Cricket is a fascinating sport with a rich history and a global fan base. Here’s an overview of how the game is played and what makes it unique.

Basics of the Game

Cricket is typically played by two teams of 11 players each. However, even with just two people, a game of cricket can be enjoyed anywhere – in a park, garden, street, or beach.

Cricket ground

Club cricket is usually played on a cricket ground, a large, flat expanse of grass often circular or oval in shape, surrounded by a boundary marker.

The pitch

The pitch, located in the middle of the field, is a 22-yard strip-where most of the action takes place.

Coin toss

The game begins with a coin toss between the captains of both teams. The winning captain decides whether their team will bat or field first.

Turns and batting

Teams alternate between batting and fielding. Batters work in pairs, each positioned at opposite ends of the pitch.

Understanding the wicket

The term "wicket" can mean the 22-yard pitch, the stumps with bails on top, or the dismissal of a batter.

Scoring runs

Runs are scored when batters run between the wickets after hitting the ball.

Game formats

Cricket is played in several formats:

Twenty20: Each team bats for 20 overs.

One-day cricket: Teams bat for 50 overs each.

Test matches: Played over five days with unlimited overs.

Overs and winning

An over consists of six balls bowled by a fielder. A team bats until either its overs are completed or ten batters are dismissed. The team with the highest score wins.

Play Anywhere

Cricket can be adapted for various spaces, indoors or outdoors. Suggested formats include:

Lord’s Game

Continuous Cricket

Pairs Cricket

Resources are available to help children and adults explore different game formats. Club finders can assist in locating nearby cricket clubs for enthusiasts.

Cricket Equipment

Hard-ball cricket

Essential equipment includes bats, balls, helmets, and pads, available in major sports stores and online cricket shops.

Soft-ball cricket

For casual games, comfortable clothing, energy, and enthusiasm are all that is required.

Did You Know? Ten Ways to Be Dismissed

In cricket, batters can be dismissed in ten ways:

Caught

Bowled

Out leg before wicket (LBW)

Run out

Stumped

Hit wicket

Handled the ball

Double hit (hitting the ball twice)

Obstructing the field

Timed out

Cricket offers endless opportunities to enjoy and explore the sport, whether casually or competitively. Dive into the game and uncover its charm!