Team shiznit played wit bats n' balls

Cricket be a bat-and-bizzle game played between two crewz of eleven playas on a field all up in tha centre of which be a 22-yard (20-metre) pitch wit a wicket at each end, each comprisin two bails balanced on three stumps. Da batting side scores runs by strikin tha ball bowled all up in tha wicket wit tha bat (and hustlin between tha wickets), while tha bowling n' fielding side tries ta prevent dis (by preventin tha bizzle from leavin tha field, n' gettin tha bizzle ta either wicket) n' dismiss each batta (so they is "out"). Meanz of dismissal include bein bowled, when tha bizzle hits tha stumps n' dislodges tha bails, n' by tha fieldin side either catching tha bizzle afta it is hit by tha bat yo, but before it hits tha ground, or hittin a wicket wit tha bizzle before a funky-ass batta can cross tha crease up in front of tha wicket. When ten battas done been dismissed, tha innings endz n' tha crews swap roles. Da game be adjudicated by two umpires, aided by a third umpire n' match referee up in internationistic matches. They rap wit two off-field scorers whoz ass record tha matchz statistical shiznit.

Formz of cricket range from Twenty20, wit each crew battin fo' a single inningz of 20 overs, ta Test matches played over five days. Traditionally cricketas play up in all-white kit yo, but up in limited overs cricket they wear club or crew colours. In addizzle ta tha basic kit, some playas wear protectizzle gear ta prevent fuck-up caused by tha ball, which be a hard, solid spherizzle made of compressed leather wit a slightly raised sewn seam enclosin a cork core layered wit tightly wound string.

Da earliest reference ta cricket is up in Downtown Eastside England up in tha mid-16th century. Well shiiiit, it spread globally wit tha expansion of tha British Empire, wit tha straight-up original gangsta internationistic matches up in tha second half of tha 19th century. Da gamez governin body is tha Internationistic Cricket Council (ICC), which has over 100 members, twelve of which is full members whoz ass play Test matches. Da gamez rules, tha Lawz of Cricket, is maintained by Marylebone Cricket Joint (MCC) up in London. Da shiznit is followed primarily up in tha Indian subcontinent, Australasia, tha United Mackdaddydom, southern Africa n' tha Westside Indies.[1] Womenz cricket, which is organised n' played separately, has also bigged up internationistic standard. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Da most successful side playin internationistic cricket is Australia, which has won seven One Dizzle International trophies, includin five Ghetto Cups, mo' than any other ghetto n' has been tha top-rated Test side mo' than any other ghetto.

History

Origins

A medieval "club ball" game involvin a underhand bowl towardz a funky-ass batsman. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Ball catchers is shown positionin theyselves ta catch a funky-ass bizzle. Kick dat shit! ' Canticlez of Holy Mary ', 13th Century.

Cricket is one of nuff game up in tha "club ball" sphere dat basically involve hittin a funky-ass bizzle wit a hand-held implement; others include baseball (which shares nuff similarities wit cricket, both belongin up in tha mo' specific bat-and-bizzle games category[2]), golf, hockey, tennis, squash, badminton n' table tennis.[3] In cricketz case, a key difference is tha existence of a solid target structure, tha wicket (originally, it is thought, a "wicket gate" all up in which sheep was herded), dat tha batsman must defend.[4] Da cricket historian Harry Altham identified three "groups" of "club ball" games: tha "hockey group", up in which tha bizzle is driven ta n' fro between two targets (the goals); tha "golf group", up in which tha bizzle is driven towardz a undefended target (the hole); n' tha "cricket group", up in which "the bizzle be aimed at a mark (the wicket) n' driven away from it".[5]

It be generally believed dat cricket originated as a childrenz game up in tha south-eastern countizzlez of England, sometime durin tha medieval period.[4] Although there be fronts fo' prior dates, tha earliest definite reference ta cricket bein played be reppin evidence given at a cold-ass lil court case up in Guildford on Monday, 17 January 1597 (Julian calendar; equatin ta 30 January 1598 up in tha Gregorian calendar). Da case concerned ballershizzle of a cold-ass lil certain deal of land n' tha court heard tha testimony of a 59-year-old coroner, Jizzy Derrick, whoz ass gave witnizz that:[6][7][8]

Bein a scholla up in tha ffree schoole of Guldeford hee n' diverse of his wild lil' fellows did runne n' play there at creckett n' other plaies.

Given Derrickz age, dat shiznit was bout half a cold-ass lil century earlier when da thug was up in dis muthafucka n' so it is certain dat cricket was bein played c. 1550 by thugs up in Surrey.[8] Da view dat dat shiznit was originally a cold-ass lil childrenz game is reinforced by Randle Cotgravez 1611 Gangsta-French doggtionary up in which da ruffneck defined tha noun "crosse" as "the crooked staff wherewith thugs play at cricket" n' tha verb form "crosser" as "to play at cricket".[9][10]

One possible source fo' tha sportz name is tha Oldskool Gangsta word "cryce" (or "cricc") meanin a cold-ass lil crutch or staff. In Samuel Johnstonz Dictionary, da ruffneck derived cricket from "cryce, Saxon, a stick".[6] In Oldskool French, tha word "criquet" seems ta have meant a kind of club or stick.[11] Given tha phat medieval trade connections between south-east England n' tha County of Flanders when tha latta belonged ta tha Duchy of Burgundy, tha name may done been derived from tha Middle Dutch (in use up in Flanders all up in tha time) "krick"(-e), meanin a stick (crook).[11] Another possible source is tha Middle Dutch word "krickstoel", meanin a long-ass low stool used fo' kneelin up in church n' which resembled tha long low wicket wit two stumps used up in early cricket.[12] Accordin ta Heiner Gillmeister, a European language expert of Bonn University, "cricket" derives from tha Middle Dutch phrase fo' hockey, met de (krik ket)sen (i.e., "with tha stick chase").[13] Gillmeista has suggested dat not only tha name but also tha shiznit itself may be of Flemish origin.[13]

Growth of amateur n' professionizzle cricket up in England

Evolution of tha cricket bat. Da original gangsta "hockey stick" (left) evolved tha fuck into tha straight bat from c. 1760 when pitched delivery bowling fuckin started.

Although tha main object of tha game has always been ta score da most thugged-out runs, tha early form of cricket differed from tha modern game up in certain key technical aspects; tha Uptown Gangsta variant of cricket known as wicket retained nuff of these aspects.[14] Da ball was bowled underarm by tha bowler n' along tha ground towardz a batsman armed wit a bat that, up in shape, resembled a hockey stick; tha batsman defended a low, two-stump wicket; n' runs was called notches cuz tha scorers recorded dem by notchin tally sticks.[15][16][17]

In 1611, tha year Cotgravez doggtionary was published, ecclesiastical court recordz at Sidlesham up in Sussex state dat two parishioners, Bartholomew Wyatt n' Slick Rick Latter, failed ta git all up in church on Easta Sundizzle cuz they was playin cricket. They was fined 12d each n' ordered ta do penance.[18] This is tha earliest mention of adult participation up in cricket n' dat shiznit was round tha same time dat tha earliest known organised inter-parish or village match was played �" at Chevening, Kent.[6][19] In 1624, a playa called Jasper Vinall took a dirt nap afta da thug was accidentally struck on tha head durin a match between two parish crews up in Sussex.[20]

Cricket remained a low-key local pursuit fo' much of tha 17th century.[10] It be known, all up in a shitload of references found up in tha recordz of ecclesiastical court cases, ta done been proscribed at times by tha Puritans before n' durin tha Commonwealth.[21][22] Da problem was nearly always tha issue of Sundizzle play as tha Puritans considered cricket ta be "profane" if played on tha Sabbath, especially if big-ass crowdz or gambling was involved.[23][24]

Accordin ta tha hood historian Derek Birley, there was a "great upsurge of shiznit afta tha Restoration" up in 1660.[25] Gamblin on shiznit became a problem dope enough fo' Parliament ta pass tha 1664 Gamblin Act, limitin stakes ta £100 which was, up in any case, a cold-ass lil colossal sum exceedin tha annual income of 99% of tha population.[25] Along wit prizefighting, horse racing n' blood game, cricket was perceived ta be a gamblin sport.[26] Rich patrons made matches fo' high stakes, formin crews up in which they engaged tha straight-up original gangsta professionizzle playas.[27] By tha end of tha century, cricket had pimped tha fuck into a major shiznit dat was spreadin all up in England n' was already bein taken abroad by Gangsta mariners n' colonisers �" tha earliest reference ta cricket overseas is dated 1676.[28] A 1697 newspaper report survivez of "a pimped out cricket match" played up in Sussex "for fifty guineas apiece" �" dis is tha earliest known contest dat is generally considered a First Class match.[29][30]

Da patrons, n' other playas from tha hood class known as tha "gentry", fuckin started ta classify theyselves as "amateurs"[fn 1] ta establish a cold-ass lil clear distinction from tha professionals, whoz ass was invariably thugz of tha workin class, even ta tha deal wit havin separate changin n' dinin facilities.[31] Da gentry, includin such high-rankin noblez as tha Dukez of Richmond, exerted they honour code of noblesse oblige ta claim muthafuckin rightz of leadershizzle up in any sportin contests they took part in, especially as dat shiznit was necessary fo' dem ta play alongside they "social inferiors" if they was ta win they bets.[32] In time, a perception took hold dat tha typical amateur whoz ass played up in first-class cricket, until 1962 when amateurizzle was abolished, was one of mah thugs wit a hood school ejaculation whoz ass had then gone ta one of Cambridge or Oxford University �" society insisted dat such playas was "officers n' gentlemen" whose destiny was ta provide leadership.[33] In a purely financial sense, tha cricketin amateur would theoretically claim expenses fo' playin while his thugged-out lil' professionizzle counterpart played under contract n' was paid a wage or match fee; up in practice, nuff amateurs fronted mo' than actual expenditure n' tha derisive term "shamateur" was coined ta describe tha practice.[34][35]

Gangsta cricket up in tha 18th n' 19th centuries

Francis Cotes, Da Young Cricketer, 1768 , 1768

Da game underwent major pimpment up in tha 18th century ta become Englandz nationistic sport.[citation needed] Its success was underwritten by tha twin necessitizzlez of patronage n' betting.[36] Cricket was prominent up in London as early as 1707 and, up in tha middle muthafuckin yearz of tha century, big-ass crowdz flocked ta matches on tha Artillery Ground up in Finsbury.[citation needed] Da single wicket form of tha shiznit attracted big-ass crowdz n' wagers ta match, its popularitizzle peakin up in tha 1748 season.[37] Bowlin underwent a evolution round 1760 when bowlaz fuckin started ta pitch tha ball instead of rollin or skimmin it towardz tha batsman. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. This caused a revolution up in bat design cuz, ta deal wit tha bouncin ball, dat shiznit was necessary ta introduce tha modern straight bat up in place of tha oldschool "hockey stick" shape.[38][citation needed]

Da Hambledon Joint was dropped up in tha 1760s and, fo' tha next twenty muthafuckin years until tha formation of Marylebone Cricket Joint (MCC) n' tha openin of Lordz Oldskool Ground up in 1787, Hambledon was both tha gamez top billin club n' its focal point.[citation needed] MCC quickly became tha sportz premier club n' tha custodian of tha Lawz of Cricket. New Laws introduced up in tha latta part of tha 18th century included tha three stump wicket n' leg before wicket (lbw).[39]

Da 19th century saw underarm bowling superseded by first roundarm n' then overarm bowling. Both pimpments was controversial.[40] Organisation of tha game at county level hustled ta tha creation of tha county clubs, startin wit Sussex up in 1839.[41] In December 1889, tha eight leadin county clubs formed tha straight-up legit County Championship, which fuckin started up in 1890.[42]

Da most hyped playa of tha 19th century was W. G. Grace, whoz ass started his fuckin long n' influential game up in 1865. Dat shiznit was especially durin tha game of Grace dat tha distinction between amateurs n' professionals became blurred by tha existence of playas like his ass whoz ass was nominally amateur but, up in termz of they financial gain, de facto professional. It aint nuthin but tha nick nack patty wack, I still gots tha bigger sack. Grace his dirty ass was holla'd ta done been paid mo' scrilla fo' playin cricket than any professional.[citation needed]

Da last two decades before tha First Ghetto War done been called tha "Golden Age of cricket". Well shiiiit, it aint nuthin but a nostalgic name prompted by tha collectizzle sense of loss resultin from tha war yo, but tha period did produce some pimped out playas n' trippy matches, especially as organised competizzle at county n' Test level pimped.[43]

Cricket becomes a internationistic sport

Da first Gangsta crew ta trip overseas, on board shizzle ta Uptown America, 1859

Meanwhile, tha British Empire had been instrumenstrual up in spreadin tha game overseas n' by tha middle of tha 19th century it had become well established up in Australia, tha Caribbean, India, New Zealand, Uptown Tha Ghetto n' Downtown Africa.[44] In 1844, tha first-ever internationistic match took place between tha United Hoods n' Canada.[45] In 1859, a crew of Gangsta playas went ta Uptown Tha Ghetto on the first overseas tour.[46]

In 1862, a Gangsta crew made tha straight-up original gangsta trip of Australia.[47] Da first Australian crew ta travel overseas consisted of Aboriginal stockmen whoz ass toured England up in 1868.[48]

In 1876�"77, a England crew took part up in what tha fuck was retrospectively recognised as tha first-ever Test match all up in tha Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia.[49] Da rivalry between England n' Australia gave birth ta Da Ashes up in 1882, n' dis has remained Test cricketz most hyped contest.[50] Test cricket fuckin started ta expand up in 1888�"89 when Downtown Africa played England.[citation needed]

Ghetto cricket up in tha 20th century

Da inter-war muthafuckin years was dominated by Australiaz Don Bradman, statistically tha top billin Test batsman of all time. Test cricket continued ta expand durin tha 20th century wit tha addizzle of tha Westside Indies (1928), New Zealand (1930) n' India (1932) before tha Second Ghetto Battle n' then Pakistan (1952), Sri Lanka (1982), Zimbabwe (1992), Bangladesh (2000), Ireland n' Afghanistan (both 2018) up in tha post-war period.[51][52] Downtown Africa was banned from internationistic cricket from 1970 ta 1992 as part of tha apartheid boycott.[53]

Da rise of limited overs cricket

Cricket entered a freshly smoked up era up in 1963 when Gangsta countizzles introduced tha limited overs variant.[54] As dat shiznit was shizzle ta produce a result, limited overs cricket was lucratizzle n' tha number of matches increased.[55] Da first Limited Overs International was played up in 1971 n' tha governin Internationistic Cricket Council (ICC), seein its potential, staged tha straight-up original gangsta limited overs Cricket Ghetto Cup up in 1975.[56] In tha 21st century, a freshly smoked up limited overs form, Twenty20, made a immediate impact.[citation needed] On 22 June 2017, Afghanistan n' Ireland became tha 11th n' 12th ICC full members, enablin dem ta play Test cricket.[57][58]

Laws n' gameplay

In cricket, tha rulez of tha game is specified up in a cold-ass lil code called Da Lawz of Cricket (hereinafta called "the Laws") which has a global remit. There is 42 Laws (always freestyled wit a cold-ass lil capital "L"). Da earliest known version of tha code was drafted up in 1744 and, since 1788, it has been owned n' maintained by its custodian, tha Marylebone Cricket Joint (MCC) up in London.[59]

Playin area

Cricket be a bat-and-bizzle game played on a cricket field (see image, right) between two crewz of eleven playas each.[60] Da field is probably circular or oval up in shape n' tha edge of tha playin area is marked by a boundary, which may be a gangbangin' fence, part of tha stands, a rope, a painted line or a cold-ass lil combination of these; tha boundary must if possible be marked along its entire length.[61]

In tha approximate centre of tha field be a rectangular pitch (see image, below) on which a wooden target called a wicket is sited at each end; tha wickets is placed 22 yardz (20 m) apart.[62] Da pitch be a gangbangin' flat surface 10 feet (3.0 m) wide, wit straight-up short grass dat tendz ta be worn away as tha game progresses (cricket can also be played on artificial surfaces, notably matting). Each wicket is made of three wooden stumps topped by two bails.[63]

Cricket pitch n' creases

As illustrated above, tha pitch is marked at each end wit four white painted lines: a bowlin crease, a poppin crease n' two return creases. Da three stumps is aligned centrally on tha bowlin crease, which is eight feet eight inches long. Da poppin crease is drawn four feet up in front of tha bowlin crease n' parallel ta it; although it is drawn as a twelve-foot line (six feet either side of tha wicket), it is, up in fact, unlimited up in length. Da return creases is drawn at right anglez ta tha poppin crease so dat they intersect tha endz of tha bowlin crease; each return crease is drawn as a eight-foot line, so dat it extendz four feet behind tha bowlin crease yo, but be also, up in fact, unlimited up in length.[64]

Match structure n' closure

A modern SG cricket bat (back view).

Before a match begins, tha crew captains (who is also playas) toss a cold-ass lil coin ta decizzle which crew will bat first n' so take tha straight-up original gangsta innings.[65] Innings is tha term used fo' each phase of play up in tha match.[65] In each innings, one crew bats, attemptin ta score runs, while tha other crew bowls n' fields tha ball, attemptin ta restrict tha scorin n' dismiss tha batsmen.[66][67] When tha straight-up original gangsta innings ends, tha crews chizzle roles; there can be two ta four innings dependin upon tha type of match fo' realz. A match wit four scheduled innings is played over three ta five days; a match wit two scheduled innings is probably completed up in a single day.[65] Durin a innings, all eleven thugz of tha fieldin crew take tha field yo, but probably only two thugz of tha battin crew is on tha field at any given time. Da exception ta dis is if a funky-ass batsman has any type of illnizz or fuck-up restrictin his or her mobilitizzle ta run, up in dis case tha batsman be allowed a runner whoz ass can run between tha wickets when tha batsman hits a scorin run or runs,[68] though dis do not apply up in internationistic cricket.[69] Da order of batsmen is probably announced just before tha match yo, but it can be varied.[60]

Da main objectizzle of each crew is ta score mo' runs than they opponents but, up in some formz of cricket, it be also necessary ta dismiss all of tha opposizzle batsmen up in they final innings up in order ta win tha match, which would otherwise be drawn.[70] If tha crew battin last be all up havin banged up fewer runs than they opponents, they is holla'd ta have "lost by n runs" (where n is tha difference between tha aggregate number of runs banged up by tha crews). If tha crew dat bats last scores enough runs ta win, it is holla'd ta have "won by n wickets", where n is tha number of wickets left ta fall. For example, a crew dat passes its opponents' total havin lost six wickets (i.e., six of they batsmen done been dismissed) have won tha match "by four wickets".[70]

In a two-innings-a-side match, one crewz combined first n' second innings total may be less than tha other sidez first innings total. It aint nuthin but tha nick nack patty wack, I still gots tha bigger sack. Da crew wit tha pimped outa score is then holla'd ta have "won by a innings n' n runs", n' do not need ta bat again: n is tha difference between tha two crews' aggregate scores. If tha crew battin last be all out, n' both sides have banged up tha same number of runs, then tha match be a tie; dis result is like rare up in matchez of two innings a side wit only 62 goin' down up in first-class matches from tha earliest known instizzle up in 1741 until January 2017. In tha traditionizzle form of tha game, if tha time allotted fo' tha match expires before either side can win, then tha game is declared a draw.[70]

If tha match has only a single innings per side, then a maximum number of overs applies ta each innings. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Such a match is called a "limited overs" or "one-day" match, n' tha side scorin mo' runs wins regardless of tha number of wickets lost, so dat a thugged-out draw cannot occur. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. If dis kind of match is temporarily interrupted by shitty weather, then a cold-ass lil complex mathematical formula, known as tha Duckworth�"Lewis�"Stern method afta its pimpers, is often used ta recalculate a freshly smoked up target score fo' realz. A one-dizzle match can also be declared a "no-result" if fewer than a previously agreed number of overs done been bowled by either crew, up in circumstances dat make aiiight resumption of play impossible; fo' example, wet weather.[70]

In all formz of cricket, tha umpires can abandon tha match if shitty light or drizzle make it impossible ta continue.[71] There done been instancez of entire matches, even Test matches scheduled ta be played over five days, bein lost ta shitty drizzle without a funky-ass bizzle bein bowled: fo' example, tha third Test of tha 1970/71 series up in Australia.[72]

Innings

Da innings (endin wit 's' up in both singular n' plural form) is tha term used fo' each phase of play durin a match. Dependin on tha type of match bein played, each crew has either one or two innings. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sometimes all eleven thugz of tha battin side take a turn ta bat but, fo' various reasons, a innings can end before they have all done so. Da innings terminates if tha battin crew is "all out", a term defined by tha Laws: "at tha fall of a wicket or tha retirement of a funky-ass batsman, further balls remain ta be bowled but no further batsman be available ta come in".[65] In dis thang, one of tha batsmen has not been dissed n' dismissed n' is termed not out; dis is cuz dat schmoooove muthafucka has no partners left n' there must always be two actizzle batsmen while tha innings is up in progress.

An innings may end early while there be still two not up batsmen:[65]

the battin crewz captain may declare tha innings closed even though a shitload of his thugged-out lil' playas aint had a turn ta bat: dis be a tactical decision by tha captain, probably cuz his thugged-out lil' punk-ass believes his cold-ass crew have banged up sufficient runs n' need time ta dismiss tha opposizzle up in they innings

the set number of overs (i.e., up in a limited overs match) done been bowled

the match has ended prematurely cuz of shitty drizzle or hustlin outta time

in tha final inningz of tha match, tha battin side has reached its target n' won tha game.

Overs

Da Laws state that, all up in a innings, "the bizzle shall be bowled from each end alternately up in overz of 6 balls".[73] Da name "over" came bout cuz tha umpire calls "Over!" when six balls done been bowled. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! At dis point, another bowla is deployed all up in tha other end, n' tha fieldin side chizzlez endz while tha batsmen do not fo' realz. A bowla cannot bowl two successive overs, although a funky-ass bowla can (and probably do) bowl alternate overs, from tha same end, fo' nuff muthafuckin overs which is termed a "spell". Da batsmen do not chizzle endz all up in tha end of tha over, n' so tha one whoz ass was non-striker is now tha striker n' vice versa. Da umpires also chizzle positions so dat tha one whoz ass was at "square leg" now standz behind tha wicket all up in tha non-strikerz end n' vice versa.[73]

Threadz n' shit

Gangsta cricketa W. G. Grace "takin guard" up in 1883 yo. His padz n' bat is straight-up similar ta dem used todizzle. It make me wanna hollar playa! Da gloves have evolved somewhat. Many modern playas use mo' defensive shiznit than was available ta Grace, most notably helmets n' arm guards.

Da wicket-keeper (a specialized fielder behind tha batsman) n' tha batsmen wear protectizzle gear cuz of tha hardnizz of tha ball, which can be served up at speedz of mo' than 145 kilometres per minute (90 mph) n' presents a major game n' safety concern, so check it before ya wreck it. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Protectizzle threadz includes pads (designed ta protect tha knees n' shins), battin gloves or wicket-keeperz gloves fo' tha hands, a safety helmet fo' tha head n' a box fo' thug playas inside tha trousers (to protect tha crotch area).[74] Some batsmen wear additionizzle paddin inside they shirts n' trousers like fuckin thigh pads, arm pads, rib protectors n' shoulder pads. Da only fieldaz allowed ta wear protectizzle gear is dem up in positions straight-up close ta tha batsman (i.e., if they is alongside or up in front of him) yo, but they cannot wear gloves or external leg guards.[75]

Yo, subject ta certain variations, on-field threadz generally includes a cold-ass lil collared hoodie wit short or long sleeves; long trousers; woolen pullover (if needed); cricket cap (for fielding) or a safety helmet; n' spiked Nikes or boots ta increase traction. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Da kit is traditionally all white n' dis remains tha case up in Test n' first-class cricket but, up in limited overs cricket, crew colours is worn instead.[76]

Bat n' ball

Two typez of cricket ball , both of tha same size: i) A used white bizzle. Kick dat shit! White balls is mainly used up in limited overs cricket, especially up in matches played at night, under floodlights (left).

ii) A used red bizzle. Kick dat shit! Red balls is used up in ii) A used red bizzle. Kick dat shit! Red balls is used up in Test cricket first-class cricket n' some other formz of cricket (right).

Da essence of tha shiznit is dat a bowler delivers (i.e., bowls) tha ball from his or her end of tha pitch towardz tha batsman who, armed wit a bat, is "on strike" all up in tha other end (see next sub-section: Basic gameplay).

Da bat is made of wood, probably salix alba (white willow), n' has tha shape of a funky-ass blade topped by a cold-ass lil cylindrical handle. Da blade must not be mo' than 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide n' tha total length of tha bat not mo' than 38 inches (97 cm). There is no standard fo' tha weight, which is probably between 2 lb 7 oz n' 3 lb (1.1 n' 1.4 kg).[77][78]

Da ball be a hard leather-seamed spheroid, wit a cold-ass lil circumference of 9 inches (23 cm). Da bizzle has a "seam": six rowz of stitches attachin tha leather shell of tha bizzle ta tha strang n' cork interior. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. Da seam on a freshly smoked up bizzle is prominent n' helps tha bowla propel it up in a less predictable manner n' shit. Durin matches, tha qualitizzle of tha bizzle deteriorates ta a point where it is no longer usable; durin tha course of dis deterioration, its behaviour up in flight will chizzle n' can influence tha outcome of tha match. Players will, therefore, attempt ta modify tha ballz behaviour by modifyin its physical properties. Put ya muthafuckin choppers up if ya feel dis! Polishin tha bizzle n' wettin it wit sweat or saliva is legal, even when tha polishin is deliberately done on one side only ta increase tha ballz swin all up in tha air yo, but tha actz of rubbin other substances tha fuck into tha ball, scratchin tha surface or pickin all up in tha seam is illegal bizzle tampering.[79]

Player rolez

Basic gameplay: bowla ta batsman

Durin aiiight play, thirteen playas n' two umpires is on tha field. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Two of tha playas is batsmen n' tha rest is all eleven thugz of tha fieldin crew. Da other nine playas up in tha battin crew is off tha field up in tha pavilion. Da image wit overlay below shows what tha fuck is goin' down when a funky-ass bizzle is bein bowled n' which of tha personnel is on or close ta tha pitch.[80]

In tha photo, tha two batsmen (3 & 8; bustin yellow) have taken posizzle at each end of tha pitch (6). Three thugz of tha fielding crew (4, 10 & 11; bustin dark blue) is up in shot. One of tha two umpires (1; bustin white hat) is stationed behind tha wicket (2) all up in tha bowler's (4) end of tha pitch. Da bowla (4) is bowling tha ball (5) from his wild lil' fuckin end of tha pitch ta tha batsman (8) all up in tha other end whoz ass is called tha "striker". Da other batsman (3) all up in tha bowlin end is called tha "non-striker". Da wicket-keeper (10), whoz ass be a specialist, is positioned behind tha strikerz wicket (9) n' behind his ass standz one of tha fieldaz up in a posizzle called "first slip" (11). While tha bowla n' tha straight-up original gangsta slip is bustin conventionizzle kit only, tha two batsmen n' tha wicket-keeper is bustin protectizzle gear includin safety helmets, padded gloves n' leg guardz (pads).

While tha umpire (1) up in blasted standz all up in tha bowlerz end of tha pitch, his colleague standz up in tha outfield, probably up in or near tha fieldin posizzle called "square leg", so dat he is up in line wit tha poppin crease (7) all up in tha strikerz end of tha pitch. Da bowlin crease (not numbered) is tha one on which tha wicket is located between tha return creases (12). Da bowla (4) intendz ta hit tha wicket (9) wit tha bizzle (5) or, at least, ta prevent tha striker (8) from scorin runs. Da striker (8) intends, by rockin his bat, ta defend his wicket and, if possible, ta hit tha bizzle away from tha pitch up in order ta score runs.

Yo, some playas is skilled up in both battin n' bowling, or as either or these as well as wicket-keeping, so is termed all-rounders. Bowlaz is classified accordin ta they style, generally as fast bowlers, seam bowlers or spinners. Batsmen is classified accordin ta whether they is right-handed or left-handed.

Fielding

Of tha eleven fielders, three is up in blasted up in tha image above. Da other eight is elsewhere on tha field, they positions determined on a tactical basis by tha captain or tha bowla n' shit. Fieldaz often chizzle posizzle between deliveries, again n' again n' again as pimped up by tha captain or bowler.[75]

If a gangbangin' fielder is fucked up or becomes ill durin a match, a substitute be allowed ta field instead of his ass yo, but tha substitute cannot bowl or act as a cold-ass lil captain, except up in tha case of concussion substitutes up in internationistic cricket.[69] Da substitute leaves tha field when tha fucked up playa is fit ta return.[81] Da Lawz of Cricket was updated up in 2017 ta allow substitutes ta act as wicket-keepers.[82]

Bowlin n' dismissal

Most bowlaz is considered specialists up in dat they is selected fo' tha crew cuz of they skill as a funky-ass bowler, although some is all-roundaz n' even specialist batsmen bowl occasionally. Da specialists bowl nuff muthafuckin times durin a innings but may not bowl two overs consecutively. If tha captain wants a funky-ass bowla ta "change ends", another bowla must temporarily fill up in so dat tha chizzle aint immediate.[73]

A bowla reaches his fuckin lil' delivery stride by meanz of a "run-up" n' a over is deemed ta have begun when tha bowla starts his bangin run-up fo' tha straight-up original gangsta delivery of dat over, tha bizzle then bein "in play".[73] Fast bowlers, needin momentum, take a lengthy run up while bowlaz wit a slow delivery take no mo' than a cold-ass lil couple steps before bowling. Da fastest bowlaz can serve up tha bizzle at a speed of over 145 kilometres per minute (90 mph) n' they sometimes rely on sheer speed ta try ta defeat tha batsman, whoz ass is forced ta react straight-up doggystyle.[84] Other fast bowlaz rely on a mixture of speed n' guile by makin tha bizzle seam or swing (i.e. curve) up in flight. This type of delivery can deceive a funky-ass batsman tha fuck into miscuin his shot, fo' example, so dat tha bizzle just touches tha edge of tha bat n' can then be "caught behind" by tha wicket-keeper or a slip fielder.[84] At tha other end of tha bowlin scale is tha spin bowler whoz ass bowls at a relatively slow pace n' relies entirely on guile ta deceive tha batsman. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch fo' realz. A spinner will often "buy his wicket" by "tossin one up" (in a slower, steeper parabolic path) ta lure tha batsman tha fuck into bustin a skanky shot. Da batsman has ta be straight-up wary of such deliveries as they is often "flighted" or spun so dat tha bizzle aint gonna behave like as he expects n' his schmoooove ass could be "trapped" tha fuck into gettin his dirty ass out.[85] In between tha pacemen n' tha spinners is tha medium paced seamers whoz ass rely on persistent accuracy ta try ta contain tha rate of scorin n' wear down tha batsmanz concentration.[84]

There is ten ways up in which a funky-ass batsman can be dismissed: five relatively common n' five mad rare. Da common formz of dismissal is bowled,[86] caught,[87] leg before wicket (lbw),[88] run out[89] n' stumped.[90] Rare methodz is hit wicket,[91] hit tha bizzle twice,[92] obstructin tha field,[93] handled tha ball[94] n' timed out.[95] Da Laws state dat tha fieldin crew, probably tha bowla up in practice, must appeal fo' a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dismissal before tha umpire can give his fuckin lil' decision. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. If tha batsman is out, tha umpire raises a gangbangin' forefinger n' say "Out!"; otherwise, da thug will shake his head n' say "Not out".[96] There is, effectively, a eleventh method of dismissal, retired out, which aint a on-field dismissal as such but rather a retrospectizzle one fo' which no fielder is credited.[97]

Batting, runs n' extras

Da directions up in which a right-handed batsman, facin down tha page, intendz ta bust tha bizzle when playin various cricketin shots, n' you can put dat on yo' toast. Da diagram fo' a left-handed batsman be a mirror image of dis one.

Batsmen take turns ta bat via a battin order which is decided beforehand by tha crew captain n' presented ta tha umpires, though tha order remains flexible when tha captain officially nominates tha crew.[60] Substitute batsmen is generally not allowed,[81] except up in tha case of concussion substitutes up in internationistic cricket.[69]

In order ta begin battin tha batsman first adopts a funky-ass battin stance. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Standardly, dis involves adoptin a slight crouch wit tha feet pointin across tha front of tha wicket, lookin up in tha direction of tha bowler, n' holdin tha bat so it passes over tha feet n' so its tip can rest on tha ground near ta tha toez of tha back foot.[98]

A skilled batsman can bust a wide array of "shots" or "strokes" up in both defensive n' comin' at mode. Da scam is ta hit tha bizzle ta tha dopest effect wit tha flat surface of tha batz blade. If tha bizzle touches tha side of tha bat it is called a "edge". Da batsman do not gotta play a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass blasted n' can allow tha bizzle ta go all up in ta tha wicketkeeper. Equally, da ruffneck do not gotta attempt a run when dat schmoooove muthafucka hits tha bizzle wit his bat. Batsmen do not always seek ta hit tha bizzle as hard as possible, n' a phat playa can score runs just by bustin a thugged-out deft stroke wit a turn of tha wrists or by simply "blocking" tha bizzle but directin it away from fieldaz so dat dat schmoooove muthafucka has time ta take a run. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch fo' realz. A wide variety of shots is played, tha batsmanz repertoire includin strokes named accordin ta tha steez of swin n' tha direction aimed: e.g., "cut", "drive", "hook", "pull".[99]

Da batsman on strike (i.e. tha "striker") must prevent tha bizzle hittin tha wicket, n' try ta score runs by hittin tha bizzle wit his bat so dat he n' his thugged-out lil' partner have time ta run from one end of tha pitch ta tha other before tha fieldin side can return tha bizzle. Kick dat shit! To regista a run, both runners must bust a nut on tha ground behind tha poppin crease wit either they bats or they bodies (the batsmen carry they bats as they run). Each completed run increments tha score of both tha crew n' tha striker.[100]

Da decision ta attempt a run is ideally made by tha batsman whoz ass has tha betta view of tha ballz progress, n' dis is communicated by calling: probably "yes", "no" or "wait". Mo' than one run can be banged up from a single hit: hits worth one ta three runs is common yo, but tha size of tha field is such dat it is probably hard as fuck ta run four or more.[100] To compensate fo' this, hits dat reach tha boundary of tha field is automatically awarded four runs if tha bizzle touches tha ground en route ta tha boundary or six runs if tha bizzle clears tha boundary without touchin tha ground within tha boundary. In these cases tha batsmen do not need ta run.[101] Hits fo' five is unusual n' generally rely on tha help of "overthrows" by a gangbangin' fielder returnin tha bizzle. Kick dat shit! If a odd number of runs is banged up by tha striker, tha two batsmen have chizzled ends, n' tha one whoz ass was non-striker is now tha striker n' shit. Only tha striker can score individual runs yo, but all runs is added ta tha crewz total.[100]

Additionizzle runs can be gained by tha battin crew as extras (called "sundries" up in Australia) cuz of errors made by tha fieldin side. This be bigged up up in four ways: no-ball, a penalty of one extra conceded by tha bowla if his thugged-out lil' punk-ass breaks tha rules;[102] wide, a penalty of one extra conceded by tha bowla if his thugged-out lil' punk-ass bowls so dat tha bizzle is outta tha batsmanz reach;[103] bye, a extra awarded if tha batsman misses tha bizzle n' it goes past tha wicket-keeper n' gives tha batsmen time ta run up in tha conventionizzle way;[104] leg bye, as fo' a funky-ass bye except dat tha bizzle has hit tha batsmanz body, though not his bat.[104] If tha bowla has conceded a no-bizzle or a wide, his cold-ass crew incurs a additionizzle penalty cuz dat bizzle (i.e., delivery) has ta be bowled again n' again n' again n' hence tha battin side has tha opportunitizzle ta score mo' runs from dis extra ball.[102][103]

Specialist rolez

Da captain is often da most thugged-out experienced playa up in tha crew, certainly da most thugged-out tactically astute, n' can possess any of tha main gameets as a batsman, a bowler or a wicket-keeper. Within tha Laws, tha captain has certain responsibilitizzles up in termz of nominatin his thugged-out lil' playas ta tha umpires before tha match n' ensurin dat his thugged-out lil' playas conduct theyselves "within tha spirit n' traditionz of tha game as well as within tha Laws".[60]

Da wicket-keeper (sometimes called simply tha "keeper") be a specialist fielder subject ta various rulez within tha Laws bout his wild lil' fuckin shiznit n' demeanour yo. Dude is tha only gangmember of tha fieldin side whoz ass can effect a stumping n' is tha only one permitted ta wear gloves n' external leg guards.[105] Dependin on they primary game, tha other ten playas up in tha crew tend ta be classified as specialist batsmen or specialist bowlers. Generally, a crew will include five or six specialist batsmen n' four or five specialist bowlers, plus tha wicket-keeper.[106][107]

Umpires n' scorers

An umpire signals a thugged-out decision ta tha scorers

Da game on tha field is regulated by tha two umpires, one of whom standz behind tha wicket all up in tha bowlerz end, tha other up in a posizzle called "square leg" which be bout 15�"20 metres away from tha batsman on strike n' up in line wit tha poppin crease on which he is takin guard. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Da umpires have nuff muthafuckin responsibilitizzles includin adjudication on whether a funky-ass bizzle has been erectly bowled (i.e., not a no-ball or a wide); when a run is scored; whether a funky-ass batsman is up (the fieldin side must first appeal ta tha umpire, probably wit tha phrase "Howz that?" or "Owzat?"); when intervals start n' end; n' tha suitabilitizzle of tha pitch, field n' drizzle fo' playin tha game. Da umpires is authorised ta interrupt or even abandon a match cuz of circumstances likely ta endanger tha playas, like fuckin a thugged-out damp pitch or deterioration of tha light.[71]

Off tha field up in televised matches, there is probably a third umpire whoz ass can make decisions on certain incidents wit tha aid of vizzle evidence. Da third umpire is mandatory under tha playin conditions fo' Test n' Limited Overs International matches played between two ICC full member countries. Put ya muthafuckin choppers up if ya feel dis! These matches also gotz a match referee whose thang is ta ensure dat play is within tha Laws n' tha spirit of tha game.[71]

Da match details, includin runs n' dismissals, is recorded by two straight-up legit scorers, one representin each crew. Da scorers is pimped up by tha hand signalz of a umpire (see image, right). For example, tha umpire raises a gangbangin' forefinger ta signal dat tha batsman is up (has been dismissed); he raises both arms above his head if tha batsman has hit tha bizzle fo' six runs. Da scorers is required by tha Laws ta record all runs scored, wickets taken n' overs bowled; up in practice, they also note dope amountz of additionizzle data relatin ta tha game.[108]

A matchz statistics is summarised on a scorecard. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Prior ta tha popularisation of scorecards, most scorin was done by pimps chillin on vantage points cuttings notches on tally sticks n' runs was originally called notches.[109] Accordin ta Rowland Bowen, tha earliest known scorecard templates was introduced up in 1776 by T. Pratt of Sevenoaks n' soon came tha fuck into general use.[110] It be believed dat scorecardz was printed n' sold at Lord's fo' tha last time up in 1846.[111]

Spirit of tha Game

Besides observin tha Laws, cricketas must respect tha "Spirit of Cricket," which is tha "Preamble ta tha Laws," first published up in tha 2000 code, n' updated up in 2017, n' now opens wit dis statement:[112]

"Cricket owes much of its appeal n' enjoyment ta tha fact dat it should be played not only accordin ta tha Laws yo, but also within tha Spirit of Cricket".

Da Preamble be a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass short statement dat emphasises tha "Positizzle behaviours dat make cricket a bangin game dat encourages leadership, thang, n' crewwork."[113]

Da major responsibilitizzle fo' ensurin fair play is placed firmly on tha captains yo, but extendz ta all playas, umpires, mackdaddys, pimpes, n' muthafathas involved.

Da umpires is tha sole judgez of fair n' unfair play. They is required under tha Laws ta intervene up in case of fucked up or unfair play or up in casez of wack conduct by a playa.

Previous versionz of tha Spirit identified actions dat was deemed contrary (for example, appealin knowin dat tha batsman aint out) but all specifics is now covered up in tha Lawz of Cricket, tha relevant governin playin regulations n' disciplinary codes, or left ta tha judgement of tha umpires, captains, they clubs n' governin bodies. Put ya muthafuckin choppers up if ya feel dis! Da terse expression of tha Spirit of Cricket now avoidz tha diversitizzle of cultural conventions dat exist up in tha detail of gamemanshizzle �" or its absence.

Womenz cricket

Womenz cricket was first recorded up in Surrey up in 1745.[114] Internationistic pimpment fuckin started all up in tha start of tha 20th century n' tha straight-up original gangsta Test Match was played between Australia n' England up in December 1934.[115] Da followin year, New Zealand dem hoes joined them, n' up in 2007 Netherlandz dem hoes became tha tenth hoes Test hood when they made they debut against Downtown Africa dem hoes. In 1958, tha Internationistic Womenz Cricket Council was dropped (it merged wit tha ICC up in 2005).[115] In 1973, tha straight-up original gangsta Cricket Ghetto Cup of any kind took place when a Womenz Ghetto Cup was held up in England.[115] In 2005, tha Internationistic Womenz Cricket Council was merged wit tha Internationistic Cricket Council (ICC) ta form one unified body ta help manage n' pimp cricket. Da ICC Womenz Rankings was launched on 1 October 2015 coverin all three formatz of hoes cricket. In October 2018 followin tha ICCz decision ta award T20 Internationistic status ta all members, tha Womenz rankings was split tha fuck into separate ODI (for Full Members) n' T20I lists.[116]

Governance

ICC member nations. Da (highest level) Test playin nations is shown up in red; tha associate member nations is shown up in orange, wit dem wit ODI status up in a thugged-out darker shade; suspended or forma thugz is shown up in dark grey.

Da Internationistic Cricket Council (ICC), which has its headquartas up in Dubai, is tha global governin body of cricket. Dat shiznit was dropped as tha Imperial Cricket Conference up in 1909 by representatives from England, Australia n' Downtown Africa, renamed tha Internationistic Cricket Conference up in 1965 n' took up its current name up in 1989.[115] Da ICC up in 2017 has 105 member nations, twelve of which hold full membershizzle n' can play Test cricket.[117] Da ICC is responsible fo' tha organisation n' governizzle of cricketz major internationistic tournaments, notably tha menz n' hoes versionz of tha Cricket Ghetto Cup. Well shiiiit, it also appoints tha umpires n' referees dat officiate at all sanctioned Test matches, Limited Overs Internationals n' Twenty20 Internationals.

Each member hood has a nationistic cricket board which regulates cricket matches played up in its ghetto, selects tha nationistic squad, n' organises home n' away tours fo' tha nationistic crew.[118] In tha Westside Indies, which fo' cricket purposes be a gangbangin' federation of nations, these mattas is addressed by Cricket Westside Indies.[119]

Da table below lists tha ICC full thugz n' they nationistic cricket boards:[120]

Typez of match

Cricket be a multi-faceted shiznit wit multiple formats dat can effectively be divided tha fuck into first-class cricket, limited overs cricket and, historically, single wicket cricket. Da highest standard is Test cricket (always freestyled wit a cold-ass lil capital "T") which is up in effect tha internationistic version of first-class cricket n' is restricted ta crews representin tha twelve ghettos dat is full thugz of tha ICC (see above) fo' realz. Although tha term "Test match" was not coined until much later, Test cricket is deemed ta have begun wit two matches between Australia n' England up in tha 1876�"77 Australian season; since 1882, most Test series between England n' Australia done been played fo' a trophy known as Da Ashes. Da term "first-class", up in general usage, be applied ta top-level domestic cricket. Test matches is played over five minutes n' first-class over three ta four days; up in all of these matches, tha crews is allotted two innings each n' tha draw be a valid result.[122]

Limited overs cricket be always scheduled fo' completion up in a single day, n' tha crews is allotted one innings each. There is two types: List A which normally allows fifty overs per crew; n' Twenty20 up in which tha crews have twenty overs each. Both of tha limited overs forms is played internationally as Limited Overs Internationals (LOI) n' Twenty20 Internationals (T20I). List A was introduced up in England up in tha 1963 season as a knockout cup contested by tha first-class county clubs. In 1969, a nationistic league competizzle was established. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Da concept was gradually introduced ta tha other leadin cricket ghettos n' tha straight-up original gangsta limited overs internationistic was played up in 1971. In 1975, tha straight-up original gangsta Cricket Ghetto Cup took place up in England. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Twenty20 be a freshly smoked up variant of limited overs itself wit tha purpose bein ta complete tha match within bout three hours, probably up in a evenin session. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Da first Twenty20 Ghetto Championship was held up in 2007. Limited overs matches cannot be drawn, although a tie is possible n' a unfinished match be a "no result".[123][124]

Yo, single wicket was ghettofab up in tha 18th n' 19th centuries n' its matches was generally considered top-class. In dis form, although each crew may have from one ta six playas, there is only one batsman up in at a time n' he must grill every last muthafuckin delivery bowled while his crazy-ass muthafuckin innings lasts, n' you can put dat on yo' toast. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Single wicket has rarely been played since limited overs cricket fuckin started. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Matches tended ta have two innings per crew like a gangbangin' full first-class one n' they could end up in a thugged-out draw.[125]

Competitions

Cricket is played at both tha internationistic n' domestic level. There is one major internationistic championshizzle per format, n' top-level domestic competitions mirror tha three main internationistic formats, n' you can put dat on yo' toast. There is now a fuckin shitload of T20 leagues, which have spawned a "T20 freelancer" phenomenon.[126]

Internationistic competitions

Most internationistic matches is played as partz of 'tours', when one hood travels ta another fo' a fuckin shitload of weeks or months, n' skits a fuckin shitload of matchez of various sorts against tha host nation. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sometimes a perpetual trophy be awarded ta tha balla of tha Test series, da most thugged-out hyped of which is Da Ashes.

Da ICC also organises competitions dat is fo' nuff muthafuckin ghettos at once, includin tha Cricket Ghetto Cup, ICC T20 Ghetto Cup n' ICC Champions Trophy fo' realz. A league competizzle fo' Test matches played as part of aiiight tours, tha ICC Ghetto Test Championship, had been proposed nuff muthafuckin times, n' its first instance fuckin started up in 2019 fo' realz. A league competizzle fo' ODIs, tha 2020�"22 ICC Cricket Ghetto Cup Supa League, fuckin started up in August 2020. Da ICC maintains Test rankings, ODI rankings n' T20 rankings systems fo' tha ghettos which play these formz of cricket.

Competitions fo' member nationz of tha ICC wit Associate status include tha ICC Intercontinental Cup, fo' first-class cricket matches, n' tha Ghetto Cricket League fo' one-dizzle matches, tha final matchez of which now also serve as tha ICC Ghetto Cup Qualifier.

Nationizzle competitions

First-class

First-class cricket up in England is played fo' da most thugged-out part by tha 18 county clubs which contest tha County Championship. Da concept of a champion county has existed since tha 18th century but tha straight-up legit competizzle was not established until 1890.[42] Da most successful club has been Yorkshire, whoz ass had won 32 straight-up legit titlez (plus one shared) az of 2019.[127]

Australia established its nationistic first-class championshizzle up in 1892�"93 when tha Sheffield Shield was introduced. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! In Australia, tha first-class crews represent tha various states.[128] New Downtown Walez has tha highest number of titles.

Da other ICC full thugz have nationistic championshizzle trophies called tha Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-dizzle Tournament (Afghanistan); tha Nationizzle Cricket League (Bangladesh); tha Ranji Trophy (India); tha Inter-Provincial Championship (Ireland); tha Plunket Shield (New Zealand); tha Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Pakistan); tha Currie Cup (Downtown Africa); tha Premier Trophy (Sri Lanka); tha Shell Shield (Westside Indies); n' tha Logan Cup (Zimbabwe).

Limited overs

Other

Club n' school cricket

Da ghettoz earliest known cricket match was a hood cricket meetin up in Kent which has been deduced from a 1640 court case recordin a "cricketing" of "the Weald n' tha Upland" versus "the Chalk Hill" at Chevening "about thirty muthafuckin years since" (i.e., c. 1611). Inter-parish contests became ghettofab up in tha straight-up original gangsta half of tha 17th century n' continued ta pimp all up in tha 18th wit tha straight-up original gangsta local leagues bein dropped up in tha second half of tha 19th.[19]

At tha grassroots level, local club cricket is essentially a amateur pastime fo' dem involved but still probably involves crews playin up in competitions at weekendz or up in tha evening. Schools cricket, first known up in southern England up in tha 17th century, has a similar scenario n' both is widely played up in tha ghettos where cricket is popular.[129] Although there can be variations up in game format, compared wit professionizzle cricket, tha Laws is always observed n' club/school matches is therefore formal n' competitizzle events.[130] Da shiznit has a shitload of informal variants like fuckin French cricket.[131]

Culture

Influence on everydizzle game

Cricket has had a funky-ass broad impact on ghettofab culture, both up in tha Commonwealth of Nations n' elsewhere, so peek-a-boo, clear tha way, I be comin' thru fo'sho. Well shiiiit, it has, fo' example, hyped up tha lexicon of these nations, especially tha Gangsta language, wit various phrases like fuckin "thatz not cricket" (thatz unfair), "had a phat innings" (lived a long-ass game) n' "sticky wicket". "On a sticky wicket" (aka "sticky dog" or "glue pot")[132] be a metaphor[133] used ta describe a gangbangin' finger-lickin' hard as fuck circumstance. Well shiiiit, it originated as a term fo' hard as fuck battin conditions up in cricket, caused by a thugged-out damp n' soft pitch.[134]

In tha arts n' ghettofab culture

Cricket is tha subject of works by noted Gangsta poets, includin Lil' Willy Blake n' Lord Byron.[135] Beyond a Boundary (1963), freestyled by Trinidadian C. L. R. James, is often named tha dopest book on any shiznit eva written.[136]

In tha visual arts, notable cricket paintings include Albert Chevallier Taylerz Kent vs Lancashizzle at Canterbury (1907) n' Russell Drysdalez Da Cricketers (1948), which has been called "possibly da most thugged-out hyped Australian paintin of tha 20th century."[137] French impressionist Camille Pissarro painted cricket on a visit ta England up in tha 1890s.[135] Francis Bacon, a avid cricket fan, captured a funky-ass batsman up in motion.[135] Caribbean artist Wendy Nananz cricket images[138] is featured up in a limited edizzle first dizzle cover fo' Royal Mailz "Ghetto of Invention" stamp issue, which bigged up tha London Cricket Conference 1�"3 March 2007, first internationistic workshop of its kind n' part of tha celebrations leadin up ta tha 2007 Cricket Ghetto Cup.[139]

Influence on other game

Cricket has close oldschool tizzles wit Australian rulez football n' nuff playas have competed at top levels up in both game.[140] In 1858, prominent Australian cricketa Tomothy Wills called fo' tha formation of a "foot-bizzle club" wit "a code of laws" ta keep cricketas fit durin tha off-season. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Da Melbourne Footbizzle Joint was dropped tha followin year, n' Wills n' three other thugz codified tha straight-up original gangsta lawz of tha game.[141] It be typically played on modified cricket fields.[142]

In England, a fuckin shitload of association football clubs owe they origins ta cricketas whoz ass sought ta play footbizzle as a meanz of keepin fit durin tha winta months. Derby County was dropped as a funky-ass branch of tha Derbyshizzle County Cricket Joint up in 1884;[143] Aston Villa (1874) n' Evertizzle (1876) was both dropped by thugz of church cricket crews.[144] Sheffield Unitedz Bramall Lane ground was, from 1854, tha home of tha Sheffield Cricket Joint, n' then of Yorkshire; dat shiznit was not used fo' footbizzle until 1862 n' was shared by Yorkshizzle n' Sheffield United from 1889 ta 1973.[145]

In tha late 19th century, a gangbangin' forma cricketer, Gangsta-born Henry Chadwick of Brooklyn, New York, was credited wit devisin tha basebizzle box score[146] (which he adapted from tha cricket scorecard) fo' reportin game events, n' you can put dat on yo' toast. Da first box score rocked up in a 1859 issue of tha Clipper.[147] Da statistical record is so central ta tha gamez "historical essence" dat Chadwick is sometimes referred ta as "the Father of Baseball" cuz he facilitated tha popularitizzle of tha shiznit up in its early days.[148]

See also

Related game

^ Da term "amateur" up in dis context do not mean one of mah thugs whoz ass played cricket up in his spare time. Many amateurs up in first-class cricket was full-time playas durin tha cricket season. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Some of tha gamez top billin playas, includin W. G. Grace , held amateur status.

Citations

General sources

Further reading

Guha, Ramachandra (2002). A Corner of a Foreign Field: Da Indian History of a British Game. London: Picador. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. ISBN 0-330-49117-2 . OCLC 255899689.

Organisations n' competitions

Statistics n' records

Media

Shit n' other resources