<- Back to homepage

The Spin | How Lumpy Stevens and two pubs led to the creation of cricket’s middle stump

Source: The Guardian Sport - Published: 09 Sep 2026 13:28

A Surrey club match in 1776 near the Thames was the scene for the first time cricket employed its holy trinityCricket has had a long love affair with the number three. The ethereal batter walking down the steps after the dismissal of one of the Praetorian Guard – a Don Bradman, a Meg Lanning, a (reluctant) Joe Root.The hat-trick, a bowler’s most showboating achievement – and a quick glass raised here to Henry Crocombe of Sussex, who just completed two in consecutive matches in the County Championship. Continue reading...