5 Most controversial bats in cricket history

5. Thomas White | Wide blade

A long way before international cricket came into existence, in 1771, Thomas White came up with a genius idea for breaching the rules of the game. This was possibly the first instance that created controversy about a cricket bat. White, back then, walked out with a bat that was wide enough to cover the entire stumps.

His idea was to block every ball and not to get out. In this match between Chertsey and Hambleton, the Hambleton players had no other option but to protest the use of such a bat led by pacer fast bowler Thomas Brett. Later on, the Hambleton skipper and all-rounder Richard Nyren, the leading bowler and batter John Small signed a petition, which led to a change in the Laws of Cricket.

It was decided that the maximum width of the face should be only four-and-a-quarter inches. Thomas White received criticism from all around for his poor sportsmanship. His team, Chertsey, lost the game eventually by one run.