My guess is that you would have to ask that question of an english man who may know the history of cricket. I did a quick google, but no luck. I did however find this:
Today's bat was invented around 1853, with the blade made of willow, and a cane handle, which is layered with strips of rubber, tied with twine, and covered with rubber to make a grip. The 'V' shaped extension of the handle into the blade is the splice. The early balls were stones and other missiles. Rather dangerous really, and not surprising that someone came up with an alternative! They're now made of cork, and covered with hand-stitched leather quarters dyed red.
Stone balls? And I thought a modern cricket ball was bad enough. I have broken a few fingers playing cricket before, i would hate to play with a stone ball.