A basic form of cricket was started approximately in the 13th century, but it may have existed much before than that. The game was originated among children of the farming and metalworking communities in the Weald between Kent and Sussex . Written evidence exists of a game known as creag being played by Prince Edward, the son of Edward I (Longshanks), at Newenden , Kent in 1300.
In the mid of 17th century, numerous references shows the growth of cricket in the south-east of England. By the end of the century, it had become an organized and civilized activity being played for high stakes and it is likely that the first professionals appeared in that period. We know that "a great cricket match" with eleven players a side was played for high stakes in Sussex in 1697 and this is the earliest reference we have to cricket of such importance.
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