Think you know cricket? Many fans believe they have seen it all, yet the game hides stories that few have heard. Some rules sound odd, some records seem impossible, and some moments feel unreal. This guide brings you 25 amazing facts about cricket that will surprise even long-time followers. Whether you are a new fan or a seasoned watcher, these facts will make you see the game in a fresh way.
1. Cricket Is Older Than You Think
The first recorded match dates back to 1646 in England. It was played in Kent and even had fines for players who missed the game.
2. The Longest Match Lasted 12 Days
In 1939, England played South Africa in Durban. The game went on for 12 days and still ended without a winner.
3. A Batsman Can Get Out in 10 Different Ways
From being bowled to hit wicket, there are ten official ways to get out. “Handled the ball” used to be separate but is now part of obstructing the field.
4. The First Cricket World Cup Was in 1975
It was held in England and played in white clothing with red balls, even in limited-overs format.
5. The Fastest Ball Ever Bowled Was 161.3 km/h
Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan set this record in the 2003 World Cup against England.
6. One Player Took All Ten Wickets in an Innings
Jim Laker of England did it in 1956 against Australia, taking 10 for 53 in a single innings.
7. The Highest Team Score in Test Cricket Is 952/6
Sri Lanka scored this against India in 1997, with Sanath Jayasuriya making 340 runs.
8. You Can Score 6 Runs Without Hitting the Ball
If the ball goes for four byes or leg byes and there’s an overthrow, runs can pile up without bat contact.
9. Cricket Was Once in the Olympics
It was played in the 1900 Paris Olympics. Only two teams competed — Great Britain and France.
10. Chris Gayle Hit the First Ball of a Test Match for Six
This happened against Bangladesh in 2012, showing his aggressive style from the start.
11. The Shortest Ever Test Match Lasted Just Over Five Hours
Australia bowled out South Africa twice in one day in 1932.
12. The Heaviest Bat in Professional Cricket
David Warner once used a bat weighing 1.59 kg in a match, which is much heavier than the average bat.
13. Cricket Has a Rule for a Lost Ball
If the ball cannot be found, the fielding team can signal “lost ball” and the batting side gets six runs.
14. The Oldest Cricketer to Play an International Match Was 66
Wilfred Rhodes of England played his last Test in 1930 at the age of 52 but first played at 18.
15. One Player Bowled 131 Overs in a Single Match
Sonny Ramadhin of West Indies did this in 1957 against England without the help of pace bowlers.
16. The Longest Six in Cricket History
Shahid Afridi hit a ball that travelled 158 meters in 2013.
17. The Only Bowler to Take Four Wickets in Four Balls in ODIs
Lasith Malinga achieved this in 2007 against South Africa.
18. A Match Once Had 22 Run Outs
In a 1949 match in India, all wickets fell by run out except one.
19. A Team Once Declared at 0/0
In 1890, a team declared without facing a ball due to bad pitch conditions.
20. First Pink Ball Test Match Was in 2015
Australia played New Zealand in Adelaide under lights, marking a new era for the game.
21. Cricket Has Been Played on Ice
In 1820, a cricket match was played on a frozen lake in England.
22. The First Ever Hat-Trick in World Cup Cricket
Chetan Sharma of India did it in 1987 against New Zealand.
23. A Player Once Scored 400 Runs in a Test Match
Brian Lara set this unbeaten record in 2004 against England.
24. Cricket Balls Used to Be White Only for ODIs
Day-night matches popularised the white ball for better visibility under floodlights.
25. Grassroots Cricket Is Growing Fast
Apps like CricHeroes are changing how local players track matches, with live scoring, ball-by-ball commentary, and player stats.
FAQ
Who invented cricket?
Cricket developed in England during the 16th century, but no single person is credited as the inventor.
What is the rarest way to get out in cricket?
Timed out is the rarest, where a batsman fails to appear within three minutes.
Which country has won the most Cricket World Cups?
Australia holds the record with five wins in men’s cricket.
Who is the highest run-scorer in Test cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar of India scored 15,921 runs.
How many players are in a cricket team?
Each team fields 11 players.
What is the fastest century in cricket?
AB de Villiers scored 100 runs in 31 balls in 2015.
Where is the largest cricket stadium?
Narendra Modi Stadium in India, with a capacity of over 130,000.
What is a super over?
A tie-breaker where each team faces one over to decide the winner.
Can a bowler bowl consecutive overs?
No, the same bowler cannot bowl two overs in a row in standard cricket.
Who has the most wickets in Test cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka with 800 wickets.
Conclusion
Cricket is full of stories that keep fans talking long after the match ends. From strange rules to unbeatable records, the game never stops surprising us. These facts about cricket show why the sport captures hearts around the world. Whether you play in a local park or follow the pros, cricket connects people in ways few sports can. If you want to track your own games, keep scores, or share match updates, CricHeroes offers live scoring, ball-by-ball commentary, and stats for grassroots players. Try it and make your cricket moments unforgettable.
