What Are The Numbers On The Cricketers Shirts?

[Impret-Sir]

Watching the test match, I see both sides have three figure numbers on their shirts underneath the team emblems. What do these numbers signify?

[dannyk13]

Explanation here:-
https://www.quora.com/What-do-the-numbers-on-Englands-cricket-shirts-under-the-3-lions-mean

[Mamyalynne]

From the cricketing bible...

http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/287078.html

[highbury57]

Although to the disgrace of the South Africans nobody is recognised and counted pre-Apartheid. There were some brave cricketers among that group.

[Impret-Sir]

Wow, that was quick! thanks both for your answers, I have never heard of this practice, but its an interesting idea, pity other sports dont do it too.

[ToraToraTora]

they do it in Rugby but the number is not on the shirt usually:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_England_national_rugby_union_players
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_Zealand_national_rugby_union_players