Previously, we wrote a blog post on “The History of Cricket in England: Early Years”, which took us back to the 16th century, and left us at the dawn of the 20th century. Now, we’ll look at the pre-World War 2 history of cricket in England.
The period from 1900 to the onset of World War Two marks a profoundly dynamic era in the history of English Test cricket, characterized by significant evolution and remarkable achievements. This era not only shaped the foundational aspects of the sport but also underscored cricket’s deep-rooted cultural significance within England.
During these decades, English cricket underwent substantial changes in tactics, player roles and international competition. There was the solidification of the County Championship and the expansion of overseas tours, which were pivotal in raising the international profile of Test cricket.
These tours were not just sporting events; they served as cultural exchanges that reinforced cricket as a link between the Commonwealth nations.
Cricket matches were social events, drawing crowds from various classes, thereby acting as a barometer of social unity and division. The sport was a staple in public consciousness, influencing fashion, social norms and even political sentiments.
Players like Jack Hobbs, Herbert Sutcliffe and Sydney Barnes not only set records but became household names, their exploits on the field offering hope and distraction during turbulent times, such as the economic depressions of the 1920s and 1930s, and the looming threat of war.
But let’s begin with the first stages of the 20th century, known as the Golden Age of Cricket.
Golden Age of Cricket (1900 – 1914)
Now, technically, the Golden Age of Cricket began in 1890, but we decided to include its introduction in this post. It was a time when the sport flourished with remarkable players and unforgettable matches that captured the imagination of the nation. This era was marked by a romanticism of cricket, where the game was played with a spirit of adventure and flair, largely driven by the ethos of amateurism that defined the sport at the time.
Legendary players such as Jack Hobbs, Sydney Barnes and Frank Woolley dominated the cricketing landscape, leaving indelible marks on the sport with their exceptional skills.
Jack Hobbs, 1920 [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Jack Hobbs, known as “The Master”, was renowned for his elegant batting style and resilience at the crease, becoming a central figure in England’s batting lineup. His performances against fierce rivals like Australia helped elevate the prestige of The Ashes series during this period. Across 61 tests, he would score 5410 runs at an average of 56.94. That average puts him very high up the list of the best batting averages ever.
Sydney Barnes stood out as one of cricket’s greatest bowlers of the time. His ability to combine pace with spin bewildered batsmen around the world. Barnes’ unique bowling style was pivotal during England’s tours, particularly in the 1911-1912 series against Australia where he played a crucial role in England’s 4-1 success. He played 27 tests and took 189 wickets, at an unbelievable average of just 16.43. In players that played more than 25 tests, his bowling average is still the lowest.
Frank Woolley contributed with both bat and ball, bringing a versatility that made him a valuable player in any cricketing side. His all-round abilities and stylish left-hand batting were vital during many of England’s key series, including matches against the newly competitive South African team. He played 64 tests, scoring 3283 runs and averaging 36.07, while his handy bowling took 83 wickets at an average of 33.91.
During this golden age, significant series included England’s tours to Australia and South Africa, and the hosting of the West Indies, who were taking their first steps in international cricket. Each series not only tested the skill and resilience of the English team but also helped to strengthen international cricket ties.
Not only was there the 4-1 success against Australia in 1911/12 previously mentioned, the 1905 series against Australia saw them reclaim The Ashes at home 2-0 with a team that exemplified the gentlemanly spirit of cricket, an ethos that defined the golden era.
The English team played 59 tests during this period for 25 wins, 22 losses and 12 draws. Against Australia, they played 38 tests, for 14 wins, 15 losses and 9 draws.
Impact of World War 1 on Cricket
World War I (1914-1918) brought significant disruptions to cricket in England, mirroring the broader halt in normal life that the conflict caused across Europe. As nations mobilized for war, cricket competitions, including Test matches and county championships, were suspended. The lush greens that hosted leisurely games of cricket were transformed, in many cases, into military training grounds or were left untended as the nation’s focus shifted to the war effort.
The impact of the war on players was profound and tragic. Many cricketers who had delighted fans with their skills on the field enlisted in the military, driven by a sense of duty to their country. Notable players such as Colin Blythe, an exceptional spinner for England, and Major Booth, a promising all-rounder, were among those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Their deaths were a sombre reminder of the harsh realities of war and the indiscriminate loss it entails.
The war also had a lasting impact on those who returned. Many players who came back from the front lines were never the same, physically or mentally. The psychological scars of battles, combined with the physical injuries, meant that cricket after the war often lacked the carefree spirit that characterized the pre-war Golden Age.
Despite these challenges, cricket post-World War 1 saw a resurgence, driven by a collective desire to return to normalcy and find solace in the familiar rhythms of the game. The interruption of cricket during the war years increased the public’s appreciation for the sport’s role in providing a sense of community and continuity in challenging times.
Inter-War Period and Test Cricket’s Resurgence
Following the devastating interruption caused by World War 1, the 1920s and 1930s marked a significant resurgence in Test cricket, with England playing a central role in revitalizing the sport. The period was characterized by intense rivalries, innovative tactics, and the emergence of cricketing legends, all of which helped to rekindle public interest in Test cricket.
Once again, one of the most significant rivalries was between England and Australia. The Ashes not only managed to reignite the pre-war fervour, but also evolved into a showcases of tactical innovation and cricketing skill. The 1926 Ashes series saw England reclaim the urn after a series of draws, with the decisive match at The Oval being won by 289 runs.
This period witnessed the rise of some of English cricket’s greats:
Herbert Sutcliffe: 1924 Sam Hood 1872 – 1953, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Herbert Sutcliffe: Known for his formidable opening partnerships with Jack Hobbs, Sutcliffe average 60.73 over 54 test matches (4555 runs).
Wally Hammond: Known for his elegant batting style and his competitive spirit, Hammond played 85 test matches with an average of 58.45 (7249 runs) and a highest score of 336 not out. He even managed to prise out 83 wickets with his bowling.
Len Hutton: In just his 9th innings, he would score the highest (at the time) individual test score of 364. It would be 20 years before this score was toppled (Sir Garfield Sobers, 365). He did this as part of an English innings of 7/903, which itself would remain the highest team test score for 59 years (Sri Lanka, 6/952d). The innings was also the longest innings (at the time) in terms of minutes at 797 minutes, and this record would last for 20 years (Hanif Mohammad, 970 minutes). Other than this innings, Hutton had a distinguished career, playing 79 tests with an average of 56.67 (6971 runs).
The pinnacle of this inter-war period in cricket was undoubtedly the controversial Bodyline series during the 1932-33 Ashes tour in Australia, which we will be discussing in the next section.
The resurgence of Test cricket during the inter-war period was not just about winning or losing; it was about the spirit or recovery and the return to normalcy. Cricket during these decades provided a much-needed distraction from the lingering effects of the war, bringing joy and a sense of pride back to fans.
The Bodyline Series (1932-1933)
The Bodyline series, held during the Australian summer of 1932-33, remains one of the most controversial chapters in cricket history. The series was characterized by the English team’s deployment of Bodyline tactics, also known as ‘leg theory’, which was a calculated and aggressive bowling strategy designed to curtail the scoring prowess of the Australian batsmen, in particular Don Bradman.
Australian cricket batsman Bill Woodfull faces a Bodyline field in the 4th Test match in Brisbane, 1933 See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The architect of the Bodyline tactic was Douglas Jardine, England’s captain. He realised that traditional bowling methods were ineffective against Australia’s formidable batting lineup.
His solution was to instruct the fast bowlers, especially Harold Larwood, to bowl fast, short-pitched deliveries aimed at the body of the batsman, and to pack the leg-side field with fielders. The strategy was designed to intimidate the batsmen and make it difficult for them to score while increasing the chances of a catch in the leg-side field.
England won the series 4-1, and Bradman’s average, normally around 100, was only in the 50s for the series. But the use of the Bodyline tactics led to a diplomatic strain between England and Australia, with many Australian fans and officials viewing the approach as contrary to the spirit of cricket.
The backlash was intense, with the Australian Board of Control sending a cable to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) complaining about the unsportsmanlike tactics. In response to the furore, cricket authorities were eventually compelled to change the laws of the game to limit the number of fielders behind square leg to two.
The Bodyline series caused the rules to be changed so that the Bodyline tactic could not be employed again, and it highlighted the delicate balance between competitive strategy and the spirit of fair play in international cricket.
Technological and Media Developments
Significant advancements in technology and media profoundly changed how cricket was followed and appreciated by the public. Notably, the advent of radio broadcasting and the expanding role of newspapers brought the game closer to fans, transforming their experience and the sport’s popularity.
Radio broadcasting emerged as a revolutionary medium for cricket coverage during the 1920s and 1930s. For the first time, fans could follow live cricket matches from their homes. The BBC began regular radio broadcasts of cricket in 1927. These broadcasts not only increased the game’s reach but also enhance its appeal, bringing the excitement of living cricket directly into the living rooms of thousands.
Newspapers also played a crucial role in the popularization of cricket during this period. Journalists and writers turned cricket reporting into a form of literary expression, capturing the drama and nuance of the game. Their vivid descriptions and personal reflections went beyond mere scores and statistics, offering insights into the players’ personalities and the game’s aesthetics.
This period of radio and newspaper sport coverage set the foundation for modern sports journalism and broadcasting, with media becoming an integral part of how sports are consumed and celebrated around the world.
Social and Cultural Impacts
Cricket during the early 20th century in England not only reflected the societal changes of the time but also played a significant role in shaping them, particular through its interactions with class dynamics and the evolving notion of professionalism. The sport also emerged as a crucial form of national morale and entertainment, particularly during periods of economic difficulty and social unrest.
Cricket in this era (as it had been in the later decades of the 19th century) was a microcosm of English society, deeply entwined with the class system. The distinction between amateurs (“Gentlemen”) and professionals (“Players”) was stark; amateurs were from the upper-class, often holding leadership roles within the teams, while professions were the working-class and were paid for their performances.
However, the early 20th century saw these barriers begin to blur, reflecting broader social changes towards greater egalitarianism. Figures like Jack Hobbs, a professional who was immensely respected and popular, helped bridge this divide through sheer talent and public admiration.
Cricket’s impact extended beyond mere entertainment. It was a cultural institution that influenced fashion, public holidays and social gatherings. The tradition of attending cricket matches became a significant aspect of public life; it became the place to be seen.
Preparation for World War 2
As the 1930s drew to a close, the looming threat of World War 2 began to cast a long shadow over all aspects of life in England, including the nation’s beloved sport of cricket. The late 1930s were marked by growing international tensions and an increasing awareness that conflict was inevitable.
This atmosphere of uncertainty inevitably seeped into cricket, affecting the players, the competitions and the general mood surrounding the sport.
During this time when war seemed imminent, cricket continued to be played. Normally cricket games were traditionally occasions for carefree enjoyment and national pride, but now, the specter of conflict led to a more somber atmosphere and players and fans alike began to view cricket as a precious reminder of peacetime normalcy and something that could very soon be lost.
Following the Munich Crisis in 1938, plans for international tours and matches had to be reconsidered with a wary eye on political developments. The 1939 cricket season went ahead, but it was under the cloud of impending war, and as the summer progressed, the reality of the situation became unavoidable.
The outbreak of World War 2 in September 1939 led to the immediate suspension of international cricket. The final test before the war was played between England and West Indies at The Oval in August 1939. The game ended in a draw and marked a sudden and melancholic pause in England’s cricket calendar.
The abrupt end to international cricket due to the war underscored the profound impact global events had on the sport. The suspension of play not only halted the careers of many cricketers but also deprived the nation of a key cultural and communal activity at a time when it was perhaps most needed for moral and unity.
Legacy of the Era
The period leading up to World War 2 left an indelible legacy on the world of cricket, setting the stage for the sport’s evolution I the post-war years. This period was instrumental in shaping the rules, the development of the players, and the nature of international cricket competitions.
Pre-World War 2 also saw the rise of the professional cricketer, which gradually began to dismantle the rigid amateur-professional divide. The increasing recognition of professional players contributed to a more meritocratic approach, where talent and performance became the primary criteria for selection.
Between World War 1 and World War 2 England played 120 tests for 41 wins, 30 losses and 49 draws. Against Australia, their biggest foes, they played 49 tests for 15 wins, 22 losses and 12 draws.
This era helped transform cricket into a more dynamic, inclusive and globally appreciated sport. The advancements in rules, player development and international competitions ensured the growth and sustainability of the sport in England during the challenging post-war years, ultimately contributing to the global phenomenon cricket has become today.
I hope you’ve enjoyed part 2 of the history of cricket in England. Next, we’ll look at the history of cricket England Part Three; covering the second half of the 20th century, from the end of World War 2 right on up to the year 2000.
If you have any thoughts on cricket in England during the first half of the 20th century, please leave your thoughts in the comment box provided.