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Last Updated:
2024-03-27 09:37:45

Cricket

History of Cricket
History of Cricket
Cricket originated in the 16th century England. It became popular in the 18th century. The first international game was played in 1844 between USA and Canada.
1300-03-10
Wardrobe accounts of King Edward I mentioning 'creag and other games'
On Thursday, 10 March 1300, wardrobe accounts of King Edward I of England included refunds for games played by Prince Edward, possibly including 'creag', which has been suggested as an early form of cricket.
1478-10-11
First mention of criquet in France in a letter to King Louis XI
The first mention of criquet in France dates back to a letter of grievance to King Louis XI on 11 October 1478, following a riot in Liettres. This indicates an early reference to the sport.
1533
Reference to Flemish weavers as 'kings of crekettes'
In a 1533 poem attributed to John Skelton, Flemish weavers were described as 'kings of crekettes', a word of Middle Dutch origin, which may be an early reference to the sport of cricket.
1550
Invention of Cricket
Around 1550, children living in the Weald, an area in south-east England, possibly created cricket as a form of entertainment and physical activity.
1597-01-17
Earliest Definite Reference to Cricket
In 1597, a legal case in Guildford, Surrey, included a deposition mentioning cricket being played on a parcel of land in about 1550 by John Derrick. This confirms that cricket was being played by the middle of the 16th century, with suggestions of Flemish immigrants possibly contributing to its origin.
1598
Cricket Definition by Giovanni Florio
In 1598, Giovanni Florio included a definition of cricket in his Italian-English dictionary, linking the word 'sgillare' to making noise like a cricket and playing cricket-a-wicket. He was the first to define cricket as both an insect and a game.
1610
Cricketing between Weald and Upland near Chevening, Kent
In 1610, there was a reference to 'cricketing' between Weald and Upland near Chevening, Kent.
1611
Earliest Organised Cricket Match
Around 1611, the earliest known organised cricket match took place, marking the transition of cricket from a children's game in the 16th century to an adult pastime. This period also saw the emergence of village cricket matches.
1617
Declaration of Sports issued by James I
James I issued the Declaration of Sports in 1617, listing permitted sports and recreations on Sundays in response to Puritan disapproval of recreational activities.
1622-05-05
Cricket played in Boxgrove churchyard
In 1622, several parishioners of Boxgrove were prosecuted for playing cricket in a churchyard on a Sunday, leading to concerns about local bye-laws and safety due to the game's rules at the time.
1624-08-28
First Recorded Cricket Fatality
In 1624, a cricket fielder named Jasper Vinall died after being struck on the head by a batsman trying to hit the ball a second time. This incident led to the encoding of the rule that hitting the ball twice is illegal in cricket.
1629
Henry Cuffin prosecuted for playing cricket
In 1629, Henry Cuffin, a curate at Ruckinge, was prosecuted for playing cricket on a Sunday evening after prayers, marking the beginning of cricket's popularity among the gentry.
1646-05-29
Earliest Recorded Cricket Wager at Coxheath
In 1646, a court case concerning non-payment of a wager on a cricket match at Coxheath in Kent on Friday, 29 May that year. The wager was for twelve candles, involving members of the local gentry.
1648
Impact of Puritan Government on Cricket during the Commonwealth
After the Civil War ended in 1648, the new Puritan government imposed restrictions on 'unlawful assemblies' and enforced stricter Sabbath observance, potentially leading to a decline in cricket's popularity among the lower classes during the Commonwealth period. However, the sport continued to thrive in fee-paying schools.
1652
Case at Cranbrook against John Rabson
In 1652, a case at Cranbrook referred to 'a certain unlawful game called cricket', involving John Rabson, a member of the gentry, and other working-class defendants.
1654
Prosecution for playing cricket on Sunday in Eltham
In 1654, three men were prosecuted in Eltham for playing cricket on a Sunday, reflecting the Puritan influence during Cromwell's Protectorate.
1658
Earliest Reference to Cricket Ball
The earliest reference to the cricket ball is found in 1658 in Mysteries of Love and Eloquence by Edward Phillips.
1660
Cricket Thrives After the Restoration
After the Restoration in 1660, cricket flourished and started attracting gamblers who made large bets on the matches. This period is believed to mark the beginning of top-class cricket matches.
1664
Passing of the Gaming Act 1664
In 1664, the 'Cavalier' Parliament passed the Gaming Act which limited stakes to £100, a significant amount at that time. This act aimed to regulate gambling activities related to cricket matches.
1671
Edward Bound charged with playing cricket on the Sabbath
In 1671, Edward Bound was charged with playing cricket on the Sabbath, but was exonerated, indicating a shift in attitudes towards the sport after the Restoration.
1673
Earliest Reference to Cricket at Oxford University
The earliest reference to cricket at Oxford University is dated 1673, found in John Phillips' Duellum Musicum pamphlet criticizing Thomas Salmon for spending more time on cricket than on academic pursuits.
1676-05-06
Cricket mentioned in Aleppo, Ottoman Empire
The earliest known mention of cricket being played outside England dates back to Saturday, 6 May 1676, in Aleppo, Ottoman Empire. Henry Tonge, part of a British mission, recorded that 'krickett' was played by at least forty English individuals for recreational purposes.
1680
Earliest Reference to Wicket
The earliest known reference to the wicket is contained in lines written in an old bible in 1680 which invited 'All you that do delight in Cricket, come to Marden, pitch your wickets'.
1685
Formation of Mitcham Cricket Club
Mitcham Cricket Club was formed in 1685 and played on what is now known as Mitcham Cricket Green. It is claimed to be one of the oldest cricket clubs, although there is no evidence of any club being founded before 1722.
1694
Wager about a cricket match at Lewes
In 1694, two shillings and sixpence were paid for a wager about a cricket match at Lewes.
1696
Freedom of the Press Granted for Cricket Reporting
In 1696, freedom of the press was granted for cricket reporting, allowing for the first time the coverage of cricket matches in newspapers. However, comprehensive coverage took time to develop.
1697-06-30
Earliest Recorded Eleven-a-side Cricket Match
On Wednesday, 30 June 1697, the earliest known eleven-a-side cricket match was played in Sussex for fifty guineas apiece. This match is considered significant in cricket history.
1700-03-30
Announcement of Ten-a-side Matches on Clapham Common
On Saturday, 30 March 1700, The Post Boy announced a series of ten-a-side matches to be held on Clapham Common. This event marked the earliest known organised match in Surrey.
1702
1st Duke of Richmond's XI vs Arundel XI Cricket Match
In 1702, the 1st Duke of Richmond's XI defeated an Arundel XI in a cricket match held at an unspecified venue in Sussex. The Duke paid for brandy to celebrate the victory, with the venue likely being either Goodwood or Arundel.
1705-08-07
West of Kent v Chatham match
On Tuesday, 24 July 1705, The Post Man announced a match between West of Kent and Chatham to be played on Tuesday, 7 August. The venue was likely Town Malling. This match was part of several games involving teams from 'West Kent' and 'East Kent'.
1706
William Goldwin's Latin Poem 'In Certamen Pilae'
In 1706, William Goldwin wrote a Latin poem of 95 lines on a rural cricket match called 'In Certamen Pilae', which was published in his Musae Juveniles.
1707-06-26
London v Mitcham match
On Thursday, 26 June 1707, a match between London and Mitcham took place at Lamb's Conduit Field, Holborn. The result of the match is unknown, but it is considered one of the earliest important matches in Middlesex.
1707-07-01
Croydon v London matches
On Tuesday, 1 and Tuesday, 8 July 1707, Croydon played London twice. The first game was in Croydon, likely at Duppas Hill, and the second at Lamb's Conduit Field in Holborn. The results and scores of both matches are unknown.
1708-06-23
Local cricket match in Canterbury area
On Wednesday, 23 June 1708, a local cricket match took place in the Canterbury area. Thomas Minter, a Canterbury resident, recorded in his diary that 'We beat Ash Street at Crickets'. This match reflects the popularity of cricket in Kent.
1709-06-29
Kent v Surrey match at Dartford Brent
The earliest known match involving county teams, Kent v Surrey, took place at Dartford Brent on Wednesday, 29 June 1709. The match was played for a stake of £50, marking the beginning of county teams using county names in matches.
1710
Cricket at Cambridge University
In 1710, the first reference to cricket at Cambridge University was made, highlighting the spread of the sport to academic institutions.
1717-05-31
Thomas Marchant mentions cricket in diary
Thomas Marchant, a farmer from Hurstpierpoint in Sussex, mentioned cricket in his diary on May 31, 1717, providing evidence of the popularity of cricket in Sussex.
1718-09-01
London vs Rochester Punch Club Cricket Match Dispute
On Monday, 1 September 1718, a cricket match between London and the Rochester Punch Club on White Conduit Fields in Islington ended in dispute when three Rochester players attempted to elope to avoid losing their stake money. The match was later played out in early July 1719, resulting in London's 21-run victory.
1720-07-06
Kingston v Richmond match
Kingston played against Richmond on July 6, 1720, with Kingston emerging as the winner.
1720-07-09
London v Kent match injuries
In a match between London and Kent on July 9, 1720, two London fielders were badly injured by a clash of heads, leading to a lull in cricket advertising and reporting.
1721
Cricket played at Cambay, Indian sub-continent
British sailors of the East India Company were reported to be playing cricket at Cambay, near Baroda, in 1721. This is the earliest reference to cricket being played in the Indian sub-continent.
1722-07-18
London v Dartford match dispute
A match between London and Dartford on July 18, 1722, was abandoned following a dispute, marking the first reference to a 'London Club' in cricket history.
1723
Cricket match at Dartford Brent
In 1723, the Tory politician Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford, noted in his journal about a cricket match at Dartford Brent where the men of Tonbridge and Dartford were engaged in the sport. Kentish folk, especially the men of Dartford, were known for their excellence in cricket.
1724-06-11
Dartford v London match at Dartford Brent
Dartford and London met at Dartford Brent on June 11, 1724, in one of the earliest known matches between the two clubs.
1724-08-10
Cricket match at Penshurst Park
On Monday, 10 August 1724, a cricket match took place at Penshurst Park between the combined parishes of Penshurst, Tonbridge & Wadhurst versus Dartford. The match was recorded in a diary entry by John Dawson, who described it as 'a great cricket match'.
1725-07-20
Cricket Match between 2nd Duke of Richmond and Sir William Gage
On Tuesday, 20 July 1725, the 2nd Duke of Richmond's cricket team played against Sir William Gage's team at Bury Hill, Arundel. Richmond's team emerged victorious by 'above forty (runs)', as reported in the Daily Journal newspaper.
1726-08-27
Single Wicket Match at Moulsey Hurst
The London Evening Post in August 1726 advertised a single wicket match between players called 'the noted Perry' and 'the famous Piper' at Moulsey Hurst, Surrey, playing for twenty pounds a side. Single wicket matches were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
1727-01
Earliest Known Written Rules for Cricket Deployed
The earliest known written rules for cricket were deployed in 1727, marking a significant step in the formalization of the sport.
1728-06
César-François de Saussure observes cricket in England
In June 1728, Swiss traveller César-François de Saussure noted the prevalence of cricket in southern England during his journeys. He mentioned the popularity of county matches among both common people and men of rank.
1728-08
Kent vs. Sussex match at Penshurst Park
In August 1728, a cricket match took place at Penshurst Park between Kent and Sussex, with Kent emerging victorious. The match was organized by Edwin Stead and Sir William Gage, showcasing the competitive nature of county matches during that time.
1729-08
Stead's XI vs. Gage's XI return match at Penshurst Park
In August 1729, a return match between Stead's XI and Gage's XI was held at Penshurst Park, resulting in a victory for Gage's team. This match was notable for being the earliest known innings victory in cricket history.
1730-08-31
London vs Surrey match at Artillery Ground
A cricket match between London and Surrey took place at the Artillery Ground in Bunhill Fields, Finsbury, London. London emerged victorious by 6 runs, marking the earliest definite match at the venue.
1731-08-23
Controversial match between Thomas Chambers' XI and Duke of Richmond's XI
A match took place at Richmond Green where Thomas Chambers' XI faced Duke of Richmond's XI. The game ended abruptly causing a riot among the crowd due to the Duke of Richmond's late arrival. The result led to a dispute and potential legal action.
1731-09-08
Surrey defeats Duke of Richmond's men
On September 6, 11 of Surrey defeated the team that previously beat Duke of Richmond's men. This indicates that the Duke of Richmond may have conceded the controversial game against Chambers' XI.
1732-09-13
Dispute over finishing time in London v Middlesex match
During a match at the Artillery Ground, a dispute arose when a Middlesex player tried to end the game claiming time was up, while the London team still had a chance to win. Legal action was considered due to the significant stakes involved.
1734-07-08
London vs. Sevenoaks match controversy
Sevenoaks did not show up for their match against London at Kennington Common, leading to a forfeiture of their deposit. Additionally, a challenge was issued by London excluding players from Croydon after a dispute with the Croydon club.
1735-08-28
Death of Edwin Stead, Prominent Cricket Patron
Edwin Stead, a prominent cricket patron from Kent, passed away on August 28, 1735, leaving a legacy in the support of cricket.
1736
Earliest Tied Cricket Match Result
In 1736, a tied cricket match occurred in one of the single wicket games between teams from London and Surrey, where both teams scored 23 runs each.
1737
Crowd Trouble at Kennington Common Match
In 1737, a match on Kennington Common between Kent and a combined London/Surrey team resulted in crowd trouble, with missiles thrown and a man dying after being struck by a stone.
1739
First Representation of Cricket in Engravings
In 1739, a series of engravings titled 'The Game of Cricket' by Hubert-François Gravelot depicted children playing cricket, establishing the first modern representation of the sport.
1740
Earliest Mention of Slindon Cricket Club
The earliest known mention of Slindon Cricket Club dates back to 1740 in a letter from the Duke of Richmond to Thomas Pelham-Holles. Eight matches involving London are recorded in the same year.
1743
Rules and Equipment of Early Cricket
Early cricketers played in everyday clothes without protective equipment. The game involved underarm bowling, a hockey stick-like bat, and no pads or gloves.
1744-06-18
Match between Kent and All England at Artillery Ground
The match between Kent and All England played at the Artillery ground on 18 June 1744 was described in Cricket: An Heroic Poem by James Love.
1751
Spread of Cricket in England
Cricket continued to spread throughout England, with Yorkshire being mentioned as a venue for the first time in 1751. The evolution of bowling from rolling the ball along the ground to pitching it, along with the development of scorecards from 1772, contributed to the sport's growth.
1755
Samuel Johnson's derivation of cricket from 'cryce, Saxon, a stick'
In Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language in 1755, cricket was derived from 'cryce, Saxon, a stick'. This shows the historical evolution of the term 'cricket'.
1756
Hambledon Cricket Club achieves prominence
Hambledon Cricket Club, initially a parish organisation, gained prominence in 1756. It was later officially founded in the 1760s and became a significant hub for cricket for about thirty years.
1760
Transition from rolling the ball to pitching
Around 1760, bowlers shifted from rolling the ball to pitching it, leading to the evolution of the game with the introduction of the straight bat.
1767
Foundation of the Hambledon Club
The Hambledon Club was founded in Hampshire around 1767 and became the leading cricket club in England for the next three decades. It played a pivotal role in the development of the sport.
1769-08-31
First recorded century in cricket
On August 31, 1769, John Minshull made history by scoring 107 runs for Sevenoaks against Wrotham, marking the first recorded century in cricket. This milestone highlighted the early development of individual batting prowess in the sport.
1771
Width of bat limited to 4 1/4 inches
In 1771, the width of the cricket bat was officially limited to 4 1/4 inches, a regulation that has remained unchanged since then. This rule aimed to standardize equipment in the game.
1772-06-24
First-class cricket begins with Hampshire XI vs England XI matches
The first-class cricket era commenced in 1772 with matches organized by the Hambledon Club between Hampshire XI and England XI. This marked the beginning of a continuous statistical record in cricket history.
1774
Introduction of Leg Before Wicket (LBW) rule in cricket laws
In 1774, the Leg Before Wicket (LBW) rule was introduced in cricket laws to address batsmen using their pads to prevent the ball from hitting the stumps. This rule allows a batsman to be dismissed if the ball hits their pad and was going on to hit the stumps, with subsequent alterations over time.
1776
Earliest known scorecards at the Vine Club
In 1776, the earliest known scorecards were used at the Vine Club in Sevenoaks, Kent. This marked a significant development in recording and analyzing cricket matches.
1780
Manufacture of the first six-seamed cricket ball
In 1780, the first six-seamed cricket ball was manufactured by Dukes of Penshurst, Kent. This innovation in ball design had a lasting impact on the game.
1787
Formation of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was formed in 1787, evolving from a cricket club that played at White Conduit Fields. The MCC played a significant role in standardizing the rules of cricket and establishing Lord's Cricket Ground as the headquarters of world cricket.
1788
First revision of the Laws of Cricket by MCC
The Marylebone Cricket Club made the first revision of the Laws of Cricket in 1788.
1794
First recorded inter-schools match
In 1794, the first recorded inter-schools cricket match took place between Charterhouse and Westminster.
1795
First recorded case of a dismissal 'leg before wicket'
The first recorded case of a dismissal 'leg before wicket' in cricket occurred in 1795.
1803-12
First recorded game of cricket in Australia
The first recorded game of cricket in Australia took place in December 1803 in Sydney, marking the beginning of cricket's history in the country.
1806
First Gentlemen v Players match at Lord’s
In 1806, the first Gentlemen v Players cricket match was held at Lord's.
1807
Invention of Straight Arm Bowling
In 1807, straight arm bowling was invented, revolutionizing the technique of bowling in cricket and impacting the game's evolution.
1809
Thomas Lord’s second ground opened at North Bank
In 1809, Thomas Lord's second cricket ground was opened at North Bank, St John's Wood.
1811
First recorded women’s county match
The first recorded women's county cricket match took place in 1811 between Surrey and Hampshire at Ball's Pond, London.
1814
Lord’s third ground opened
In 1814, Lord's Cricket Ground opened on its present site in St John's Wood.
1827
First Oxford v Cambridge match at Lord’s
The first Oxford versus Cambridge cricket match took place at Lord's in 1827, ending in a draw.
1828
MCC authorizes bowler to raise hand level with elbow
In 1828, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) authorized the bowler to raise his hand level with the elbow.
1833
John Nyren publishes Young Cricketer’s Tutor
John Nyren published his renowned work 'Young Cricketer’s Tutor' and 'The Cricketers of My Time' in 1833.
1836
John Willes introduces straight arm bowling
In 1836, John Willes of Kent became the first bowler to be mentioned bowling with a straight arm, revolutionizing the technique in cricket.
1839
Formation of modern county clubs starting with Sussex
The 19th century saw the establishment of modern county clubs, with Sussex being the first to be founded in 1839. This marked a fundamental change in the organization of cricket.
1841
General Lord Hill orders cricket ground at military barracks
In 1841, General Lord Hill ordered that a cricket ground be established as an adjunct of every military barracks.
1844
First International Match between Canada and The United States
The first International Match in cricket took place in 1844 between Canada and The United States at the St George's Cricket Club in New York.
1845
First match played at The Oval
The first cricket match was played at The Oval in 1845, marking the beginning of a historic venue for the sport.
1846
William Clarke creates the All-England Eleven
In 1846, William Clarke established the travelling All-England Eleven, which played a significant role in popularizing cricket in various regions. This initiative led to the emergence of similar teams and lasted for about thirty years.
1849
First Yorkshire v Lancashire Match
The first cricket match between Yorkshire and Lancashire took place in 1849, marking the beginning of a historic rivalry.
1850
Introduction of Wicket Keeping Gloves
In 1850, wicket keeping gloves were first used in cricket matches, enhancing the safety and performance of wicket keepers.
1853
First Mention of Champion County: Nottinghamshire
The year 1853 saw the first mention of a champion county in cricket, with Nottinghamshire being recognized for their outstanding performance.
1858
Inception of Hat-Trick Tradition
In 1858, the tradition of awarding a hat to a bowler who takes three wickets with consecutive balls was first recorded in cricket history.
1859
First Cricket Touring Team Leaves England
In 1859, the first touring cricket team led by George Parr departed England, attracting enthusiastic crowds during their matches in the US and Canada.
1862
First English team tour of Australia
In 1862, the first English cricket team toured Australia, marking the beginning of international cricket tours between the two nations. This tour laid the foundation for future cricketing relations between England and Australia.
1864
Legalisation of overarm bowling and publication of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack
In 1864, a bowling revolution led to the acceptance of overarm bowling in cricket. Additionally, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack was first published, providing valuable statistics and information about the sport. This period also marked the beginning of W. G. Grace's influential career, contributing to the popularity of cricket through his innovative techniques.
1867
First Australian Cricket Team Tour of England with Indigenous Players
In 1867, the first Australian cricket team comprising indigenous players toured England, making a significant impact on the sport.
1868-05
Aboriginal Australians' tour of England
Between May and October 1868, a team of Aboriginal Australians toured England, marking the first Australian cricket team to travel overseas. This tour played a significant role in the global expansion of cricket and cultural exchange.
1873
WG Grace records 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in a season
In 1873, WG Grace became the first player to achieve the milestone of scoring 1,000 runs and taking 100 wickets in a single season, showcasing his exceptional all-round cricketing skills.
1874
Invention of the Box (Abdominal Guard)
In 1874, the box or abdominal guard was invented as another piece of protective equipment for cricket players.
1877-03-15
First Test Match between England and Australia
The inaugural Test match in cricket history began on 15th March 1877, featuring England and Australia.
1880
England's first Test win against Australia in England
In 1880, England secured a significant five-wicket victory against Australia at The Oval, marking their first Test win on home soil against the Australian team.
1882
The Ashes rivalry begins
Following England's first defeat by Australia in England, an 'obituary notice' to English cricket in the Sporting Times leads to the beginning of one of the greatest rivalries in cricket: The Ashes.
1884-09-16
First use of words Test Match
The term 'Test Match' was first used in a publication called Melbourne Argus on September 16, 1884.
1889
South Africa plays its first Test match
In 1889, South Africa participated in its inaugural Test match, marking a significant milestone in the country's cricketing history and its entry into international cricket competition.
1890-05-12
First English Cricket County Championship Match
The first-ever official English cricket County Championship match started on 12 May in 1890.
1892
Establishment of Sheffield Shield
Australia established the domestic Sheffield Shield competition in 1892.
1894-05
Definition of First-class Standard in Cricket
In May 1894, the sport's first-class standard was officially defined, setting a benchmark for cricket competitions.
1895-05
WG Grace scores 1,000 runs in May
In May 1895, WG Grace achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 1,000 runs in a single month.
1898
The History of Cricket by Andrew Lang
In 1898, Andrew Lang contributed to the history of cricket with his work in the book 'The History of Cricket' published in the 6th edition of Steel A. G. and Lyttelton R. H.'s work.
1899
AEJ Collins scores 628 not out
In 1899, AEJ Collins made history by scoring an unbeaten 628 runs in a junior house match at Clifton College, setting the record for the highest individual score in any match.
1900
Cricket at Paris Olympic Games
Cricket was played at the Paris Olympic Games in 1900, and it was won by a British team.
1906
The Dawn of Cricket
H. T. Waghorn's book that explores the early stages of cricket, offering valuable insights into the formative years of the sport.
1908
Mullineux's Match
Mullineux's Match was a cricket match played in 1908 between South Africa and England. It was a significant event in the history of cricket, showcasing the competitive spirit of the sport.
1909
Imperial Cricket Conference (ICC) established
In 1909, the Imperial Cricket Conference, now known as the International Cricket Council (ICC), was founded with England, Australia, and South Africa as its original members.
1910
Six runs given for any hit over the boundary
In 1910, the cricket rules were amended to award six runs for any hit that crossed the boundary, a change from the previous rule of only awarding six runs for hits out of the ground.
1912
First triangular Test series played in England
In 1912, England hosted the first and only triangular Test series involving England, Australia, and South Africa, marking a significant moment in cricket history.
1915
WG Grace passes away
In 1915, the legendary cricketer WG Grace passed away at the age of 67, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of cricket.
1926
Highest team score in First Class cricket
In 1926, the highest team score ever in First Class cricket was achieved.
1928-11-30
Don Bradman plays first test match for Australia
On November 30, 1928, Don Bradman made his debut in test cricket for Australia.
1930
Donald Bradman's record-breaking tour of England
In 1930, Donald Bradman embarked on his first tour of England and scored 974 runs in the five Ashes Tests, setting a record for any Test series.
1931
Changes in cricket stumps dimensions
In 1931, the height and width of cricket stumps were increased to 28 inches and nine inches respectively, a change that was optional until 1947.
1932
India's first Test match
In 1932, India played its first Test match in cricket history.
1934
Jack Hobbs Retirement
Jack Hobbs, a legendary cricketer, retired with a remarkable 197 centuries and 61,237 runs, setting records in both categories. This marked the end of an illustrious career.
1935
MCC Condemns Bodyline
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) officially condemned and outlawed the controversial Bodyline tactic, which had caused significant controversy during the previous tour of Australia.
1937
Fresh Light on pre-Victorian Cricket
A book titled 'Fresh Light on pre-Victorian Cricket' by G. B. Buckley was published in 1937, providing new insights into the early history of cricket before the Victorian era.
1947
Denis Compton's Record Season
Denis Compton, representing Middlesex and England, achieved a record-breaking feat by scoring 3,816 runs in a single English season, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.
1948
Don Bradman finishes Test career
Don Bradman ends his Test cricket career with a second ball duck, achieving the highest test average in history at 99.94.
1952
Pakistan's First Test Match
Pakistan played its inaugural Test match, marking a significant milestone in the country's cricketing history and paving the way for future international competition.
1953
England Regains the Ashes
After a 19-year gap, England reclaimed the Ashes in a historic victory, ending one of the longest droughts in Ashes history and sparking celebrations among English cricket fans.
1956-07-26
Jim Laker's Record-breaking Performance
In 1956, Jim Laker of England achieved a remarkable feat by taking 19 wickets for 90 runs against Australia at Manchester, setting the record for the best match analysis in first-class cricket.
1958
Formation of International Women’s Cricket Council
The International Women’s Cricket Council was established in 1958 by countries like Australia, England, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Africa, later expanding to include India, Denmark, and various West Indian islands.
1960-12-10
First Tied Test Match
The first tied Test match took place in 1960 between Australia and West Indies at Brisbane, where both teams ended up with the same score, marking a historic moment in cricket history.
1963
Abolition of Distinction between Amateur and Professional Cricketers
In 1963, the distinction between amateur and professional cricketers was abolished in English cricket, marking a significant change in the sport's structure and paving the way for a more inclusive approach.
1965
Expansion of ICC to include non-Test playing countries
At the suggestion of Pakistan, the International Cricket Conference (ICC) was expanded in 1965 to include non-Test playing countries as Associate members.
1969
Inauguration of Limited-over Sunday League
In 1969, the limited-over Sunday league was inaugurated for first-class counties, providing a new platform for competitive cricket matches on weekends and contributing to the evolution of the sport.
1970
ICC Suspends South Africa from Cricket
In 1970, the ICC suspended South Africa indefinitely from international cricket competition due to their apartheid policy.
1971-01-05
First One Day International Cricket Match
The first one-day international cricket match took place between Australia and England in Melbourne, with Australia emerging victorious by 5 wickets.
1973
First Women's Cricket World Cup in England
The first Women's Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973, paving the way for women's cricket to gain international recognition and popularity.
1975-06-21
Inaugural Cricket World Cup
The first Cricket World Cup took place in 1975, culminating in a final where West Indies emerged victorious against Australia at Lord's, setting the stage for future editions of the prestigious tournament.
1976
First Women's Match at Lord's
In 1976, history was made with the first women's cricket match held at Lord's, featuring England against Australia and highlighting the growing presence and recognition of women in the sport.
1977
World Series Cricket
In 1977, Australian media magnate Kerry Packer fell out with the Australian Cricket Board over TV rights, leading to the creation of World Series Cricket. This privately run cricket league signed several top players and introduced innovations like coloured kit and night games.
1978
Graham Yallop wears protective helmet in Test match
In 1978, Graham Yallop of Australia became the first player to wear a protective helmet while batting in a Test match.
1979
First Women's Test Match between England and Australia at Lords
The first women's Test match was held in 1979 between England and Australia at Lords, marking a historic moment in women's cricket history.
1980
Eight-ball over abolished in Australia
In 1980, the eight-ball over was abolished in Australia, making the six-ball over universal.
1981
England's historic win against Australia in Leeds Test
In 1981, England achieved a remarkable victory against Australia in the Leeds Test after following on, with bookmakers offering odds of 500 to 1 against them winning.
1982
Introduction of Cricket Helmets
Patsy Hendren is credited with the first use of cricket helmets. Barry Jarman demonstrates the safety levels of batting helmets with a cricket ball in 1982.
1984
Introduction of Affiliate Member status
In 1984, Affiliate Member status was introduced by the ICC for sides with less history of playing cricket.
1989
Renaming of ICC to International Cricket Council
In 1989, the International Cricket Conference (ICC) renamed itself the International Cricket Council.
1991
South Africa's return with one-day international in India
In 1991, South Africa made its return with a one-day international match in India.
1992
Introduction of Third Umpire for Run-Out Appeals in Test Cricket
In 1992, the concept of using a third umpire to make decisions on run-out appeals with the help of television replays was first implemented during a Test series between South Africa and India.
1993
ICC Becomes Independent Organization
The International Cricket Council (ICC) stops being administered by MCC and becomes an independent organization with its own chief executive.
1994
Brian Lara Scores 501 Not Out
Brian Lara of Warwickshire becomes the first player to score over 500 runs in a first-class innings, achieving 501 not out against Durham.
1996
Sport and identity: the case of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, 1890–1939 by Dave Russell
Dave Russell's study in 1996 focuses on the relationship between sport and identity, specifically examining the case of Yorkshire County Cricket Club from 1890 to 1939.
1997
From the Weald to the World by Peter Wynne-Thomas
Peter Wynne-Thomas' work 'From the Weald to the World', published in 1997, possibly explores the journey of cricket from local origins to global prominence.
1998
The Cricketers of my Time
John Nyren's book edited by Ashley Mote, offering a personal account of cricket players during Nyren's era, providing a unique perspective on cricket history.
2000
Hansie Cronje Banned for Life
South Africa's captain, Hansie Cronje, is banned for life from cricket after confessing to receiving bribes from bookmakers in a match-fixing scandal.
2001
Sir Donald Bradman passes away
Sir Donald Bradman, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, passed away at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy that continues to inspire cricket enthusiasts around the world.
2003-06-13
First official T20 match played
The first official Twenty20 (T20) matches were played on June 13, 2003, between the English counties in the Twenty20 Cup. T20 matches have different variations, including International games (T20I) and local games within a country, contributing to the popularity of cricket globally.
2004
Sussex Cricket in the Eighteenth Century by Tim McCann
Tim McCann's work in 2004, 'Sussex Cricket in the Eighteenth Century', delves into the historical aspects of cricket in Sussex during that time period.
2005
First Men's Twenty20 International Match
The year 2005 witnessed the inaugural men's Twenty20 international match between Australia and New Zealand, showcasing the growing popularity of the T20 format in international cricket.
2006
Pakistan's Test forfeiture at The Oval
In 2006, Pakistan forfeited a Test match at The Oval after being accused of ball tampering.
2007
Inaugural ICC Twenty20 World Cup
The first ICC Twenty20 World Cup tournament took place in 2007, marking the beginning of a new era in cricket with the introduction of the fast-paced Twenty20 format. This format gained immense popularity among fans and players.
2008
Launch of Indian Premier League (IPL)
The official Indian Premier League (IPL) was launched in 2008, following the unofficial Indian Cricket League, sparking discussions about the future of cricket due to the rise of franchise-based T20 leagues.
2009
Cricket and the Construction of Regional Identity in Nineteenth-century Yorkshire by Rob Light
Rob Light's study in 2009 explores the relationship between cricket and the construction of regional identity in nineteenth-century Yorkshire, shedding light on the cultural significance of the sport.
2009-03-21
Murder, suicide, cricket
An article or piece discussing the dark and complex relationship between murder, suicide, and the sport of cricket.
2011
Expansion of Third Umpire's Role with Technology
From 2011, the third umpire in cricket matches was tasked with moderating reviews of umpires' decisions, including lbw, using virtual-reality tracking technologies like Hawk-Eye and Hot Spot. Despite advancements, some decisions still remained controversial.
2013
Globalizing Cricket
Dominic Malcolm's book 'Globalizing Cricket' was published in 2013, discussing the international expansion and influence of cricket.
2015-11-27
First-ever day-night test match in Adelaide
The historic day-night test match between Australia and New Zealand was played in Adelaide using a pink ball.
2016-01-27
Hardik Pandya's International Debut
Hardik Pandya made his international debut in a T20 match against Australia on 27 January 2016. His impressive performances in the IPL paved the way for his entry into international cricket, marking the beginning of his successful international career.
2017
Expansion of ICC Membership to Twelve Countries
In 2017, the International Cricket Council (ICC) increased the number of countries with full ICC membership to twelve by adding Afghanistan and Ireland. This move aimed to promote cricket globally and enhance competition.
2018
Admission of Afghanistan and Ireland as Test sides
Afghanistan and Ireland were admitted as Test sides in 2018, increasing the number of full members of the ICC to 12.
2019
2019 Cricket World Cup
The 2019 Cricket World Cup was a major international cricket tournament held in England and Wales. It featured teams from around the world competing for the prestigious title.
2020-11-09
Delhi Capitals Winning the Tournament
Kagiso Rabada expressed that he is willing to forgo taking wickets as long as Delhi Capitals emerge victorious in the tournament.
2021
AB de Villiers' Record-breaking Century
AB de Villiers scored a remarkable century in a cricket match in 2021, setting a new record.
2021-01-29
Cricket with Wings Promotion
A promotion encouraging people to watch cricket games with wings, emphasizing the enjoyment of the sport with wings.
2022
County Cricket
County Cricket is a domestic cricket competition in England and Wales involving teams representing historic counties. It is a significant part of English cricket culture.
2023-10
Jake's Record-breaking List-A Century
Jake achieved stardom by breaking AB de Villiers' record for the fastest List-A century in October last year, scoring a 29-ball ton for South Australia against Tasmania.
2024-04-22
Virat Kohli Reacts to Umpiring Criticism in IPL 2024
Virat Kohli responded to Mohammad Kaif's post criticizing the poor umpiring standards in IPL 2024 after Kohli's controversial dismissal.
2024-05-14
BCCI considers Stephen Fleming as Team India head coach
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking at appointing Stephen Fleming as the next head coach for Team India due to his strong man-management skills and success with Chennai Super Kings. However, his current commitments with T20 teams may affect his decision.
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