Interesting Facts About Cricket
Cricket is the most loved game across the globe, with its rich history spanning the 16th century. With time, the game developed, and along with it, there was a treasure trove of amazing records, special traditions, and surprise moments. From being a passionate cricket fan to an occasional watcher, here are some interesting facts about the sport that will astonish you.
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1. The Longest Cricket Match in History
The most drawn-out Test match in cricket history was the England vs South Africa match of 1939. The game had been ongoing for a total of 12 days! The match was at Durban and was forced to be abandoned because the English side needed to be transported back home via ship. The match had been a draw, and therefore one of the weirdest cricket matches ever.
2. The First International Cricket Match
The initial international cricket match was not, as everyone typically believes, between Australia and England. In fact, the initial international match was between Canada and the USA in 1844. It was played in New York and was won by Canada. This was decades and decades before the very first Test match ever in 1877 between Australia and England.
3. The Only Bowler to Have Two Hat-Tricks in a Single Test Match
Australian fast bowler Jimmy Matthews has a strange and remarkable cricketing record. In a Test match against South Africa in 1912, he recorded two hat-tricks in the same match! More amazingly, both the hat-tricks were on the same day, so he is the sole bowler to have done so in Test cricket.
4. Sachin Tendulkar Played for Pakistan Before India
Ayes, you're spot on! Sachin Tendulkar was Pakistan's stand-in fielder for a brief time before being a legend for India. Tendulkar was asked to play in the field with Pakistan when they needed a couple of extra players for an exhibition match which they used to participate in 1987. He began a few years down the line with India and became a legend with India as one of the greatest cricketers the game has ever been blessed with.
5. A Cricket Match Once Thought to Have Been Abandoned Halfway Through an Air Raid
During World War II in 1942, an air raid halted a cricket match between the Australian and British Armies halfway through in North Africa. The match was abandoned while in progress as enemy aircraft flew overhead. Play resumed after the raid, which is one of the most bizarre interruptions cricket has ever suffered.
6. The Only Cricketer to Represent Two Nations in a Single World Cup
Kepler Wessels is the only cricketer to have represented two countries in the Cricket World Cup. He played for Australia in the 1983 World Cup and played for South Africa in the 1992 World Cup when the country was readmitted to international cricket.
7. The Largest Cricket Bat Ever Used in International Cricket
Last of West Indies greats cricketer Clive Lloyd carried the largest cricket bat seen in international cricket. His "Big Cat" weighed around 3.5 kg. Heavy, but the bat worked big-time in his hands as it served to make the West Indies the unopposed lord/lords of international cricket of the 1970s and 80s.
8. Fastest Fifty in ODI Cricket
South African cricketer AB de Villiers holds the fastest fifty record in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved 50 runs off just 16 deliveries against West Indies in 2015. His unorthodox and aggressive style of batting led to him earning the nickname of "Mr. 360."
9. The First-Ever Cricket World Cup
The first-ever Cricket World Cup was held in 1975 in England. Unlike today’s 50-over format, the matches were 60 overs per side. The West Indies, led by Clive Lloyd, won the tournament by defeating Australia in the final.
10. MS Dhoni’s Bat Holds a Guinness World Record
His MS Dhoni cricket bat with which he hit the winning ball for India in 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final was later auctioned for ₹1 crore ($161,000) which is an auction record as the highest price a cricket bat has ever been auctioned for. It is a Guinness World Record holder.
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Conclusion
Cricket boasts incredible records, historic incidents, and unimaginable facts. Right from unusual interruptions to unexpected careers of cricketers, cricket never lacks surprises for its fans. Be you a supporter of Test cricket, ODIs, or T20s, these incredible facts represent the diversity and depth in the game's history.
