The Timeless Clash of Tradition and Modernity at a Historic English Venue

At Lord’s Cricket Ground in northwest London, you can see a mix of architectural styles from different eras. One end features a grand 134-year-old pavilion with intricate details on its sandy brown stone façade. On the other side of the pitch, there is a futuristic glass media center supported by white columns, resembling a giant oblong eye overlooking the ground.

Lord’s, known as the “home” of cricket and a prestigious ground, showcases a unique collision of the old and new during the annual schoolboys fixture Eton vs. Harrow.

This fixture, where two of England’s most exclusive and costly boys’ private schools compete, has a long history dating back to 1805, making it older than even the oldest brick at Lord’s current location.

Josh Hazlewood of Australia walks into the Long Room after day five of the second Ashes test at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Josh Hazlewood of Australia walks into the Long Room after day five of the second Ashes test at Lord's Cricket Ground.

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The 'Spirit of cricket' has been brought into question following a heated confrontation between players and fans, leading to suspensions.

This incident has stirred controversy and highlighted the challenges faced by British institutions in addressing their histories in the modern era. In 2022, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owner of Lord's ground, made the decision to remove the event from its schedule, further fueling the debate.

The members of Lord's were upset by this decision, leading to a compromise where Lord's would continue to host the Eton vs. Harrow and Oxford vs. Cambridge matches for five more years. Additionally, the finals of the UK's school and university cricket competitions would also be held there until a new decision in 2027. CNN reached out to Eton and Harrow for their response, but they had not replied by the time of publication.

Critics of the fixture argue that it promotes elitism and reinforces the stereotype that cricket is a sport for the upper class. They point out that public schoolboys play annually on this prestigious ground while the England Women's team has never had the chance to compete in a Test match there.

The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket expressed strong disapproval in its 2023 report of the special privilege given to a select few schoolboys to play at Lord’s each year, while millions of other children are denied the same opportunity.

Despite this criticism, those present at Friday's match, mainly family members of the schoolboys or alumni who have been attending the event for years, see it as a valuable piece of history worth preserving. They view it as a beloved tradition that is at risk of being lost due to the current trend of "cancel culture."

‘Part of the season’

More than two centuries ago, the Romantic poet Lord Byron took part in the first Eton vs. Harrow match. After the game, he mentioned, "We were mostly drunk and ended up causing a commotion at the Haymarket Theatre. It's not surprising when you have so many students from Harrow and Eton in one place."

The atmosphere at the match on Friday was electric as cheers and chants filled the air right from the start. The Etonians enthusiastically shouted, clapped, and even waved their shoes in the air, following their tradition of showing support from the first ball. Meanwhile, the Harrovians responded with a standing ovation at the first boundary. Later, the Etonians delighted the crowd with a rendition of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme song when a player named Jack Sparrow bowled his first over.

Lord's is one of England's most iconic sporting venues.

Lord's is one of England's most iconic sporting venues.

Mark McCullen, who attended Eton and whose son is now at the school, shared with CNN Sport, "The atmosphere today has been amazing; everyone has been so friendly. I've never experienced such a welcoming atmosphere before."

There is no qualification process for the fixture. Eton and Harrow play at Lord’s due to their longstanding tradition of 219 years. These schools have a rich history and continue to produce a significant number of influential figures in British society. Twenty out of the country’s 45 Prime Ministers, including two of the last five, attended Eton, while seven Prime Ministers went to Harrow.

Attending Eton costs £49,998 ($62,620) per year, and Harrow costs £50,550 ($63,310). However, both schools provide bursaries and scholarships for a limited number of students.

For many spectators, this event holds a special place in the histories of the schools involved. It is a tradition that dates back to a time when debutantes were required to attend prestigious events like Wimbledon and the Ascot Races. Despite the changing times, this tradition remains sacred for those who cherish it and outdated for those who do not.

“I find it disappointing that some members of the MCC believe this event should be done away with because it is seen as elitist,” shared Harry Wells, an Old Etonian who has been attending this event for 57 years. This year, he is cheering on his friend's son who is part of the Harrow squad.

I believe that our country will be making a big mistake if it gets rid of traditions that have been important to us for centuries.

Back in the 1960s, families would arrive in carriages at the event, which was considered one of the highlights of the season. Those who had been attending the matches for years still remember those days. However, the crowds have gotten smaller over time, resulting in less revenue for the MCC. This year, it was estimated that only 2,000 to 3,000 people would be in attendance.

“It used to be a big social event … people in top hat and tails. It was quite part of the season as they used to say in those days,” Wells added.

Spectators at Lord's Cricket Ground during the lunch interval in 1895 at the annual Eton vs. Harrow match.

Spectators at Lord's Cricket Ground during the lunch interval in 1895 at the annual Eton vs. Harrow match.

Symons & Thiele/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Despite the warm weather in May, most men were still dressed in suits. The Eton boys stood out in their red striped blazers and matching hats, while the Harrow boys sported navy-blue blazers. Women opted for flowing dresses or blouses, accessorized with designer handbags. It seems like formal attire is still preferred by many, even in today's more casual society.

"I don’t feel like it's exclusive at all," a spectator told CNN, mentioning the affordable £20 ($25) ticket for anyone to attend.

She continued, "The players put in a lot of effort to reach this level. We shouldn't disregard history just because it's traditional, old-fashioned, and associated with imperialism. We need to learn from the past, including its achievements."

The Eton vs. Harrow match has sparked discussions about cricket's image. The sport, traditionally linked to the British elite, is facing criticism for issues like racism, sexism, and elitism. Despite these controversies, cricket remains immensely popular worldwide, second only to soccer in global sports.

For Stephen Fry, a well-known actor, writer, and comedian, the Eton vs. Harrow match represents a lingering stereotype in English cricket. He has criticized it as portraying "snobbery and elitism."

Harrow was victorious in the 2024 match against Eton.

Harrow was victorious in the 2024 match against Eton.

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Fry, a former MCC president and longtime cricket fan, expressed to the Times in October 2022, "That’s not what cricket is about. It’s the second most popular sport in the world and it needs people to understand what a wonderful game it is, and how it’s available for everybody."

Harrow easily clinched victory on Friday, winning by 91 runs. They posted a solid score of 321-5 before Eton could only manage 230 all out in response. With limited opportunities left, Eton may find it challenging to make a comeback.

Mark Nicholas, the current MCC president, expressed to the Telegraph in October that times have changed and the world has significantly evolved since then. He believes that common sense will prevail in the next four years within this compromise, and sees a natural progression moving forward from this point.

Editor's P/S:

The Eton vs. Harrow match at Lord's Cricket Ground is a fascinating spectacle that embodies the tension between tradition and modernity. While the event has a rich history and showcases the grandeur of the sport, it also faces criticism for its elitism and lack of inclusivity. The debate surrounding the fixture highlights the challenges faced by British institutions in reconciling their past with the values of the present.

The match serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of privilege and exclusivity in cricket. The high cost of attending Eton and Harrow reinforces the perception of the sport as inaccessible to many. By continuing to host this event, Lord's perpetuates a system that favors a select few over the vast majority of aspiring cricketers. It is crucial to find ways to make cricket more inclusive and representative of society as a whole, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and excel in the sport.