Sachin Tendulkar, known as the “God of Cricket,” has set numerous records, embodying the spirit of the game with his extraordinary talent and dedication.
Similarly, Don Bradman is revered as “The Don,” acknowledged for his unparalleled batting average and for many is the answet to – Who is cricket’s father.
Virat Kohli, dubbed “The King of Cricket,” is known for its incredible consistency and dominance on the crease.
But have you ever wondered who is the Father of Cricket? It’s WG Grace. Modern cricket fans might not be familiar with him, but WG Grace Dr William Gilbert Grace is known as the father of cricket.
Here is why WG Grace truly deserves the title Father of Cricket.
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Why is William Gilbert Grace called the Father of Cricket?
William Gilbert Grace is called the “Father of Cricket” in the world because he changed the game in many ways and helped it grow. He was one of the best players of his time and played a big role in making cricket popular.
Here’s why he’s known as the “Father of Cricket”:
- Great Player: Grace was a top batsman, bowler, and fielder. His batting skills were way ahead of his time.
- Long Career: He played cricket for over 40 years and scored more than 54,000 runs in over 870 matches.
- Changed the Game: Grace brought new techniques and made cricket more exciting for fans.
- Made Cricket Popular: His fame drew big crowds and helped cricket become a professional sport.
WG Grace’s Early Life and Background
WG Grace was born on July 18, 1848, in Downend, near Bristol, England. He was the eighth of nine children in the Grace family, which was deeply passionate about cricket. His father, Dr. Henry Grace, was a cricket enthusiast and instilled a love for the game in his children.
From a young age, Grace showed immense promise as a cricketer. His talent was nurtured in the family’s large garden, which served as an informal training ground.
WG Grace’s cricketing journey began at the age of nine, playing for the West Gloucestershire Cricket Club, a team established by his father, Henry Mills Grace. By the age of 12, he had already made his mark, scoring his first half-century for the club with an unbeaten 51.
The batsman’s journey in cricket was full of controversies as he belonged to a privileged family. At 15, during a match for South Wales, the team captain considered dropping WG Grace after just one game.
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WG Grace’s Cricketing Career and Achievements
WG Grace’s first-class career spanned an astonishing 44 years, from 1865 to 1908. During this period, he played 870 first-class matches, scored over 54,000 runs, including 126 centuries and 254 fifties, and took more than 2,800 wickets and 800 catches. Interestingly, in the year 1876, scored over 800 runs in just 8 days including two triple-centuries.
Additionally, between the years 1868 and 1876, he scored 54 first-class centuries. These numbers, while remarkable, only scratch the surface of his contributions to the game.
Grace’s batting was legendary. He was the first cricketer to score 100 centuries in first-class cricket, a milestone he achieved in 1895. His aggressive style of play, characterized by powerful strokes and a fearless approach, revolutionized batting techniques.
In addition to his batting, Grace was a formidable bowler and a skilled fielder. His ability to bowl both fast and slow deliveries, coupled with his deceptive spin, made him a versatile and unpredictable bowler.
In 1886, while playing for the MCC against Oxford University, WG Grace delivered an extraordinary bowling performance, taking all ten wickets in an innings for just 49 runs. This remained his best bowling performance in first-class cricket. He also took 100 wickets in a season on nine different occasions, truly cementing his place as father of cricket in the world.
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WG Grace: Why is he called ‘Cricket’s Father’
WG Grace played a crucial role in transforming cricket from a pastime for the elite into a popular sport with mass appeal. His fame and popularity drew large crowds to matches, elevating the status of cricket as a spectator sport. The sheer magnetism of his personality and his exploits on the field captivated audiences, making him a household name.
Grace was a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which was cricket’s governing body at the time. Grace dedicated his time and energy to shaping and reforming the rules of cricket as a member of the club. It was during his time with the club that the use of three stumps in the wicket became standard. His contributions played a significant role in developing the sport.
List of Cricketers Considered the ‘Godfathers of Cricket’
It’s worth noting that the title “Godfather of Cricket” isn’t an official designation, and different people might associate it with different players based on their contributions to the game, their era of dominance, or their influence on cricket in their respective regions.
Here are few players who have been stalwarts of the game and have left an indelible impression on the game:
Don Bradman
Don Bradman was an Australian cricketer widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time. His Test batting average of 99.94 is considered a statistical anomaly and a benchmark for excellence.
He dominated cricket in the 1930s with his consistent and rapid scoring against all types of bowling. Beyond his batting, Bradman was a strategic thinker and later contributed to Australian cricket administration.
His name is synonymous with batting mastery and continues to inspire cricketers globally.
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Sir Garfield Sobers
Sir Garfield Sobers of the West Indies was a phenomenal all-rounder, unmatched in his versatility and skill across all aspects of the game.
He excelled as a batsman with elegance and power, as a bowler with both left-arm spin and pace, and as an athletic fielder. Sobers redefined the role of an all-rounder and was a key figure in the rise of West Indies cricket.
He is considered one of the greatest cricketers ever, possessing a rare combination of talent and charisma.
Clive Lloyd
Clive Lloyd captained the West Indies during their dominant era in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a transformative captain who built a formidable team that ruled world cricket for over a decade.
Lloyd instilled a winning mentality, fostering unity and purpose within his team, which was crucial to their success. His leadership revolutionized West Indies cricket, creating a team that was feared and respected worldwide.
He is remembered as one of the greatest captains in cricket history.
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar was a pioneer for Indian cricket, proving the capabilities of Indian batsmen against the world’s best bowling attacks.
His exceptional technique and mental fortitude allowed him to score heavily against fearsome fast bowlers. Gavaskar inspired a generation of Indian cricketers, emphasizing resilience and determination, and helped elevate the status of Indian cricket globally.
He is revered as one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time and a symbol of Indian batting prowess.
Read More: Top 10 Players with Most Runs in Test Series
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is revered as the ‘God of Cricket’ by many in India. His career spanned over two decades, during which he amassed record-breaking runs in both Test and ODI cricket.
He is a national icon in India, where cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture, and his success has inspired millions of young cricketers.
Tendulkar’s impact extends beyond his statistics; he is a symbol of dedication, humility, and sportsmanship, earning him worldwide respect.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the legacy of W.G. Grace transcends generations, shaping the very fabric of cricket. From his unparalleled feats on the field to his instrumental role in refining the rules of the game, Grace’s influence endures.
The Grace Gates at Lord’s Cricket Ground stand as a lasting tribute to his monumental impact on English and international cricket, ensuring that his name remains etched in cricket sporting history for eternity.
FAQ’s about Father of Cricket
Q) Who is Father in cricket?
A) WG Grace is called father of cricketing world owing to his impact in the game.
Q) Why is W.G. Grace called the Father of Cricket?
A) W.G. Grace is called the Father of Cricket for his incredible skills, long career, and efforts in making cricket popular worldwide.
Q) What is W.G. Grace famous for?
A) W.G. Grace is famous for his over 40-year cricket career, scoring more than 54,000 runs, and inspiring future players.
Yes