What meaning do you put in a phrase: “To be a gentleman”? Is it in a posture, extra clean and ironed suit, good manners, sportsmanship, maybe discipline? Well, you can find all of that and more at one place, at the stadium. Cricket is accurately called “a gentleman’s game” because of the way it’s played, the traditions and significance of historical practices, which originated in the XVII century.
“Walking” – When honesty becomes an extreme sport
In cricket, there is a tradition called “walking”. No, it’s not about taking a leisurely walk in the middle of the match, although that might be tempting during a five-day Test match. “Walking” means a batsman voluntarily leaving the field when he knows he’s out – even if the umpire hasn’t realised it. It’s a bit like turning yourself in to the police for driving 53 km/h in a 50 km zone. Apparently, in cricket, honesty is not only the best policy, but also a form of extreme sport. Such moments make the sport harder for the ones who try to make predictions, but if you want to try your hand, use the trusted 4rabet app – the review and install guide are at the link.
Sledging – Verbal cricket at the highest level
Imagine a world where insulting your opponent is not only allowed, but almost expected. Welcome to sledging in cricket. It’s like a rap battle, but with more British accents and fewer rhymes. Players exchange verbal jabs with a precision that makes even the most articulate politicians look like amateurs. There is an art to insulting someone so elegantly that even the victim has to admire it.
The captain – Sport’s answer to a director
In cricket, the captain is more than just a leader; he’s a cross between a general, a diplomat and a director. He not only has to devise tactics, but also make sure his team behaves like a bunch of well-behaved British schoolgirls at a tea party. It’s like conducting an orchestra where all the musicians could potentially get offended and refuse to play if you look at them wrong.
The handshake – The sacred gesture
Before and after every match, players exchange handshakes. It’s cricket’s version of a sacred ceremony. Imagine the intensity of a boxing match, only replace the aggressive eye exchanges with polite smiles and handshakes so firm they could crush diamonds. It’s like a competition to be the most polite person on the planet.
Respect for the umpire – The living idol
In cricket, the umpire isn’t just an authority figure; he’s almost a living idol. Players treat the umpire’s words as if they were carved in stone and carried down from a mountain. Even when an umpire makes a decision so questionable that even a blind hedgehog would have seen it differently, the players simply nod respectfully. It’s like watching grown men playing a very serious version of “Simon Says”.
The tea break – The most sacred of all cricket rituals
Amidst all this intense non-action, we find the true heart of cricket: the tea break. It’s the moment when warriors put down their weapons (or in this case, their bats) to enjoy a cup of hot tea and maybe a biscuit or two. It’s like watching a break in a boxing match where the fighters stop to discuss the latest episode of “The Boys”.
Dress code – Where white is the new black
In cricket, especially in the longer matches, the white uniform is sacred. It’s as if someone decided that the best colour to wear while throwing yourself around on a lawn is white. It’s the sporting equivalent of eating spaghetti bolognese wearing a tuxedo. But hey, style requires sacrifice, even when it means you look like a walking detergent advert.
Fair play – When politeness becomes an extreme sport
While other sports use this idea and try to get accustomed to it, in cricket it’s a way of life. To be nice with others and behave with the opponent in such a manner you want to be treated are rules that can’t be broken.
When you see a cricket game, it feels like a lesson in British etiquette, but with a catch: there’s a whole athletic event as a bonus to this invaluable knowledge. “A gentleman’s game” has an enormous amount of rituals and traditions that are interesting to discover for a beginner. Meanwhile experts are pleased to realize how unique this sport is due to them.
