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Cricket 'not actually British'

New academic research claims cricket is not an English invention after all, but was in fact imported from Belgium.

A poem thought to have been written in 1533 has been uncovered, which suggests the game originates from Flanders.

Attributed to John Skelton, it describes Flemish weavers as “kings of crekettes” and also mentions “wickettes”, reports the BBC.

Paul Campbell, of the Australian National University, believes that his discovery proves the game is anything but English.

Cricket historian David Frith said: “It is hard to deny that this is a breakthrough. This discovery points to an addition to the great history of cricket. It’s exciting we haven’t yet written the final word on it.

“It does make you wonder why Belgium isn’t playing Test cricket though, doesn’t it?”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .