1. Name: ………………………………….. Class: ……………… Date: ………………………………
Week 15 – Cricket B
The History of Cricket
There are no natural forces which can stop an Englishman from
playing a game of cricket, or enjoying the spectacle offered by
historical test series like the Ashes or the World Cup. Rain, wind
or tropical storm, you can be sure the game will attract the
attention of Pimm's-drinking, panama-wearing fans, who promptly
wait for the England team to actually win something (tough chance
of that happening in any sport). The history of cricket is rich,
though there isn't really any official proof of how the game was
born.
In the 18th century historical accounts begin to tell of
aristocrats and patrons forming the first cricket teams.
The game then gradually begins to find popularity
outside of English grounds, and particularly English
colonies seem to have a knack for the game, a tradition
which will continue throughout the ages: the English
usually invent a game only to be beaten by everyone
else playing it.
The 19th century saw the official creation of county clubs which are still part of
modern cricket. The first international cricket game also took place during this time,
which was a game played between the USA and Canada.This started a number of
overseas matches between various countries, like the England and Australian teams
competing against each other in tours taking place in both countries. The Australians'
visit of England was a blast, and it practically gave way to the Ashes test-series as we
know it today. The 19th century then marks the beginning of the history of Australian
cricket, undoubtedly the most successful cricketing nation to date.
Work as a group to read the text and answer the questions.
1. What country was cricket first played in?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Where was the first International cricket game?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. What is the tone of the text? Eg. Formal?
………………………………………………………………………………………...
4. Define:
Fans: …………………………………………………………………………
Tough chance:…………………………………………………………………………
Spectacle: …………………………………………………………………………

2. Name: ………………………………….. Class: ……………… Date: ………………………………
5. Highlight all of the slang words in the text. Discuss with your group what
you think they mean.
6. What is cricket?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………...
7. List some of the rules.
a. ………………………………………………………………………………...
b. ………………………………………………………………………………...
c. …………………………………………………………………………………
8. Label the picture with names of the equipment used to play cricket.
9. What are some cricket terms? Eg. Bowler. List some and describe them.
a. …………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
b. …………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………….
c. …………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………