicket).               Theories suggest it might have been played as early as the 13th century.

 First Definite References (Mid-16th Century):  

The earliest universally accepted written reference is from a 1597 court case in Guildford, Surrey. Witness John Derrick testified he played "creckett" around 1550. 

  

Adult Participation and Early Rules (Early 17th Century): 

 Records show cricket played as an adult sport by 1611, though still defined as a "boys' game" in   

a dictionary from that year. 

 Village cricket developed, and "local experts" began to be employed as early professionals. 

 Formalization and Spread (18th Century): 

 First Laws of Cricket (1744): Established basic rules, umpire roles, and initial wicket/ball dimensions. Hambledon Club: A focal point for the game for about three decades. 

 Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) (1787): Formed from the "Star and Garter Club," moved to Lord's Cricket Ground, and became the custodian of the Laws of Cricket. 

 Changes in Bowling and Batting: After 1760, bowlers began pitching the ball, leading to the development of the straight bat (replacing the curved "hockey-stick" style). 

 International Spread: Introduced to English colonies and trade routes, including North America, the West Indies, India, and Australia.