Sports
WHO IS THE FATHER OF CRICKET?
The term’ father of cricket’ is used for that person who is credited with inventing or famous the sport of cricket. However, there are some debates over what should be considered the true father of cricket, as the game evolved over a long period and involved participation from many individuals.
Some of the contenders for this title of father of cricket include William Clarke, who founded the all-England Eleven in 1846, the 18th century, and the Hambledon Club, which was leading the cricket club. Others argue that the title should be given by a number of early cricket players and inventors who helped shape the game into its modern form.
William Gilbert Grace
Also known as the W.G. GRACE(18 July 1848 to 23 October 1915), he was an English professional cricketer who was important in the development of the sport and is generally considered one of its best players. He played first-class cricket for an account-equalling 44 seasons, from 1865 to 1908, through which he commanded the United Kingdom, Gloucestershire, the Man of the Honor, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the United South of England Eleven (USEE), and many other groups.
Right-handed as the pair batsman and bowler, Grace dominated the sport throughout his future. His technical innovations and huge influence left a lasting legacy. An excellent all-rounder, he shines at all the crucial skills of batting, fielding and bowling. And but it is for his batting that he is most famous. He is held to have invented contemporary batsmanship. Commonly opening the innings, he was particularly admired for his ability of all strokes. Andand his level of expertise was said by modern reviewers to be unique. He generally captained the group he played for at all levels because of his skill and calculated understanding.
Grace moved closer to a cricketing family:
E. M. Grace was one of his older brothers, and Fred Grace was his younger brother. In 1880, they were members of the same United Kingdom team. And the first time three brothers played with each other in Test cricket. Grace took part in more sports also: he was a winner in 440-yard hurdles as a young man and played football for the traveller. In later life, he developed a passion for lawn bowls, golf, and curling.
He qualified as a medical specialist in 1879. He was nominally an amateur as a cricketer, but he is said to have built more money from his cricketing pursuit than any professional cricketer. And he was an extremely competitive participant. However, he was one of the most famous men in the United Kingdom. And he was also one of the most controversial on account of his cunning and money-making.
Development as a cricketer
Henry Grace established Mangotsfield Cricket Club in 1845 to represent several nearest villages, including Downend. In 1846, this club joined with the West Gloucestershire Cricket Club, whose name was approved until 1867. It has been said that the Grace family ran West Gloucestershire “almost as a private club”. Henry Grace was directed to organise matches opposite Lansdown Cricket Club in Bath, which was the leading West Country club. West Gloucestershire fared poorly in these sports, and sometime in the 1850s, Henry or Alfred Pocock clear to join Lansdown. However, they continued to run the West Gloucestershire, and this remained their primary club.
