Know About Admiral Horatio Nelson
The Lasting Legacy of Admiral Horatio Nelson: The Man Who Fathered Cricket's Greatest Superstition
In cricket, superstitions run high, but one of the most interesting is the aversion to the score 111 and its multiples. This is the only phenomenon that has caused umpires to perform strange rituals, captains to connive to change the scoreboard, and players to hold their breaths in suspense. But do you know how this arose? The origin of the superstition can be traced to the life and death of Admiral Horatio Nelson, the British naval warrior who was born on September 29, 1758.
A Life of Sacrifice and Courage
Nelson lived a life of bravery, sacrifice, and also a series of injuries that ultimately took his life. In 1791, he lost the use of his right eye, while six years later, he incurred a catastrophic injury which saw his right arm amputated. Yet, these notwithstanding, Nelson continued to serve his nation with honor, giving his life in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The Origin of a Superstition
Following the death of Nelson, a myth started circulating that Nelson not only lost his arm and eye but also his leg. This false story of his injuries somehow got into the cricket world, where it developed into a superstition about the score 111. The idea that this score was unlucky, because it was supposed to look like three stumps without bails or Nelson's missing limbs, caught on among players and spectators.
A Quirky Tradition
One of the most famous examples of this superstition is the "Nelson hop," an idiosyncratic ceremony conducted by umpires, among them the great David Shepherd, when the score reads 111 or its multiples. Shepherd's rationale for this ritual was straightforward: he did not wish anything unpleasant to befall anyone. This light-heartedness has since become a warm and fuzzy part of cricket lore.
Debunking the Myth
In spite of common perception that 111 is an unlucky number, studies have confirmed that wickets are no more likely to get dismissed at this score than on any other score. In reality, the highest score at which most wickets get dismissed is zero. The superstition revolving around 111, however, has become one of the cherished traditions and components of cricket culture.
A Lasting Legacy
The life and legacy of Admiral Horatio Nelson remain intriguing to individuals across the globe. His sacrifice, courage, and lasting influence on the sport of cricket have secured his position in history. As cricketers and fans alike continue to witness the unusual rituals surrounding 111, they honor the individual who inadvertently sparked this popular superstition.
