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The Man Behind the Legend: Who is the Father of Cricket?


Who is the Father of Cricket

The first person who appears to mind when the topic of who founded cricket is asked is Sir William Gilbert Grace. Cricket's founding father was the English cricketer William Gilbert Grace, also known as WG Grace.


This name does not mean anything to a cricket fan from the modern-day. As children, they were exposed to stories about Donald Bradman, Sir Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Garry Sobers, and Sachin Tendulkar. Yet, WG Grace had a legendary cricket career and left a remarkable legacy. He had such a profound influence on the game that he is also to be credited for how cricket is played internationally today.


The game of cricket is now played in close to 150 nations, and it is becoming increasingly popular in Europe and even the United States. While associate nations are quickly catching up, test-playing nations like India, England, Australia, and New Zealand are absolute powerhouses of the sport.


The International Cricket Council (ICC) and main cricket governing bodies like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England Cricket Board (ECB) have made significant contributions to the sport's promotion and internationalization.


Cricket was still a pastime in the early 20th century, before these organizations' innovative approach. First-class cricket was ineligible to be considered a professional sport. Herein lies WG Grace's contribution to the sport, as he fundamentally altered how the game is played.


Who is the Father of Cricket?


As mentioned, Sir William Gilbert Grace, an English cricket pioneer, is regarded as the game's founding father. The renowned athlete was born on August 18, 1848, near Bristol in southwest England. George Pocock, Fred Grace, and E.M. were pregnant when he was born. His brothers were Grace.


He did not play in limited-overs cricket tournaments like Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. He played cricket not just for Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which held significant influence before the establishment of the ICC and still does now, but also for Gloucestershire and London County.


Sir William Grace, who had a lengthy and successful first-class career, made his Test debut against Australia in 1880 and played his final Test match against them in 1889 before hanging up his shoes.


There are at least 13 known direct relatives of W.G. In the English first-class arena, Grace played. With his brothers Fred and Edward, Grace was the first man to play for England.


The Grace family has made an unparalleled and legendary contribution to English cricket.


Why Is William Gilbert Grace Called the Father of Cricket?


Who is the Father of Cricket? The term "father of cricket" should have been given to former Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar and former Australian star Sir Don Bradman, according to modern cricket fans. Although both individuals have had outstanding careers and left an incredible legacy in the sport, W.G. Grace has the distinction since he played first-class cricket for a massive 44 seasons. When cricket wasn't even taken seriously, he finished playing 870 first-class matches. He invested his entire life and career and made many sacrifices to improve the sport and make it professional.


Cricket fans continue to think warmly of him 107 years after his passing because of his fantastic contribution. During his incredible and extraordinary first-class career, he amassed 126 centuries and 254 half-centuries.


Regarding all three aspects of the sport, the father of cricket, William Grace, was considered a pioneer. He was a skilled bowler and fielder, but his batting has earned him the most outstanding reputation. Grace created a long-lasting legacy through his technological advancements and massive effect on his teammates and peers.


He had outstanding batting technique for such a large man and was surprisingly stubborn on minor issues. Many people have referred to him as a "very correct batsman," and they claim that he invented the current method of batsmanship. W.G. When it came to making strokes, Grace was a master and perfectionist. He typically started the innings. Because of his in-depth knowledge of the game, instinct, and tactical ability, he often had a remarkable degree of expertise. He captained the cricket games of the teams he typically represented.


WG Grace set most of the historical records for cricket throughout his remarkable career. Given their age and the debate they have generated, he is believed to have several achievements. Grace has made 870 appearances in first-class matches, which is the most in a career. His batting average of 39.45 was double his bowling average of 18.17, and he holds the fifth-highest number of runs scored in first-class cricket.


He is recorded with scoring up to 839 runs in just eight days in 1876, at which time he hit two triple tons in addition to a century. He scored 54 first-class centuries between the years 1868 and 1876! In the 1870s, he got the second-most wickets with 1174 first-class cricket wickets.


According to legend, William Gilbert Grace was the first player to record 100 centuries. W.G. Grace is also rumored to have claimed 100 wickets in a season nine times.


William Gilbert Grace's legacy will remain in this modern era.


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