Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The origins of cricket are hazy, but it is thought the game may have started with bored shepherds defending the wicket gates with their crooks. Stones were used instead of balls. Cricket caught on and became the sport of the English aristocracy well into the 18th Century. It was inevitable that the game would spread to other countries. Which two teams played the very first international cricket match?
2. Australia and England are traditional cricket rivals. Indeed the first Australian cricket team to tour England did so in 1868. What was unusual about this first tour?
3. The great Australian Donald Bradman, scored his amazing 334 against England in the third test of Australia's 1930 tour of England. The record stood for many years and was finally passed by several players, including the West Indies' Brian Lara, who scored 375 in 1993/94 against England. In a memorable innings, Bradman's 334 was equalled by Australia's Mark Taylor in 1998. What was so remarkable about his score?
4. Bert Ironmonger played with Bradman in the famous Bodyline series against England in 1932/33. He was a left handed spin bowler, but there was what was unusual about this player?
5. In the early years of the 20th century, test matches were usually of three days duration. This was extended to four days in the 1930s. In 1938/39, South Africa and England were the teams involved in the concept of a "Timeless Test" in Durban. The teams would play until there was a result. The game was played for 10 days but failed - even then - to reach a conclusion. What stopped the "Timeless Test"?
6. In Brisbane in 1960, an amazing cricketing event unfolded. Australia and the West Indies were involved in cricket's first ever tied test match. Australia were batting and needed six runs to win in the last over of the match. The final eight ball over saw three dismissals and five runs. Who was the last Australian dismissed - resulting in the tie?
7. In the 1977 Centenary Test in Melbourne, Australia's Rick McCosker batted in the second innings in quite extraordinary circumstances. What were they?
8. In the 1993 Ashes Test series in England, a ball was bowled by Australia's Shane Warne that has been dubbed by many as the "Ball of the Century". It was the first test of the series, the ground was Old Trafford and the date - 4th of June 1993. Warne pitched the ball way outside leg but still uprooted the off stump. Who was the player who had to have his jaw lifted off the ground after this incredible dismissal?
9. Cricket players are quite capable of setting records off the field as well as on. Australia's David Boon has always been the consumate cricketer during the game. A right hand batsman who turned his arm over a few times - bowling right arm off breaks - he was a tenacious close in-fielder as well.
His off field antics include the dubious distinction of holding the record for the most number of beers consumed on a flight to London. What appropriate nickname did this earn him?
10. A game of cricket is nothing without umpires, and this game has produced some amazing characters. Most umpires are scrupulously fair and accurate in their decisions. They take the job seriously and are on the field for the entire match. Over the years, some eccentric personalities have emerged. England's Dickie Bird would shout and gesticulate as he judged the game. New Zealand's Billie Bowden has fascinated many with his quirky signalling techniques. Which umpire occasionally hops on one leg, for - in his considered opinion - very good reason?
Source: Author
Nannanut
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
Dalgleish before going online.
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