In professional cricket the length of a game ranges from 20 overs of six bowling deliveries per side to Test cricketplayed over five days. The Laws of Cricket are maintained by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and theMarylebone Cricket Club (MCC) with additional Standard Playing Conditions for Test matches and One Day Internationals.
Cricket was first played in southern England in the 16th century. By the end of the 18th century, it had developed into the national sport of England. The expansion of the British Empire led to cricket being played overseas and by the mid-19th century the first international matches were being held. The ICC, the game's governing body, has ten full members.