| Heading off to watch a game of cricket is quite | | | | contrasts with the experience at football. |
| different from watching just about any other | | | | At a cricket match, it's almost expected that you |
| professional sporting event on the planet. Some | | | | should arrive at the ground with a few beers, or a |
| would say that the fact that it is so different is what | | | | bottle of wine. It would be a surprise if you didn't |
| makes it such a great game. | | | | bring sandwiches or other snacks. |
| It's undoubtedly the case that cricket is often played | | | | While football clubs like to make money by charging |
| and watched at a slow pace. Critics would suggest | | | | high prices for drinks and food inside the ground, |
| that this is one reason why it struggles for universal | | | | many cricket administratos realise that spectators |
| popularity. | | | | often see a match as an excuse to have a picnic. |
| Others, however, would suggest that the sport | | | | That's all part of the different atmosphere that you |
| harks back to different times. The way in which | | | | find within a cricket ground. Where else would you |
| players conduct themselves, for example, recalls a | | | | see professional sportsmen stop for a lunch break |
| previous era. | | | | and then again for afternoon tea? |
| Unlike in many other professional sports, players are | | | | There's no doubt that, when held up against other |
| expected to respect each other and referees. There | | | | modern sports, cricket is something of an oddity. |
| are lapses, of course, but these are generally seen as | | | | That's what makes it so great. |
| running against the real spirit of the game. | | | | Next time that you're preparing to watch a match, |
| As a fan, one thing that I like about watching cricket | | | | think about just how unusual it is. |
| is that you are treated as an adult. This often | | | | |