The period before World War I (roughly 1890s-1914) is known as the 'Golden Age of cricket' due to exceptional batting performances and legendary players. This era saw the emergence of iconic batsmen like W.G. Grace, Victor Trumper, and K.S. Ranjitsinhji who played with extraordinary skill. The term 'Golden Age' reflects the romantic, attacking style of cricket played during this time before the war disrupted international competition.