A Potted History of Cricket

The history of this sport can be traced back to the 13th century. The written evidence suggests about the existence
of a game which was called Creag and was played by Prince Edward in Newenden, Kent in 1300. The prince
was the son of Edward I (long shanks).

There is a court case in the year 1598 which also referred to a sport named Kreckett, which was being played
at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford around 1550. The Oxford dictionary also cites this instance
as the very first instance of cricket in the history of the English language.

Yet a French man named Didier Marchois, states that medieval documents referred to matches near the battlefields
of Crecy and Agincourt during the Hundred Years War.
"They leave no room for doubt," Marchois said. "Cricket was born in the north of France and
taken across the Channel by English soldiers who picked it up from us during truce periods in the Hundred Years War."

Other evidence cited by proponents of cricket's French origins is a 13th century manuscript from St Omer near
Calais which purports to show a batsman defending his wicket. However, making a definite claim for the sport's origins
is a tricky business as so many cultures have created games which involve hitting a ball with a stick, a skill
that is at the heart of cricket.

The bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from the Cricket-bat Willow
(Salix alba var caerulea), is treated with linseed oil. This wood is used as it is very tough
and shock-resistant, not being significantly dented nor splintering on the impact of a
cricket ball at high speed, while also being light in weight.

Because of the nature of willow wood. It can be shaped easily and has a close grain.

Other woods are either too heavy or too fragile. Although, lately, lighter
types of wood have been incorporated into the willow, often in the form of pegs knocked
into gaps in the back and sides of the bat.

Metal bats are specifically illegal. Dennis Lillee tried using an aluminium bat in the
late 1970s, but it was outlawed straight afterwards.

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