Single wicket tournaments are yet to be recognized professionally today, even though it is most often encountered in local cricket clubs where players participate in several knockout rounds leading to a finale. Rules can vary according to local practice: for example, a player might receive deducted runs for an out rather than ending his or her innings. An innings is typically limited to two or three overs. During Single Wicket’s glory days in the 18th century, however, there was no limitation on number of overs, and a player's innings ended only on his/her dismissal.

It was during the first single-wicket match held on 22–23 May 1775 that Surrey bowler Lumpy Stevens beat Hampshire batsman John Small three times with the ball going through the two-stump wicket of the day. Here’s an interesting fact, as a result of Stevens' protests, the patrons agreed that a third stump should be added.

Even though the match proved to be quite famous, single wicket experienced an interlude during the Hambledon Era and in the early years of Marylebone Cricket Club. Single Wicket gained its popularity again in the first half of the 19th century when leading players like Alfred Mynn and Nicholas Felix took part in some significant matches.