History
The first archival evidence shows Cricket being played in England since c1550.  It evolved from rustic origins to the world wide game it is today, enjoyed by millions of players and spectators across the world.  In England, the County Championship started in 1864, and Test Matches in 1877.  Records for the Women's game date back to 1745.  England won the first Women's World Cup in 1977.

Structure of the game
The ECB network of Development Officers and each of the 38 County Cricket Boards delivers targeted programmes to schools and clubs aimed at increasing skills and participation.

The top players progress through school and club cricket, to play professionally in County Leagues.  Counties compete in two types of cricket: one day limited over matches, and 4 day 2 Innings matches, through the following competitions:

• Norwich Union National Cricket League Division 1 & 2 (45 overs)
• ECB Trophy (50 overs)
• ECB County Championship Division 1 & 2 (4 day matches)

For the exceptionally talented players the ECB has a structured Development of Excellence programme. The ECB Development of Excellence programme works with England U15, U17 & U19 boys and U17 and U21 girls.

At Senior level the England Senior Men's and Women's teams represent the pinnacle of International competition and compete in regular Test Matches and One Day Internationals against other Test playing nations.

Facilities and Equipment required
Cricket is a game for all ages and can be played by anybody, either indoors or outdoors, and on any surface.  Any two people can play cricket with a bat shape and a ball, with additional players fielding, as many or as few people can play as available.  Kwik Cricket involves using a plastic bat, ball and stump set and is encouraged at primary school level.

Inter Cricket is played by boys and girls at secondary school, and by those who have progressed to a level above Kwik cricket, and clubs.  The game is designed to be fun, fast exciting and reward genuine cricket skills.  The game is played with coloured bats and a white rubberised ball with a stitched seam.  A fielding zone is adopted as well as a free hit rule after a wide or no-ball, thus introducing one-day cricket style regulations.

When playing in a full match with a hard ball, it is recommended that a helmet is worn by young players when batting, when standing up to the stumps and when keeping wicket.  Players normally wear white clothing and use a hard ball, bat, pads and gloves.

Benefits of Participating
Cricket is a great social activity and a lot of fun to play as well as a way to increase skills such as hand/eye co-ordination, agility, throwing, catching, strength and flexibility.  It also provides aerobic exercise and helps develop concentration.

Variations
Cricket can be played at a variety of stages of development and the ECB have produced innovative variations of cricket for primary and secondary school players.
For primary school, Kwik cricket is played, in Secondary schools, Inter cricket has been developed to encourage participation and aid development to the hard ball game.
All forms of cricket encourage maximum participation and maximum involvement.