Who is the father of cricket? Know how he impacted the sport
When the question of who the father of cricket comes up, Sir William Gilbert Grace is the name that springs to mind. William Gilbert Grace, an English cricketer popularly known by the WG Grace nickname, is often referred to as the father of cricket.
This name might seem a little obscure to modern-day cricket fans. They grew up hearing stories about Sir Ian Botham and Donald Bradman. However, WG Grace was a legend in cricket and left an amazing legacy in cricket history. He had such an impact on the sport, that we can credit him with the way international cricket is played today.
The sport of cricket has grown rapidly in Europe and the United States. It is currently played in almost 150 countries. While the sport is dominated by test-playing nations such as India, Australia, New Zealand, and England, associate countries are also starting to catch up.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), as well as big cricket boards such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the England Cricket Board (ECB), have done a lot for the sport and taken it to a global level.
But cricket was still a leisure activity before these pioneering organizations. It was in the 20th century. First-class cricket was not considered a professional sport. This is where WGGrace’s contribution to the game comes in. He completely transformed the game.
Let’s learn more about Sir William Gilbert Grace, the father of cricket
Who is the father of cricket? – William Gilbert Grace
Sir William Gilbert Grace, an English cricket pioneer, is widely known as the father and founder of cricket. The legendary sportsperson was born in 1848 near Bristol, South West England. George Pocock was his father, while Fred Grace (and E.M. Grace) were his brothers.
Limited-overs cricket such as One Day Internationals or T20 Internationals did not exist in his time. He played cricket for Marylebone Cricket Club, which was the governing body for the sport before the creation of the ICC. It still has considerable influence.
Sir William Grace had a long and distinguished first-class career. He made his Test debut against Australia in 1880. He then ended his Test cricket career against Australia in 1889, when he decided to retire.
At least 13 of W.G.’s direct relatives are believed to be involved. Grace was a member of the English first-class arena. W.G. Grace, along with his brothers Fred & Edward, played for England and became the first man to do this.
The Grace family’s legacy in English cricket is legendary.
Why is William Gilbert Grace referred to as the father of cricket?
Cricket fans today will agree that Sir Don Bradman, an Australian legend, and Sachin Tendulkar, an Indian batsman, deserved to be called the father of cricket. W.G. Grace is the only person to hold that honor, having played 44 seasons of first-class cricket. Grace ended his career having played 870 first-class matches in a time when the sport was not even considered serious. He gave his whole life and career to make the sport great, and he was a professional at it.
His contributions were so significant that, even after his death, cricket fans still cherish him. He was a remarkable first-class player who scored 126 centuries and 254 full centuries.
William Grace, the father of cricket, was a pioneer in all three aspects of the game. While Grace was a skilled fielder and bowler, it is his batting for which he is most well-known. Grace’s innovative technical ideas and his immense influence on his teammates and peers left a lasting mark.
He was an enormous man with a remarkable batting technique. Many have described him as a “very right batsman” and he is believed to have invented the modern approach to batsmanship. W.G. Grace was the opening batsman and a skilled stroke-maker. Grace had an extraordinary level of expertise, which was often unmatched. He also captained cricket matches for the teams he represented due to his tactical and instinctual knowledge.
It is also no surprise that WG Grace held several records during his illustrious cricket career. Although there is some controversy about his records and numbers due to their age, many of his achievements are known. Grace holds the record of playing 870 first-
class matches in a single career. Grace has the fifth-highest number of runs in first cricket. His batting average was 39.45, which is twice his 18.17 bowling average.
He is said to have run 839 runs in eight days in 1876. He also made a century and two triple tons during that time. He amassed 54 first-class centuries between 1868-1876. He was second in wickets with 1174 first-class cricket in the 1870s.
William Gilbert Grace is believed to have been the first player to score 100 centuries.
W.G. Grace was also reported to have taken 100 wickets in one season on nine occasions.
WG Grace’s contribution to the sport
Did you know that William Gilbert Grace was a full-time doctor, despite his extraordinary career? Grace is well-known for his exceptional skills as a physician and his generosity. He was also known for his kindness and unselfishness.
His career spanned 44 first-class seasons and he took more than 2,800 wickets. He is a great player because of his long-lasting consistency. Grace also holds a place in the pantheon for great cricket all-rounders with 870 first-class wickets.
The sport of cricket was divided when Grace’s family played it. It was often divisive, and there was a class gap between the two groups. However, W.G. W.G.
Grace was one of the first members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). He spent his energy and time shaping the rules of cricket. It was during this period that the three stumps became a standard. Grace was instrumental in shaping the sport into what it has become today.
W.G. Grace’s stories and accomplishments are part of cricket’s greatest stories. Grace was reported to have once replaced the bails after he had been bowled. He then refused to leave the field, saying that ‘The fans came to see me play – and not you’.
William Grace was also a man of extraordinary stature. Although he was an excellent pitchman, Grace tended to drink beer. As a young man, he was a champion 440-yard hurdler and played football for the Wanderers. He discovered a passion for curling, lawn bowls, and golf in his later years. Grace was a fierce competitor and was renowned for his moneymaking and gamesmanship.
Grace’s legacy is still firmly established in England cricket. Grace’s entrance at the famous Lord’s is now known as the Grace Gates, a tribute to his impact on international and English cricket over the past 150 years.
FAQs
Which country was the first to play cricket?
England was the first country to play cricket and it helped spread the game throughout the world. Australia and England played their first-ever match in cricket.
Who is the God of Cricket?
Donald Bradman from Australia and Sachin Tendulkar from India are both known as the Gods of Cricket.
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