The Spin | How Lumpy Stevens and two pubs led to the creation of cricket’s middle stump
In 1776, a Surrey club match played near the Thames sparked a change in cricket equipment. Bowler Lumpy Stevens repeatedly bowled the ball through the two‑stump wicket, prompting players from two local pubs to advocate adding a third, middle stump. The alteration was adopted, establishing the three‑stump configuration that defines modern cricket. The new design improved fairness and reduced disputes over dismissals.