Cricket is one of the world’s oldest sports. Believed to date back as far as the Saxon times the first official record of cricket being played was in 1611 by a group of boys in South West England. During the same year cricket found its way to the English dictionary and was defined as a ‘boy’s game’. Many believe the game may have come from bowls as players attempted to hit the ball away from its intended goal.
Gradually the sport began to grow in England and by the 18th century, cricket had developed into London’s most popular sport. After 1800 cricket gradually made its way across the globe where it became most popular in countries such as Australia, India and South Africa. Nowadays these countries, along with England, are still the main powerhouses of the professional game.
Definitions
Before we can get cracking on the top five essentials there are a few definitions that need clearing up. A cricket field is the larger surrounding area in which the game is played and is sometimes split into two. These two sections are the outfield and infield. The boundary is, you guessed it, the outer edge of this field. As for the pitch, this is where the ball is bowled and where the batsmen attempt to strike it.
Equipment
As with many traditional sports, the game of cricket has developed hugely over time and a tremendous amount of equipment is now associated with the game. How can you get started though?
Bails
Bails make up one part of the famous wicket along with the three stumps on which the bails rest. Cleary then, these bails are an essential part of your cricket field, as without them you simply couldn’t play!
Stumps
Another crucial element of a cricket pitch is the stumps. As we’ve discussed, they make up part of the wicket so you’ll need to make sure you have plenty spare in case a few don’t see eye to eye with the ball!
Nets
If your team wants to practice batting and bowling without the hassle of fielding then nets are your best friend. Surrounding your pitch with nets means that the balls get caught before they make a beeline for the boundary!
Boundary markers
The boundary is another crucial aspect of the game of cricket. If a batsman manages to hit the ball over the boundary it’s an easy six runs and if they hit the boundary it’s a quick four. Therefore, knowing where the boundary is during a game is crucial for everyone on the field.
Scoreboards
It’s no secret that cricket scoring can get pretty complicated. There are runs, innings and a whole lot in between. Keeping track of these scores, so everyone can see them, is pivotal if you want your games to run smoothly.
There’s no wonder why cricket has become one of the world’s most popular sports; it’s fast-paced and action-packed. There’s no denying though, that you need the right equipment to fully appreciate it. Need some help kitting out your cricket field? Contact us today!