| In North America and much of the world, cricket | | | | appears that they have generally been on the |
| remains a mystery. In England, the home of cricket, | | | | receiving end of heavy defeats from other countries. |
| the sport still has a strong following. Why is it that | | | | Part of the reason why cricket remains so popular is |
| the English love cricket? | | | | undoubtedly because cricket matches, at all levels, |
| It's not surprising that so many people can't see | | | | continue to be seen as much of a social engagement |
| what all the fuss is about when it comes to cricket. | | | | as a sporting activity. |
| Any sport in which two teams can compete for 5 | | | | Watching a game of cricket on the television, it's |
| days and still fail to produce a winner does not look | | | | clear that many spectators follow the game because |
| likely to ever have much of a worldwide appeal. | | | | they like an excuse to meet up with friends, drink |
| Despite this, cricket was successfully exported during | | | | beer, sing songs and generally have a good time. |
| the times of the British Empire. It remains | | | | Cricket simply provides a backdrop. |
| exceedingly popular in Australia, India, Pakistan, South | | | | Cricket on the village green seems to be played along |
| Africa and the Caribbean (to name just a few areas | | | | similar lines. The social aspect often appears more |
| where cricket has seen success). | | | | important than the result. |
| Some wonder whether the English love of cricket is | | | | It seems that the slow, gentle nature of cricket is |
| simply a result of the renowned eccentricity of the | | | | ideally suited to such an approach. |
| English. After all, it's not even as though England are | | | | To the outside world, however, the English love of |
| particularly good at the sport. | | | | cricket is likely to remain confusing. |
| Like so many other sports invented by the English, it | | | | |