Competitive sports have been popular with humans for a really long time!Almost all ancient civilisations have left some evidence of their sporting tastes. The Olympics are well known for their ancient origins in Greece, but the Egyptians, Chinese and many others all had their own styles of sports. In days without TVs, games consoles and the internet, sports were a useful pastime, occupying spare time, building physical strength and skills and helping groups to bond. A number of traditional sports are still played today, although often in milder, less violent forms! Over more recent history games have continued to evolve, both new and old. Due to the more global society in which we live, games considered to be traditional to one country or culture have spread far and wide and are often enjoyed all over the world.

Cricket is an example of this.Traditionally played in England, and associated with historical schools and village greens, not to mention the beautiful English summer and the delicacy that is strawberries and cream, cricket has become a well loved game internationally. The sound of balls and cricket bats on a still day and the sight of players dressed in traditional white clothing are considered quintessentially English. Today however, the game can be seen played as far afield as Australia, South Africa and India. The love of cricket is not as widespread as some other sports, but followers of the game are exceptionally enthusiastic, often spending their spare time practising play or going to watch games. As with any subject, there are differing opinions between players about the finer points of the game, but some points are widely accepted, such as those which make certain kinds of cricket bats desirable. Although the ideal bat will vary between players, certain traits demonstrate quality and performance. Most cricketers can discuss cricket bats at length, and appreciate how these can improve play.

Some people believe that cricket is not as popular as it once was, and that it does not have the following of games such as football and rugby, but fans of the game insist that the love of cricket is just as strong as ever. The amount of coverage of matches and websites devoted to the game demonstrate that cricket is certainly still widely appreciated! Newcomers to the sport soon fall in love with the atmosphere at events and the camaraderie between players and enthusiasts. For many it is hard to envisage a summer without the game they love so much.

Many kinds of sports have kept human beings entertained for thousands of years,helping to keep fit and enhance abilities.Although societies have changes a lot over time, there is still a need for the exercise sport provides.As well as encouraging physical performance, sports can teach a lot about team work, rules and help players to learn about winning,and losing, in an appropriate manner.From choosing cricket bats to cheering on a favourite football team, when people participate in sport,they are following the lead of distant ancestors.