Father of cricket: Who is known as Father of Cricket?

When discussing the father of cricket, one name often springs to mind: Sir William Gilbert Grace. As an English cricketer, WG Grace is widely regarded as the patriarch of the sport. While modern cricket enthusiasts may be more familiar with iconic figures like Donald Bradman, Sir Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Gary Sobers, and Sachin Tendulkar, WG Grace’s impact on the game and his storied career cannot be overlooked. In fact, he played a pivotal role in shaping the way international cricket is played today.

Father of cricket

Cricket, now played in almost 150 countries, is experiencing rapid growth not only in traditional cricketing nations like India, England, Australia, and New Zealand but also in Europe and even the United States. This surge in popularity can be attributed, in part, to the efforts of organizations such as the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the England Cricket Board (ECB). However, before these institutions took center stage, cricket was primarily viewed as a leisurely pastime rather than a professional sport. It was WG Grace who revolutionized the game and set it on the path to becoming the global phenomenon it is today.

At the turn of the 20th century, first-class cricket lacked the professionalism and structure that characterizes it today. It was in this era that WG Grace made his mark, transforming the sport into a more organized and competitive endeavor. His contributions were multifaceted and left an indelible imprint on cricket history.

W.G. Grace, a prominent figure in cricket history, holds a significant place as one of the pioneers of the sport. While modern cricket fans often attribute the title of “father of cricket” to legends like Sir Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, it is Grace who truly deserves this honor due to his remarkable contributions to the game. He dedicated an astonishing 44 seasons to first-class cricket, playing 870 matches when the sport was not yet taken seriously. His lifelong commitment and sacrifices were instrumental in elevating cricket and transforming it into a professional sport.

Grace’s remarkable legacy continues to resonate with cricket enthusiasts even 107 years after his passing. Throughout his illustrious career, he achieved numerous extraordinary milestones. He amassed an incredible 126 centuries and 254 half-centuries in his first-class career, setting the benchmark for excellence. Although there are debates surrounding the accuracy of his historical records, Grace’s achievements are widely recognized.

Notably, he holds the record for the highest number of first-class matches played in a career, with an impressive 870 appearances. His batting average of 39.45 was double his bowling average of 18.17, showcasing his prowess in both disciplines. Grace’s dominance is further highlighted by his remarkable feat in 1876 when he scored a staggering 839 runs in just eight days, including a century and two triple centuries. Moreover, between 1868 and 1876, he recorded an astounding 54 first-class centuries. His bowling skills were equally formidable, evident from his second-highest wicket tally in the 1870s, with 1,174 first-class wickets to his name.

A true trailblazer, W.G. Grace holds the distinction of being the first player to score 100 centuries. Additionally, he achieved the rare feat of taking 100 wickets in a season on nine separate occasions, highlighting his exceptional all-round abilities and unmatched versatility on the cricket field.