Stumps

Three stumps and two bails make up a wicket. Stumps, which must be made entirely of wood, are circular in section and have a groove cut in the top on which the end of the bail rests. The dimensions of a stump used in senior cricket are - height 28 inches (71.1 cm) and with a diameter than can vary from a minimum of 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) to a maximum of 1 ½ inches (3.81 cm). In junior cricket the dimensions are 27 inches (68.58 cm) high and 1 ¼ inches (3.18 cm) minimum to 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) maximum, in diameter.
One possible derivation for the word stump might be from the stumps of trees, which perhaps served as a primitive form of wicket in the very early days of the game.
Stumps is sometimes used as another way of saying 'close of play', for example, "New Zealand were 150 without loss at stumps on the second day".




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