Question

What were the changes brought about in cricket in the 18th century?

Answer 1

The MCC’s revision of the laws brought in a series of changes in the game that occurred in the second half of the eighteenth century.

• It became common to pitch the ball through the air, rather than roll it along the ground. This change gave bowlers the options of length, deception through the air, plus increased pace. It also opened new possibilities for spin and swing.
• In response, batsmen had to master timing and shot selection. One immediate result was the replacement of the curved bat with the straight one. All of this raised the premium on skill and reduced the influence of rough ground and brute force.
• The weight of the ball was limited to between 51⁄2 to 53⁄4 ounces, and the width of the bat to four inches. The latter ruling followed an innings by a batsman who appeared with a bat as wide as the wicket.
• The rule about wide balls was applied,
• The exact circumference of the ball was specified
• Protective equipment like pads and gloves became available
• Boundaries were introduced where previously all shots had to be run and, most importantly, over- arm bowling became legal.