The History of Cricket: From Sussex to St George's

The History of Cricket: From Sussex to St George's

The game of cricket has been played since the 16th century, with international matches dating back to 1844. Despite a lack of certainty, it is widely believed that the game derives from Saxon or Norman times, and was developed by people living in South East England. It has a rich history, and is as popular today as ever.

It is further believed that the game was originally devised and played by children, with accounts of adult participation only surfacing in the early 17th century when, in 1611, two men in Sussex were prosecuted for playing cricket on a Sunday rather than going to church.

Different sources have been cited as the inspiration for the term "cricket"; while some associating the name with the Old English word cricc or cryce, meaning crutch or staff, others cite the Middle Dutch term krick(-e) meaning a stick as the source.

Various references to cricket up to the English Civil War (1642-1651) seem to indicate that cricket had become an adult game played between parish teams, giving rise to the conclusion that village cricket had been developed by the mid 17th century.

The game moved out of England and reached North America in the 17th century via the English colonies. In fact, it is thought that the game was introduced to the USA before it even reached the north of England, where it is a hugely popular sport today.

In fact, with the exception of the Oval in London, the oldest cricket ground in the UK is the Old Trafford Ground in Manchester, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club. It was opened on the 10th July 1884, and has a 22,000 seating capacity.

The ground in Manchester was recently upgraded following the rejection of a plan to move to a completely new stadium. That the second oldest ground is situated in Lancashire is in keeping with the county's strong sense of heritage and tradition, complete with a mention in the Domesday Book - compiled in 1086 for William the Conqueror and Lancaster Castle, built upon an original Roman Fort built in around 79 AD.

The very regal Lancaster House another example of the historical importance of the county of Lancashire - was completed in 1840, just four years before the first ever international cricket game in 1844. The game was played between the USA and Canada at St George's Cricket Club in New York.

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