OLD-TIME CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20316, 26 January 1928, Page 4

OLD-TIME CRICKET.

Rude pictorial delineations prove tluit a crude form of cricket was played as far hack a s the twelfth century. From that time onwards, up to within the Last couple of hundred years, its history is steeped in legendary, and very little value can be placed upon so-called facts. The game reached the acme of popularity during the eighteen tli century, and matches were played for sums ranging from 500 to 10C0 guineas a side. The M.C C. was instituted in 1737 and 40 years later took up its headquarters at Lord’s. The first established club, however, was Hambledon, formed in 1750. Originally all bowlin; was of the underhand variety. In 1825 round-arm bowling was legalised, which permitted tho bowler to deliver the ball at any angle providing his hand was not, above the level of his elbow. It was not until 40 years later that over-arm bowling was sanctioned