Other
theories are that it derives from a game called club-ball,
or a game played in churchyards...
The
first reference to cricket being played is thought to be
in 1300, between Prince Edward and his friend Piers
Gaveston and the first recorded match took place at
Coxheath in Kent in 1646. The first match between counties
on 29th June 1709, when Surrey played Kent at Dartford
Brent.
The
earliest known cricket photographs were taken in 1857, by
Roger Fenton at the Artillery Ground, when the Royal
Artillery played Hunsdonbury.
As
well as shepherds' crooks, early bats were clubs and
sticks. These gave way to long, thin battes, which looked
a bit like straightened-out hockey sticks, because the
ball was bowled under-arm, and the batters swung their
bats like clubs!!
By
the 18th century, the bat had developed into a longer,
heavier, curved version of the one we know now, carved out
of a single piece of wood.
Today's
bat was invented around 1853, with the blade made of
willow, and a cane handle, which is layered with strips of
rubber, tied with twine, and covered with rubber to make a
grip. The 'V' shaped extension of the handle into the
blade is the splice. The early balls were stones and other
missiles. Rather dangerous really, and not surprising that
someone came up with an alternative! They're now made of
cork, and covered with hand-stitched leather quarters dyed
red.
The
wicket - the stumps are the three posts. Originally there
were two, and at one point, four. The size has varied too
- in the 17th century, were up to two metres wide!! The
bails are the two bits of wood on the top, and if they
fall off, it's all over!!