Describe the development of cricket.

There are various theories regarding the origin of cricket.

One indigenous theory points that it originated in the Punjab, an Indian state, in the 8th century. Gulli-Danda played in villages of India was precursor of the game of cricket. Most probably this game originated in south-east England among the shepherds who hurled stones with hooks to while away their leisure time. One of the first references to it appeared in 1611 A.D. when two men in sussex were punished for wasting time playing cricket when they were supposed to visit the church. By 1700, the rules for playing cricket had been standardized and framed. It was popular in Kent, Surrey and Sussex-the southern countries of England. An official cricket match was played for the first time in 1744, between Kent and all-England. In this year, a set of laws and rules were ratified. According to this:

The weight of the ball was to be between 5 and 6 ounces.

LBW (Leg Before Wicket) rule was made in which a batsman obstructing the ball by standing in front of the stumps was given out.

The pitch was to be 22 yards long.

The wickets were required to be 22 inches tall and 6 inches wide.

W. Read published the rules in 1775 and in 1778 the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) published a set of laws for cricket clubs across England. Since then the MCC remained the sole custodian of the laws of cricket. Till 1835, bowling used to be underarm, which limited the speed of the ball. But from 1864 onwards, a bowler could bowl overarm which greatly added to the speed of the delivered ball. As a result, the use of pads and gloves, as a protection for batsmen, became prevalent. Lords, in England became the most important playing field.