Cricket is a sport rooted in tradition and it has grown beyond its English origins to capture the hearts of millions around the globe. More people from overseas watch cricket than English people now, even though the sport started there. Fittingly with some peoples’ stereotypes of the sport, cricket’s story began on the rolling greens of the English countryside, its journey into the wider world is a tale of cultural exchange and a deep love for competition. Various nations have developed their own unique relationship with the sport leading to a global cricketing community.
Following cricket around the world means visiting incredible places like India and Australia. At first, people might be confused as to why it is so popular in some locations but is a relatively minority sport elsewhere. The answer is that most of the countries where cricket is huge have had a massive English influence.
Australia: The Biggest Rivalry of the English
When lots of Brits were sent to Australia, cricket was introduced. This happened in the early 19th century and cricket quickly gained popularity. The competitive spirit of the sport resonated with the Australian temperament, and cricket became a central part of the nation’s sporting culture.
Australia and England are separated by thousands of miles. However, some studies and surveys put English ancestry as high as 46% across all Aussies. That means almost half have some English history somewhere in the family. This explains why so many traditions as well as games and sports made their way to the Land Down Under. Popular hobbies among the English made their way over the Australia and this is how cricket became so big in the country. It is a top sport in Australia in terms of viewership and participation.
Other games found among English that made their way to Australia include casino games that were already being played in London, showing how culture can be exchanged from one country to another. Subtle differences can still be found, of course. In England, the term slots is used to describe a lot of the games played, but people tend to call them Online Pokies in Australia, alluding to a game that uses the symbols of poker but can be played by one person rather than needing a dealer and opposition.
England has been central to the history of table games and card games and Australia has definitely kept this hobby. 21% of people still put card and table games high on their list of hobbies.
Cricket saw Australians take the baton and run with it, changing some things as well as producing the greatest cricketer ever in Donald Bradman. The rivalry between Australia and England, known as The Ashes, is one of the oldest and most celebrated contests in cricket, with a traditional Boxing Day test when the series is played in Australia.
The Ashes series began in 1882 and has become a symbol of national pride for both countries, with each match watched by millions of fans around the world. The Aussies also happen to be one of the best teams out there.
India and South Asia
India is perhaps the most striking example of cricket’s post-colonial growth. Introduced by British officers in the 18th century, cricket was initially a game only played by the English spending time in the area, but this quickly changed as by the late 19th century, Indian players began forming their own teams and the sport’s popularity soared.
The massive population helps to make India a cricketing giant and cricket produces some of the most famous people in the whole country as millions follow their superstar players.
In the South Asia region, there are cricketing nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. In these countries, cricket has also grown – Pakistan embraced cricket soon after gaining independence in 1947. The country’s passion for the game was evident from the start, and within a few decades, Pakistan had become a major force in international cricket, winning the Cricket World Cup in 1992 (beating old rivals the English in the final).
Caribbean Dreams
Another cricket team that competes internationally is the West Indies, a region composed of several Caribbean nations, and it has a rich cricketing history. Cricket was introduced to the Caribbean by British colonizers in the 18th century – the Brits had a big impact in the area at the time and controlled some islands. By the early 20th century, the West Indies had developed a unique and powerful style of play. The West Indian cricketing nations are some of the most popular to watch.
Notable Mentions
Patterns in the English taking this game on their travels can be spotted even today. Other countries such as South Africa have grown fond of the sport and compete internationally. Now, it is a more global sport with people getting interested from so many different countries including the United States.
