Cricket and Summer - a perfect match
Whether played in the backyard, or at the beach, watched on TV or listened to on the radio, cricket has always been the quintessential ingredient for a good old fashioned kiwi summer.
It's a hang over from our colonial past - settlers brought a love of the 'gentleman's game' with them in the 1800's. It has continued to hold its own through New Zealand's relatively short history as an iconic part of summer.
The sport enjoys an enthusiastic following in New Zealand. With 98,000 registered players it is our biggest summer sport - more popular than tennis or golf. With an abundance of open spaces, New Zealand's landscape is ideal for cricket pitches.
Support for the national side has remained strong in the face of recent inconsistent form. One Dayers are the most popular version of the game, but Test Matches are still popular with fans who insist it is the pure version of the game. Like many other cricketing nations, the even shorter Twenty20 game is proving to be a winner with
crowds.
The golden days of New Zealand cricket were undoubtedly the '80's when the team boasted world class all-rounder Richard Hadlee, batsman Martin Crowe and wicketkeeper Ian Smith among others.
Recent highlights in New Zealand's cricketing history include winning the 2000 ICC Trophy in Kenya (considered the mini World Cup) and making the World Cup semi-finals four times.
Kiwis are introduced to cricket at an early age. Clubs take on players from the age of five, and an introductory form of cricket is taught in primary schools. Known as 'Kiwi Cricket', this version of the game is much shorter and teaches youngsters basics of the game.
Backyard Cricket
Backyard cricket is a favourite with Kiwi families in summer, and has no doubt helped foster some of the country's cricketing talent. Pitches are constructed around washing lines, trampolines and vegetable gardens, and matches become the entertainment of summer barbecues, adults joining children in games that quickly become competitive and last well into dusk.
Beach Cricket
Played on beaches all around the country , beach cricket is a quick fire way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors with friends.
Note: the game is best when the following rules are adhered to;
- Boundaries must be drawn in the sand with one boundary being the tide.
- A maximum of two 'traditional' stumps can be used - one must be a piece of driftwood found on the beach.
- The ball must be a tennis ball so no pads are required.
- The 'one hand one bounce rule' must be in force at all times.
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