Cricket Facts That Will Surprise You

Cricket is a sport with a fascinating history and plenty of surprising facts. Did you know that the longest cricket match lasted for 10 days? The timeless Test between England and South Africa in 1939 was called off as the English team had to catch a ship home.

Another surprising fact is that the first-ever international cricket match was played between the United States and Canada in 1844, long before Test cricket began. Cricket also boasts incredible individual achievements, such as Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries, a record unlikely to be broken anytime soon.

In terms of quirky traditions, England’s Ashes series against Australia derives its name from a satirical obituary in 1882, claiming English cricket had died after losing to the Australians. And did you know cricket balls were once made of stone in ancient times before evolving into the leather-and-cork versions we see today? These facts highlight cricket’s rich heritage and the unique charm that captivates fans worldwide.