The Cricket Field: Or, the History and Science of the Game of Cricket

The work offers a rare combination of scholarly chronicle and hands‑on coaching for anyone who loves the national game. Drawing on interviews with long‑gone gentlemen of the Marylebone Club and the recollections of veteran players such as William Fennex, the author reconstructs cricket’s early fields, the migration from White Conduit to Lord’s, and the social world that shaped its rules. Historical sources ranging from old match records to the anecdotes of Hambledon’s heroes give the reader a vivid picture of how the sport evolved in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Beyond the narrative, the book dedicates itself to the ‘science’ of play, breaking down batting, bowling and fielding into clear principles that were unheard of in its day. Practical tips are illustrated with examples from the very men who first mastered each skill, making the guidance both authentic and usable for modern amateurs. Readers come away with a deeper appreciation of cricket’s heritage and a solid foundation for improving their own game.