Who is the Godfather of Cricket? Cricket has millions of fans all over the world. Many players have contributed to making this game so popular and exciting. Some players’ names have been written in golden letters on the pages of cricket’s past. Among these, one player was also called the father of cricket.
In this article, we will learn who is the Godfather of Cricket is, His Biography, Statistics, and much more.
Who is the Godfather of Cricket: William Gilbert Grace
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Gilbert Grace |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1848 |
| Place of Birth | Downend, near Bristol, England |
| Education | Bristol Grammar School |
| Debut Year | 1865 |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm slow |
| Teams | Gloucestershire, England |
| Total First-Class Runs | Over 54,000 runs |
| Total First-Class Wickets | Over 2,800 wickets |
| Other Profession | Trained Physician |
| Passing Away | October 23, 1915 |
Cricket originated in England, where it was played only by the upper class, between amateurs and professionals. There were professional batsmen, and in a way, it was their game. On the other hand, there used to be amateur bowlers who were not given any importance at that time.
Then a player was born in cricket who had such an impact on the game that it changed the direction of the game. We are talking about English cricketer William Gilbert Grace, who was born on 18 August 1848 and died on 23 October 1915 at 67. When he entered the world of cricket, there were no T20 and One Day International matches. There was only Test cricket then. He played for London County and MCC Gloucestershire. He made his debut in 1880 against Australia and played his last match also against Australia.
W.G. Grace had mastered all three components of the game, be it bat, ball or field. WG Grace was a much-admired cricketer and was also a doctor. That’s why he played both these forms very well.
Grace had a remarkable career in the English first-division arena which lasted 44 seasons. He was famous for his beer addiction and ever-expanding belly. Despite his influence on the development of the game, he was a very famous player as he was one of the founding members of the MCC and played 22 times for England in Tests.
Cricket has become a very lucrative profession in today’s time, many cricketers work hard day and night to make their career in this game and also sacrifice a lot so that they can be a part of this professional game. One such player was William Gilbert Grace, at a time when cricket was not even a professional game.
Who is the Godfather of Cricket: Stats
He played only 22 Test matches in his lifetime but is still known as the Father of Cricket because he gave his all for the game. He played a total of 44 first-class seasons in English cricket as well as 870 first-class games at a time when no one took cricket seriously. In such a situation, Grace gave her time and energy to this game.
Over 54,000 runs were scored and WG Grace took 2,800 wickets. This makes his playing career one of the most impressive ever and with over 870 first-class catches, he deserves his place in the list of the greatest cricketers of all time. And that is why, he is the answer to who is the godfather of cricket.
Yes. Grace’s legacy is still felt in English cricket today. The entrance gates to Lord’s are known as the Grace Gates, due to their influence on English and international cricket more than 150 years after their first professional match was played.
Who is the Godfather of Cricket: G. Grace’s Contribution
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| First-Class Career | |
| Total Runs | Over 54,000 runs |
| Batting Average | Over 39.00 |
| Centuries | 126 centuries |
| Wickets | Over 2,800 wickets |
| Bowling Average | Approximately 17.00 |
| Test Matches (England) | |
| Matches Played | 22 |
| Total Runs | 1,098 |
| Batting Average | 32.29 |
| Centuries | 2 |
| Wickets | 9 |
| Bowling Average | 27.33 |
WG. Grace’s dedication towards cricket was incredible. The amount of hard work and sacrifice he put in for this game was completely different. Grace chose the world of cricket when there were not many countries playing the game, it was not as professional as it is today, nor was there as much money in it. Then WG Grace played 870 first-class cricket and 22 test matches.
He has scored 126 centuries and 254 half-centuries in his amazing first-class cricket career. He was a very good all-rounder cricketer, be it batting, bowling or fielding, he was amazing in every field.
Conclusion: Who is the godfather of Cricket
W.G. Grace’s story is one of passion, dedication and unwavering love for the game of cricket. He was a legend of his time and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of players and fans. As we celebrate the history of this beloved game, let us remember the man who shaped it like no other: the incomparable W.G. Grace, the father of cricket.
Also, read: The History of Cricket in India
FAQ on Who is the Godfather of Cricket
Question 1. Who was W.G. Grace?
Answer: William Gilbert Grace (1848-1915), affectionately known as “W.G.”, was a dominant English cricketer who revolutionized the sport and is widely considered the “Father of Cricket”. He was a gifted batsman and bowler who held numerous records and captivated audiences for decades.
Question 2. What was his personality like?
Answer: He was known as a true gentleman cricketer, upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play. He was nicknamed “The Doctor” due to his calm and calculated approach to the game. He was later known as “The Grand Old Man” as he continued to play at a high level into his 60s.
Question 3. Who is considered the founder of Indian cricket?
Answer. Kumar Shri Ranji Singh, the governor of Gujarat’s Navanagar state, is largely considered the guy who founded Indian cricket. Brilliant cricketer Ranjitsinhji also referred to as Ranji represented England.
Question 5. Who is the “God of Cricket”?
Answer. Tendulkar is referred to as the God of Cricket for several reasons. With more runs and hundreds scored in Tests and ODIs than any other batsman, breaking multiple records, and receiving all of the game’s honours, he is the most successful batsman in cricket history.
Question 6. Who is the cricketing king of India?
Answer. The IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Indian cricket team are both captained by Virat Kohli. Kohli, commonly called the king of cricket, is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world.
Question 7. Who is considered the greatest finisher in the sport of cricket?
Answer: MS Dhoni is widely recognized as the greatest finisher in cricket history. He is known for maintaining composure even during the most challenging matches.
Reference: Father of cricket
