Unlike the football range, where card figures preceded celluloid, in cricket these formats were launched simultaneously in 1949.
The first celluloid set provided an uncreasable development on from the card sets, but at a higher price point. Promoted as “unbreakable”, sadly though that claim wasn’t 100% true, particularly for the bowlers!
In most respects the celluloid playing pieces are identical in design to their card predecessors. The ball is slightly smaller and heavier though. Like the card version, the set didn’t include a pitch.
Also like the card version, the players had to be assembled, with the figures and the bases provided separately in cellophane bags.
The rule book design is very similar to that used in the subsequent 00 scale sets in the 60s, but with very different content as the rules changed considerably with the introduction of catching bases for the plastic men. The card and celluloid rules are a good alternative to the 00 scale game, and well worth trying out.
This was Item 2 on price lists throughout the flat era.
Subbuteo Cricket 