Cricket Basics
Everything you need to know to understand and enjoy the game of cricket.
What is Cricket?
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players on a circular field. At the centre is a rectangular 22-yard-long pitch with a wicket at each end, each comprising two bails balanced on three stumps.
The batting side scores runs by striking the ball and running between the wickets, while the bowling and fielding side tries to prevent this and dismiss each batter.
Brief History
Cricket originated in England during the 16th century and became the national sport by the 18th century. It spread globally through the British Empire and is now played in over 100 countries, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) governing the sport.
Global Popularity
Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world with over 2.5 billion fans, predominantly in South Asia, Australia, UK, and the Caribbean. Major tournaments like the Cricket World Cup and the Indian Premier League attract billions of viewers.
The Cricket Field
The cricket field is oval-shaped with a rectangular pitch in the center. Understanding field positions is essential for following the game.
Pitch Dimensions
- Length: 22 yards (20.12 meters) between wickets
- Width: 10 feet (3.05 meters)
- Crease: Popping crease 4 feet from stumps
- Stumps: 3 stumps, 28 inches tall, with 2 bails on top
Boundary
The boundary marks the edge of the playing area. Hitting the ball over the boundary scores six runs, while along the ground to the boundary scores four runs.
Equipment Guide
The Bat
Cricket bats are made from willow wood with a cane handle. They must be no more than 38 inches (96.5 cm) long and 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide.
- Face: Flat striking surface
- Edges: Sides of the bat
- Toe: Bottom of the bat
- Handle: Grip section, usually rubber-covered
The Ball
Cricket balls are made of cork and string, covered with leather. Weight is between 5.5-5.75 oz.
Red Ball
Test matches
White Ball
ODI & T20
Pink Ball
Day-Night Tests
Protective Gear
- Helmet: Protects head from bouncers and mishits
- Pads: Leg guards protecting shins and knees
- Gloves: Batting gloves protect hands and fingers
- Box/Protector: Essential protection for batsmen
- Arm Guard: Protects forearm from fast bowling
- Thigh Pad: Additional protection for upper leg
Scoring System
Running Between Wickets
After hitting the ball, batsmen can score runs by running to the opposite end of the pitch. Each completed run adds one to the score. Batsmen can run multiple times on a single ball.
Boundaries
- Four (4): Ball crosses boundary along the ground
- Six (6): Ball clears the boundary without bouncing
Extras
Runs scored without hitting the ball:
Wide
Ball too wide for batsman to play - 1 run + extra ball
No Ball
Illegal delivery (front foot, height) - 1 run + free hit
Bye
Ball passes batsman, runs taken without hitting ball
Leg Bye
Ball hits pad, runs taken (must attempt shot)
Ways to Get Out
There are 10 ways a batsman can be dismissed in cricket:
Bowled
Ball hits the stumps directly from the bowler
Caught
Fielder catches the ball before it bounces
LBW
Leg Before Wicket - ball would hit stumps but hits pad first
Run Out
Stumps broken while batsman is outside crease
Stumped
Wicketkeeper breaks stumps while batsman outside crease
Hit Wicket
Batsman breaks own stumps while playing shot
RareHandled Ball
Batsman deliberately touches ball with hand
RareObstructing Field
Batsman deliberately obstructs a fielder
RareTimed Out
New batsman takes more than 3 minutes to arrive
RareHit Ball Twice
Batsman deliberately hits ball twice
RareUnderstanding LBW
LBW is the most complex dismissal. The ball must pitch in line or outside off stump, hit the pad in line with stumps, and would have hit the wicket. No shot attempted makes it easier for umpires.
Umpire Signals
Umpires use hand signals to communicate decisions to scorers and spectators:
Out
Index finger raised above head
Four
Arm waved across body
Six
Both arms raised above head
Wide
Both arms stretched horizontally
No Ball
One arm stretched horizontally
Bye
One arm raised, palm open
Leg Bye
Touching raised knee
Dead Ball
Crossing and uncrossing wrists
TV Replay
Drawing rectangle in air
Short Run
Touching shoulder with fingertips
Basic Terminology
Essential cricket terms every fan should know:
Duck
When a batsman is dismissed without scoring any runs
Golden Duck
When a batsman is dismissed on the first ball faced
Century
When a batsman scores 100 or more runs in a single innings
Maiden Over
An over in which no runs are scored off the bat
Hat-trick
When a bowler takes three wickets with three consecutive deliveries
LBW
Leg Before Wicket - a dismissal when the ball hits the batsman's leg and would have hit the stumps
Yorker
A delivery that pitches right at the batsman's feet
Silly Point
A fielding position very close to the batsman on the off side
Powerplay
A period in limited overs cricket with fielding restrictions
DRS
Decision Review System - technology used to review umpiring decisions