How cricket has such a special role in life - The Game

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How cricket has such a special role in life

March 25, 2021

Cricket. Where can we start? It’s fun, unique, thrilling, exciting and moving. As a global game, it connects and settles us in a world where things can feel difficult and scary. Cricket has the ability to link people, no matter what race, country, gender or occupation; it defies all differences, and enables us to all share a common passion.

Cricket takes place all over the world and is enjoyed all year round. We are able to join in a perpetual summer, wherever we are. Or even in the depths of winter as seen on the icy canals of Amsterdam.

Playing cricket on icy canals in Amsterdam
Not only is cricket something we can play, watch and observe, it allows almost everyone to feel involved and inspired by its unique concept of the bat, ball and stumps, creating such twists and turns, lengthy periods of seemingly nothing and nerve jangling finales (England and New Zealand 2019 World Cup Final for example).                                     
Cricket can be played almost anywhere, across differing abilities. How many of us have had backyard cricket battles? Those memories formed with family and friends will be ones to hold for a lifetime. The tangible aspects of the game itself, whether it's the feel of the new ball in the hand, smell of the freshly cut pitch, sight of the green grass combined with white markings, distinctive knock of the bat on ball or the chatter of the fielders.

Cricket teaches us about the importance of team as well as the importance of the individual, how to test our selves and support others, how to deal with the cruel finality of getting out and the euphoric sensation of taking a wicket. Many say cricket is a metaphor for life.

The great English radio commentator John Arlott said:

“Cricket is a most precarious profession; it is called a team game but, in fact, no one is so lonely as a batsman facing a bowler supported by ten fields-men and observed by two umpires to ensure that his error does not go unpunished.” 

The talk of cricket feels to be almost everywhere. In pubs, at home, online, in the local newspaper, it creates a common bond amongst people who share a similar interest, and deepens our knowledge about the game. Chatters about statistics of each player and match, how great the sunny weather has been, or not! Even who we think might win the next Ashes! 

Stephen Fry's love of cricket

Not only is cricket a great subject, but it allows us to share our individual experiences and opinions, our stories and favourite memories of cricket, promoting a unique bond between people. It can be baffling to those that don’t yet understand this great game. 

A quote from Stephen Fry seems to sum it up:

“I feel sorry for those who don't get cricket. They miss the most exquisite feelings of joy, agony, tension, thrill, surprise, glory and wonder.”

From that moment the first ball is bowled, the excitement in the crowd and thrill of it all, cricket is truly unique and incredible, something we can all share, together.



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