Question

The width of the cricket bat was specified to be ____
A.four inches
B.five inches
C.six inches
D.seven inches

Answer 1

Hint: Law 5 of laws of cricket speaks about the length and breadth of the bat. The weight is mentioned to be between 2lb-3lb. These rules were introduced following the Monster Bat incident of 1773.

Complete answer:
The first laws of cricket were drawn up in 1774. These laws stated that ‘the principals shall choose the gentlemen from amongst present two umpires who shall, absolutely decide all disputes. The stumps must be 22 inches high and bail across them 6 inches. The two sets of stumps were required to be 22 yards apart. The limits to shape and size of the bat weren’t placed.
In 1788, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) published the first revision of the laws. It had transformed into the guardian of cricket’s regulations. By 1774, the first leg before law was published. 3 days became the length of the major match.
During the 19th century, many changes occurred in cricket- the rule about wide balls was applied, Protective equipment like pads and gloves became available, ball’s exact circumference was specified, overarm bowling became illegal. As cricket spread, the length was decided to be not more than 38 inches (965 mm), the width not exceeding 4.25 inches (108 mm), the overall depth not being more than 2.64 inches (67 mm) and edge existing below 1.56 inches (40 mm). The weight of the ball was limited to between 5½ to 5¾ ounces.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note:In 1721, cricket was first played in India as a recreational sport by English sailors. Later, the first Indian club, the Calcutta Cricket Club was established in 1792.