The red-ball format, whether it is at international or domestic level, is known as the pinnacle of cricket. It is because this is the real base of this sport. Test cricket is the oldest format, which has a rich history of over 150+ years, whereas first-class cricket is the pillar of any cricketing nation that helps them to stand and produce international-level cricketers. Over the period of time, this sport has noticed many changes.
In 1971, the 50-over format was introduced, and in 2005, T20I cricket was officially played. But despite bringing the two different white-ball formats, Test cricket still remains at the top. The first official test match was played in 1877, which saw the beginning of this format. But people used to play this sport well before that, which was known as first-class cricket. Hence, the history of First-Class cricket is even older than the Test format, which we will check here in this blog.
What is First-class cricket?
First-class cricket is the foundation of any cricketing nation. This is the prime format at domestic level for any country which is being played for three or four days. The first-class game is played using red-ball between two teams of 11 players. The test cricket, which is an international format, is also known as the form of first-class cricket.
That is why the performances and stats of any cricketer in Tests will be added to the first-class stats. In India, there are some of the oldest red-ball tournaments played, and the Ranji Trophy is considered the most prominent first-class tournament. The term “first-class” indicates the format that has red-ball matches and consists of two innings.
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First Class Cricket: Know Its Origin and History
The first ever test match was played in March 1877 at MCG between Australia and England. But before that, there was no concept of Test cricket. Even until 1894, a cricket match played between two countries or senior-level clubs of different countries was known as a first-class match.
Hence, the first-class was often known to indicate a better standard cricket form. However, the exact date or history of when the first-class is originated, but cricket history has the memory of one of the earliest FC games and its scorecard, dated from 1744. Sussex was the oldest cricket county club; it originated in 1839, while Nottinghamshire, Kent, and Surrey were founded in 1860.
But in a historic event during a meeting at the first ever cricket ground, Lord’s in May 1894, the first-class cricket got the official acceptance in the presence of all the head bodies of secretaries competing in the official County Championship and the Marylebone Cricket Club. The decision was taken that all the county clubs would get first-class status in 1894.
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Explained: Difference between Test Cricket and First-Class Cricket
Though both Test cricket and first-class cricket are played for several days by using red balls, there are key differences in these two formats. First-class cricket is played for a maximum period of three or four days, whereas Test cricket is a five-day game. Hence, Test cricket is a sub-form of first-class cricket, but first-class cricket is not Test cricket.
As per the cricket rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), there are several factors that a match needs to meet to be known as a first-class game officially.
- A cricket match should have three scheduled days at least.
- Two teams participating in the game should have 11 players on their side.
- Both teams will be allowed to play two innings each.
- This match must be held on natural turf or a surface which must not be synthetic.
- According to the cricket governing body, the venue must meet all the playing standards and requirements.
- The match should comply with all the Laws of cricket with minimal exceptions.
- The match should be acknowledged as first-class by the ICC, or governing body of that country.
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Major First-Class Cricket Competitions in Different Countries
Every cricket-playing country has their own first-class cricket tournaments with different names. These tournaments help to find out the stars that go on to represent them at the highest level. Below, you can see the major first-class cricket tournaments across the world.
| Country | First-Class Tournaments |
|---|---|
| England | County Championship |
| South Africa | 4-Day Domestic Series |
| India | Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup |
| Australia | Sheffield Shield |
| New Zealand | Plunket Shield |
| Pakistan | Quaid-e-Azam Trophy |
| West Indies | Regional Four Day Competition |
| Sri Lanka | National Super League (NSL) |
| Bangladesh | National Cricket League and Bangladesh Cricket League |
| Zimbabwe | Logan Cup |
| Afghanistan | Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament |
| Ireland | Inter-Provincial Championship |
Different between First-Class Cricket and List A Cricket
As discussed above, first-class cricket is a red-ball tournament which is being played for several days. Meanwhile, List A cricket is a white-ball or one-day tournament or competition where the matches are played with one innings and limited numbers of overs. Meanwhile, List A cricket also includes those international matches between the teams that have not received the ODI status by the ICC.
