INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

It seems cricket is one of those things you either love or hate. It provokes great emotion from both sides of the coin. And great debate and controversy over its many formalities, rules and regulations, not to mention the numerous records and statistics that have been compiled.

A team sport, established for centuries, cricket has enjoyed a great revival and upsurge in popularity in U.K. following the 2005 Ashes Series, when England regained the Ashes after many years of unsuccessful attempts.

A quintessentially English game, with its repuation for fair play and its quaint customs such as its breaks for lunch and afternoon tea in the pavilion, is played throughout Britain and worldwide. Even the colloquial phrase "It's not cricket." meaning that whatever is not correct or fair, sums up the spirit of the game.

Throughout the summer months it's still possible to see cricketers playing on village greens and in parks throughout the U.K, as well as on their own home grounds, easily recognisable through their traditional sporting dress of white trousers and shirts. County cricket plays a major part in the summer sporting calendar and is a stepping stone for national team players.

Whilst many players are all-rounders, in the main, players normally have their strength as either a bowler or batsman.

Although mainly played by men, women too play cricket and have their own high profile championships.Taunton is the official home ground for women's cricket in Britain.

Some U.K. Tournaments and Trophies:
Gillette Cup: John Player - Sunday League: Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy: Twenty20 Cup: Nat West Pro 40

There are many well known cricket grounds throughout Britain but probably the most famous is Lord's Cricket Ground in St. John's Wood, London, known as the home of cricket. It is where the Ashes are held in the museum, being considered too fragile now to be constantly transported here and there. Lord's Cricket Ground is the homeground of the MCC and headquarters of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Test matches, normally the first of a series, are played at Lord's.

The home of Surrey Cricket Club and another famous venue is The Oval in Kennington, London where Test Matches are also played.