Question

compare the position of amateurs with that of the professionals in the early days of cricket...

Answer 1

1-The rich who coud afford to play cricket for pleasure were called amateurs.

2-The social superiority of amateurs was built into the customs of cricket.

3-Amateurs were called Gentlemen.

4-Amateurs tended to be batsmen.

5-Only amateurs can be the captain of the team.

1-The poor who played cricket for a living were called professionals.

2-Professionals had to be content with being described as players.

3-They were tended to be bolwlers.

4-They have even different the ground from different entrances.

Answer 2

In England, professionalism first came into the game of cricket. Professionals were those that played the sport for a living. The society at that time looked down upon them. The amateurs played the sport as a pleasure and mere love for the game.
Surprisingly, cricket teams on the field and officials of it were led by amateurs because of the feeling of superiority among the amateurs.
Gradually, professionalism began to spread and loyalty was more towards the task in hand rather than to any particular team. Transfers and contracts became more and more commonplace. Performance became the key determinant rather than mere interest for the game.