The 19th century saw a series of significant changes. Wide deliveries were outlawed in 1811. The circumference of the ball was specified for the first time in 1838 (its weight had been dictated 60 years earlier). Pads, made of cork, became available for the first time in 1841, and these were further developed following the invention of vulcanised rubber, which was also used to introduce protective gloves in 1848. In the 1870s, boundaries were introduced – previously, all hits had to be run; if the ball went into the crowd, the spectators would clear a way for the fieldsman to fetch it. The biggest change, however, was in how the ball was delivered by the bowler.
the 19th century saw a series of significant changes wide deliveries were outlawed in 1811 the circumference of the ball was specified for the first time in 1838 (its weight had been dictated 60 years earlier) pads made of cork became available for the first time in 1841 and these were further developed following the invention of vulcanised rubber which was also used to introduce protective gloves in 1848 in the 1870s boundaries were introduced – previously all hits had to be run; if the ball went into the crowd the spectators would clear a way for the fieldsman to fetch it the biggest change however was in how the ball was delivered by the bowler