Cricket is changing. It's a game that has its origins in the late seventeenth century and is as old as Methodism. The Hambledon Cricket Club was founded in the 1760s but the Hambledon parish team was already playing first class matches in 1756. For the next 20 years until the formation of the MCC and the opening of Lord's in 1787, Hambledon was the game's greatest club and its focal point, hence it is affectionately known as the 'cradle of cricket'. But the legendary 'Silver' Billy Beldham might be aghast at what has happened to this game. Twenty-twenty cricket is now popular. A quickfire game that lasts for less than three hours. Coloured clothing rather than the traditional whites, a white ball instead of the cherry red, black sightscreens instead of white, and floodlights now adorn the modern game. I am sure these are a few thorny issues discussed amongst the cricketing fraternal down at the Rose Bowl. But the game is developing, mixing the traditional with the new. And this is a picture for the church. Jesus is making all things new. Renewal is an essential element of the Spirit's work. Maybe there's a lesson for us all here : Not to be stuck on a sticky wicket. But to move with the Spirit and the times...
