Why Do the English Love Cricket?
By Keith Barrett

In North America and much of the world, remains a mystery. In England, the home of cricket, the sport still has a strong following. Why is it that the English love cricket?

It's not surprising that so many people can't see what all the fuss is about when it comes to cricket. Any sport in which two teams can compete for 5 days and still fail to produce a winner does not look likely to ever have much of a worldwide appeal.

Despite this, was successfully exported during the times of the British Empire. It remains exceedingly popular in Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa and the Caribbean (to name just a few areas where has seen success).

Some wonder whether the English love of is simply a result of the renowned eccentricity of the English. After all, it's not even as though England are particularly good at the sport.

Like so many other sports invented by the English, it appears that they have generally been on the receiving end of heavy defeats from other countries.

Part of the reason why remains so popular is undoubtedly because matches, at all levels, continue to be seen as much of a social engagement as a sporting activity.

Watching a game of on the television, it's clear that many spectators follow the game because they like an excuse to meet up with friends, drink beer, sing songs and generally have a good time. simply provides a backdrop.

Cricket on the village green seems to be played along similar lines. The social aspect often appears more important than the result.

It seems that the slow, gentle nature of is ideally suited to such an approach.

To the outside world, however, the English love of is likely to remain confusing.

TMS video reaction - India v England
Simon Mann of Test Match Special reports from Kanpur, after India take a 3-0 lead in the one-day series with a 16-run Duckworth-Lewis win over a much-improved England side.