IN THE MID OF 18th CENTURY

Here is an overview of cricket through the 18th century from 1726 when
newspaper reports became more frequent and more detailed to the end of the
Napoleonic Wars in 1815. It was an era that saw the rise of famous rural
clubs at Slindon and Hambledon; and ultimately the formation of MCC and
the opening of Lord's ground.
Cricket's first formalised Laws were written in 1744 and revised in 1774.
Bowling underwent its first revolution sometime after 1760 when bowlers
began to pitch the ball instead of rolling it as in bowls. Before long, The
first great bowler Edward "Lumpy" Stevens was studying flight and working
out line and length variations. This led to another revolution as batsmen
like John Small adopted the modern straight bat to help them deal with the
pitched deliveries.
Cricket thrived on the funds provided by patronage, gambling and large,
enthusiastic crowds.