“Cricket is the most intellectual outdoor sport”, according to one of the world’s greatest ever cricketers: Khan Mohammad. The late Pakistan fast bowler made this bold statement just a few weeks before his death in 2009 and fans of the sport will certainly agree with him. There are many reasons why cricket is often referred to as the most intellectual outdoor sport and for some; it is almost a cultural way of life rather than a sport as it is taken seriously as being a regular part of everyday life in many parts of the world, from Australia to the Caribbean.
It’s not only Khan Mohammad who thinks cricket is an intellectual sport and philosopher CRL James also once made the same claim but went a bit further by claiming that it was not just an intellectual sport but the only intellectual sport. For anyone who fancies themselves as the next Ricky Ponting, one of the best ways to improve one’s skills is to invest in top quality cricket gear including a good bat and this can be done by shopping online through a reputable online cricket store. Bats made by the likes of Kookaburra can be purchased online and having a quality bat is something that all budding cricketers need to have.
So, what makes cricket such an intellectual game?
Variables & Permutations: The number of variables when each ball is bowled in a game is huge and in comparison to other sports, it dwarfs them.
Possible Outcomes: The sheer number of variables in a game of cricket mean that there are a wide range of possible outcomes that need to be constantly analysed by players and these will change as each game develops.
Angles: The batsmen have a large number of angles, shots and general options coming at them every time a ball is hurled their way and this requires a lot of continual thinking throughout a game, which can also mean tactics need to be altered accordingly.
Compared to other sports that use rackets and bats, cricket is indeed one that requires a lot of thought from players and games can go on for many hours each day, which also requires an ability to be able to stay focused.
Mental vs. Physical
While other sports are certainly more physically taxing than cricket – such as rugby and football – the mind doesn’t need to be as engaged for so long and the endless possibilities and nuances found in cricket do indeed make it one of the most intellectual sports out there.
Companies such as Meulemans specialise in selling good quality cricket gear and anyone from children to adults will benefit from investing in good quality equipment to improve their game, including the following items:
- Bats and balls
- Protective pads
- Gloves
- Stumps and wickets
- Helmets
Top Tip: Bowling machines can be a good investment for anyone who wants to improve their game and they can be used anywhere from a back yard to a local playing field.
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