Stumped? Find love at the crease of village cricket.

Did you know more singles in the Muddy Matches community prefer cricket to football?

It’s a fact that not only bucks trends in interests and hobbies across many other dating websites and apps, but is one that makes total sense with our focus on inspiring love in the British countryside.

Cricket – with its whites, sightscreens, teas and sound of leather on willow – is part and parcel of English village life, especially when summer hits.

And whilst the idea of village cricket and online dating might seem worlds apart, they do share some quirky parallels that make for a fun comparison.

Here are some reasons they are surprisingly alike:

Hopeful Swings, Frequent Misses
In village cricket, you swing at the ball with high hopes, only to play and miss more times than you strike lucky. Online dating can be the same; you take your shot, send a message, and often get no immediate response. Both require optimism and perseverance alongside the effort.

Dodgy Pitches, Dodgy Pics
Village cricket often unfolds on uneven pitches with unpredictable bounce (sometimes with livestock or sheep fields close to the boundary). Online dating profiles can be just as tricky to navigate.  Blurry photos, misleading angles, and group shots make you wonder quite what you’re really stepping into.

Everyone’s Got Their Own Style
Some cricketers play textbook shots; others flail wildly. In online dating, you’ve got smooth charmers, awkward texters, and those who overshare in their bio. Both scenes celebrate unique approaches, for better or worse.

The Crowd’s Always Judging
On the village green, locals sip tea and critique your every move. Online, your profile’s dissected by strangers. Both involve performing under scrutiny, hoping to impress the audience.

Unexpected Partnerships Form
Cricket pairs you with a batting partner you might barely know, yet you’ve got to explore ways to make it work. Online dating throws you into chats with strangers, and sometimes, against all odds, you click.

Weather Can Ruin Everything
A sudden downpour can cancel a cricket match. In online dating, a bad WiFi signal or a poorly timed reason to be offline can derail a promising connection. Both hinge on factors beyond your control.

The Thrill of a Rare Win
Scoring a boundary in village cricket feels like conquering the world. Getting a great date after endless chats is just as triumphant. Both make the grind worthwhile with those fleeting highs.

It’s More About Fun Than The Outcome
Village cricket isn’t about going pro—it’s about enjoying the day. Online dating, at its best, is about discovering interesting people that share your passions, not always finding “the one.” Both are about the journey, not just the score.