CRICKET

Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players

on a field, at the centre of which is a 22-yard (20-metre; 66-foot) pitch with
a wicket at each end, each comprising two bails (small sticks) balanced on
three stumps. Two players from the batting team, the striker and non-striker,
stand in front of either wicket holding bats, while one player from
the fielding team, the bowler, bowls the ball toward the striker's wicket from
the opposite end of the pitch. The striker's goal is to hit the bowled ball with
the bat and then switch places with the nonstriker, with the batting team
scoring one run for each of these exchanges. Runs are also scored when the
ball reaches the boundary of the field or when the ball is bowled illegally.

The fielding team tries to prevent runs from being scored

by dismissing batters (so they are "out"). Means of dismissal include
being bowled, when the ball hits the striker's wicket and dislodges the bails,
and by the fielding side either catching the ball after it is hit by the bat but
before it hits the ground, or hitting a wicket with the ball before a batter can
cross the crease line in front of the wicket. When ten batters have been
dismissed, the innings (playing phase) ends and the teams swap roles. Forms
of cricket range from traditional Test matches played over five days to the
newer Twenty20 format (also known as T20), in which each team bats for a
single innings of 20 overs (each "over" being a set of 6 fair opportunities for
the batting team to score) and the game generally lasts three to four hours.

Traditionally, cricketers play in all-white kit, but in limited overs cricket, they
wear club or team colours. In addition to the basic kit, some players wear
protective gear to prevent injury caused by the ball, which is a hard, solid

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spheroid made of compressed leather with a slightly raised sewn seam
enclosing a cork core layered with tightly wound string.

The earliest known definite reference to cricket is to it being played in South

East England in the mid-16th century. It spread globally with the expansion
of the British Empire, with the first international matches in the second half
of the 19th century. The game's governing body is the International Cricket
Council (ICC), which has over 100 members, twelve of which are full
members who play Test matches. The game's rules, the Laws of Cricket, are
maintained by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London. The sport is
followed primarily in South Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United
Kingdom, Southern Africa, and the West Indies.[2]

Women's cricket, which is organised and played separately, has also

achieved international standard.

The most successful side playing international cricket is Australia, which has
won eight One Day International trophies, including six World Cups, more
than any other country, and has been the top-rated Test side more than any
other country.

Cricket requirements

 A cricket bat (click here if you’d like to read my guide on choosing a

cricket bat for yourself)
 Batting gloves
 Batting helmet
 Batting pads (these are strapped on to your lower legs)
 An abdomen guard (also referred to as a ‘box’ or a ‘cup’)
 Appropriate footwear for the surface you’re playing on)
 Females may wish to purchase a chest guard

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 A standard cricket field, showing the cricket
pitch (brown), close-infield (light green) within 15 yards (14 m) of the
striking batsman, infield (medium green) inside the white 30 yards (27 m)
circle, and outfield (dark green), with sight screens beyond the boundary at
either end.

A perspective view of the cricket pitch from

the bowler's end. The bowler runs in past one side of the wicket at the
bowler's end, either 'over' the wicket or 'round' the wicket.
The Cricket pitch dimensions
A cricket field or cricket oval is a large grass field on which the game
of cricket is played. Although generally oval in shape, there is a wide variety
within this: perfect circles, elongated ovals, rounded rectangles, or irregular
shapes with little or no symmetry – but they will have smooth boundaries
without sharp corners, almost without exception. There are no fixed
dimensions for the field but its diameter usually varies between 450 and 500
feet (140 and 150 m) for men's cricket, and between 360 feet (110 m) and
420 feet (130 m) for women's cricket.

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On most grounds, a rope demarcates the perimeter of the field and is known
as the boundary. Within the boundary and generally as close to the centre as
possible will be the square which is an area of carefully prepared grass upon
which cricket pitches can be prepared and marked for the matches. The
pitch is where batsmen hit the bowled ball and run between the wickets to
score runs, while the fielding team tries to return the ball to either wicket to
prevent this.

Pitch
Most of the action takes place in the centre of this ground, on a rectangular
clay strip usually with short grass called the pitch. The pitch measures 22 yd
(20.12 m) (1 chain) long.

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FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS IN CRICKET

10 Fundamental Cricket Skills for Batting, Bowling and Fielding

1. Hand-Eye Coordination

This is a vital skill to learn for anyone who wants to succeed as a batsman.
The eye will track the ball as it is released by the bowler while the hands will
come through to play the shot but how do you learn and develop this skill?

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2. Concentration

All players need to work on their concentration levels. For batsmen, they are
facing deliveries constantly while bowlers and fielders need to switch on at
all times in the field. This can be a very difficult aspect of the game for
coaches to teach, but if you lose concentration for just a moment, you can
lose your wicket or drop a catch.

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3. Reflexes

Quick reflexes are important for batsmen but also for certain fielders,
particularly wicket keepers and those who are standing in the slips, or at
short leg. If you’re comfortable with facing fast bowling, set up a bowling
machine and keep on practising in the nets.

4. Spatial Perception

This term relates to awareness of where the ball is coming from and where
it’s likely to finish – either in a hitting zone as a batsman or in a catching arc
if you are in the field.This can be a tricky technique to learn but beginners
should be aware of its importance.

5. Sprinting and Agility

Batsmen need to be quick between the wickets while fielders also need that
pace to chase down balls that are heading to the boundary.

We’re all born with different speed levels but we can keep up with basic
sprint training to maintain and improve them. In terms of agility, a good
exercise to follow starts with setting up cones between 5 and 10 metres
apart.

6. Throwing and Catching Accuracy

This is one for the fielders and the wicket keepers: Catches win matches
while run outs are also an important part of the game.

In these instances, there is really no substitute for practise. For throwing, get
to the nets and aim at the stumps constantly. Catching drills can also take
place at school or in your coaching sessions. You can also practice those
hand eye coordination techniques that we mentioned earlier.

7. Balance

Balance is important for a batsman as they need to be in a good position in

order to transfer their weight through the ball. Fielders also need to be
poised so they can move quickly in either direction when the ball is struck.

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8. Strength and Flexibility

Anyone serious about cricket should be looking to improve their overall

strength. There are lots of exercises that you can do here and I’ve covered
these in more detail previously. Good exercise routines could include planks,
press ups, tricep dips, oblique dips and pull ups.

9. Muscle Memory and Consistency

Muscle memory is learned over time by the best sportsmen and women.
Professional cricketers will play their most effective shots and, when you see
them on TV, the practise seems almost effortless.

The muscles can be trained to perform a skill over and over again so that
they will eventually have a form of memory installed. Batters can then
subconsciously use that muscle memory to execute a skill such as an off
drive, pull or any cricket shot.

10. Timing

Power has become an important factor for batsmen but even the biggest
hitters will also need to rely on timing. Hitting the delivery at the perfect
moment will always help the ball to travel further.

Part of this skill relies on balance and we’ve already talked about the need to
keep the head above the ball. For perfect timing, the ball needs to be hit at
the top of its bounce.

The Fundamental Skills of Cricket

1. Batting:
Batting is arguably the most important aspect of cricket. The objective of
batting is to score runs by hitting the ball with the bat and running between
the wickets. To be a good batsman, you need to have a strong grip on the
bat and be able to watch the ball closely as it approaches you.
You should also have good footwork to be able to move your feet quickly and
adjust your position according to the ball’s trajectory.
2. Stance:
The stance refers to the position of the batsman at the crease. A good stance
is essential for maintaining balance, stability, and the ability to move quickly.
A good batting stance involves standing with the feet shoulder-width apart,
with the weight evenly distributed on both feet. The front foot should be

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pointed toward the bowler, while the back foot is perpendicular to the
crease.
3. Footwork:
Footwork is essential for a batsman to be able to move into the correct
position to play the shot. It is important to be light on the feet and be able to
move quickly in response to the bowler’s delivery. Good footwork helps the
batsman to get into the right position to play the shot.
4. Shot Selection:
Shot selection is the ability to choose the right shot to play based on the line
and length of the ball. It is important to be able to play a range of shots,
including defensive shots, attacking shots, and shots played on the back
foot.
5. Bowling:
Bowling is among the important fundamental skills of cricket. The objective
of bowling is to deliver the ball to the batsman in such a way that it is
difficult to hit. The fundamental skills of bowling include grip, run-up, delivery
stride, and release.
6. Grip:
In cricket, grip refers to the way a batsman holds the cricket bat and how a
bowler holds the ball.
For batting, the grip is essential as it determines the control a batsman has
over the bat while playing shots. The most common grip used by batsmen is
the ‘V’ grip, where the top hand and bottom hand form a V shape. The
position of the hands on the handle may vary depending on the batsman’s
preference and the type of shot being played
7. Run-up:
The run-up is the approach a bowler takes before delivering the ball. A good
run-up involves a smooth and rhythmic approach to the crease. It is
important to have good balance and control during the run-up.
8. Delivery Stride:
The delivery stride is the step taken by the bowler just before delivering the
ball. A good delivery stride involves a smooth transfer of weight from the
back foot to the front foot. It is important to have good control over the body
during the delivery stride. It is among those fundamental skills of cricket that
take years of practice to master.
9. Release:
The release refers to the way a bowler delivers the ball to the batsman. A
good release involves a smooth and fluid action, with the ball delivered with
the correct trajectory, speed, and spin.

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10. Fielding:
Fielding is the art of stopping the ball and preventing runs from being scored.
It is a vital aspect of cricket and requires a combination of speed, agility, and
coordination. The fundamental skills of fielding include catching, throwing,
and ground fielding. To be a good fielder, you need to have good hand-eye
coordination and be able to move quickly and decisively in the field.
11. Catching:
Catching is the act of catching the ball in the air. It is an important aspect of
fielding and important of the fundamental skills of cricket, as it can lead to
the dismissal of a batsman and help the fielding team gain an advantage.
Catching is not just an individual skill, but also a team effort. Fielders should
communicate with each other to avoid collisions and make sure that the best
fielder is in the best position to take the catch.
12. Wicket-Keeping:
Wicket-keeping is a specialized skill in cricket, and it requires a combination
of agility, reflexes, and concentration. To be a good wicketkeeper, you need
to be able to move quickly and react to the ball’s trajectory, as well as be
able to communicate effectively with the bowler and other fielders.

13. High Levels of Concentration:

This is very hard to teach, but the best batsmen will often have high levels of
concentration that allow them to remain focused for long periods. Remaining
focused and avoiding distractions and nerves as much as possible will enable
you to bat more confidently and stay at the crease longer. This is something
we should all be trying to achieve!
14. Quick Reflexes:
Sometimes when fielding the ball can come toward us incredibly quickly. If
you’re a slip fielder, the ball can fly towards you off the edge of the bat and
you may have less than a second to react and take the catch. Similarly, if
you’re a wicketkeeper up to the stumps, you will need quick reflexes to
gather the ball after it passes the batsman.
Whether you’re a spinner or a pace merchant, it’s vital that you get the
basics right when it comes to bowling a cricket ball. The same principles
apply whether you are right handed or left handed and there are steps to

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follow that will assist you in sending down those perfect deliveries.

The natural stages of a bowling action will also guard against throwing the
ball – also referred to as ‘chucking’. This is an illegal delivery and something
that we need to avoid.

This is very much a guide for beginners – young players and anyone looking
to take up the game at any age. Here are the basics that we will work
through.

 Grip
 Run Up
 Jump and Gather
 Delivery Stride
 Release Point
 Follow Through

How to Bowl Correctly:

Step 1: How to Hold a Cricket Ball

The grip is where it all begins: The ball isn’t a perfect sphere and the fact
that it has a seam means that it is essential that you hold it correctly.

At a beginner’s level, we can simplify this by putting bowlers into two

categories.

How to Grip the Ball for Fast Bowling

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 1. Place your middle and index fingers on the top of the ball with that
seam running vertically in the centre.
2. The ring finger and little finger will be alongside while the thumb will
be underneath, and each of these will provide support.
3. Do not press the ball too far back into the palm of your hand as you
need it to be fairly relaxed.

How to Grip the Ball for Spin Bowling

1. For spin bowlers, the basic grip will be similar but there are two clear
differences. The seam of the ball should run across the fingers rather
than be parallel to them.
2. The middle and index fingers will also be wider apart.
3. The supporting fingers and thumb will be in a similar supporting
position to the faster bowler.
There are more complicated grips for seamers, wrist spinners and those who
are looking to swing the ball but I’m talking about the basics for now.

Step 2: How to Run Up to the Crease

The purpose of the run up is to build up some momentum as we approach

the crease. Faster bowlers will have a long run up to help them gather speed
while spinners will come in from just a few paces.

1. To start with, use a smaller run up around five paces is widely

recommended and you can begin with a light jog.
2. When you become more confident, it will be easier to extend that run
up if you want to but you’ll need to master the smaller run first.
3. Just jog in to the crease until that run starts to feel comfortable, and
you have the momentum needed.
Those players starting out don’t even have to worry about letting go of the
ball. Once you’re happy and the art of running in becomes a natural thing,
we can move on to the more technical elements of a bowling action.

Step 3: How to Jump and Gather

1. Think of the jump and gather as a spring. You’re coiling and therefore
gaining the momentum that puts extra pace onto the ball as it’s
delivered.

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 2. As a right arm bowler, you will be jumping from your left foot to your
right as you approach the crease – you’ll usually be around two paces
away.
3. As your right foot lands, bring your left knee up, slightly towards your
chest, while leaning back slightly. This is the jump and gather. For left
arm bowlers, simply reverse the feet.

To begin with, you can practise this from a few paces, independently from
the run up phase. It is a little technical but if you follow those steps then the
jump and gather will also start to feel natural.

Step 4: The Delivery Stride

The delivery stride is the stride the bowler makes once the jump and gather
has been completed. You should be one full stride away from the crease and
the delivery point. The stage that fills this gap is known as the delivery
stride.

As and when you are comfortable with stages one through to three, the
delivery stride should be easy to master. It’s a full, stretched stride into the
crease and, as your front foot lands, it’s time to send that ball down to the
batsman’s end.

Step 5: How to Release the Ball

1. As that front foot plants down on the popping crease, pull your bowling
arm down at speed.
2. The arm will rotate downwards but the optimum point at which the ball
should be released is just after the hand reaches its highest point – i.e.,
as it begins its downward trajectory.

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 3. Keep the arm straight to ensure that this is a legal delivery and to
avoid chucking.
4. The faster the arm, the quicker the ball, so pace bowlers and spinners
will adjust their speeds accordingly.
Step 6: How to Follow Through

A follow through adds extra momentum to the delivery and it prevents

additional stress on the body. Having delivered the ball, simply run for three
or four extra paces towards the batsman.

Remember to avoid the centre of the pitch as this is the protected area so
you should run away from it at a slight angle.

How to Improve a Bowling Run Up?

Start from a few paces and then improve by extending that length. Begin
with a gentle jog and increase the speed. Once perfected, you can start to
trial other techniques such as coming in at an angle. This process of trial and
error will gradually improve your run up until you find one that suits you.

How to Stop Bowling Wides?

Everyone will bowl the occasional wide but how do you stop if you have a
perpetual problem?

1. Identify your run up as a possible issue.

2. If you are delivering the ball from wide of the stumps then try to go
closer to them.
3. Keep your head up and your arm straight.
4. Practice in the nets by putting a handkerchief down on the pitch, on a
good length, in line with the middle stump.
5. Keep bowling at it until you hit it with greater regularity.
6. This will help you keep focus and avoid wide deliveries.

1. Bowling (cricket)

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Bowling, in cricket, is the action of propelling the ball toward
the wicket defended by a batter. A player skilled at bowling is called
a bowler;[1] a bowler who is also a competent batter is known as an all-
rounder. Bowling the ball is distinguished from throwing the ball by a strictly
specified biomechanical definition, which restricts the angle of extension of
the elbow.[2] A single act of bowling the ball towards the batsman is called
a ball or a delivery. Bowlers bowl deliveries in sets of six, called an over.
Once a bowler has bowled an over, a teammate will bowl an over from the
other end of the pitch.

There are different types of bowlers,

Fast bowlers, whose primary weapon is pace, through swing and seam
bowlers who try to make the ball deviate in its course through the air or
when it bounces,[7]

Slow bowlers, who will attempt to deceive the batter with a variety of flight
and spin.

A spin bowler usually delivers the ball quite slowly and puts spin on the ball,
causing it to turn at an angle while bouncing off the pitch. [8]

How To Bowl In Cricket – For Beginners!

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There are a lot of different moving parts to a cricketer’s bowling action. For
newcomers to the game, putting all of these moving parts together in order
to create your own bowling action can seem like a complicated task!
Especially when you first start trying to bowl, the whole movement can feel
really unnatural and strange. Trust me, I’ve been there! But over time you
will settle on a technique that works and feels right for you. Hopefully, this
post will be able to provide you with some helpful tips on what you should be
doing to get comfortable with bowling.

If you want to learn how to bowl in cricket then you should focus on
the following things:

 Gripping The Ball Correctly

 Breaking Down The Bowling Action Into Smaller Parts:
 The Run Up
 The Gather Phase
 The Coil Phase
 The Release Phase
 The Follow Through
 Keep Your Hips & Shoulders Aligned
 Focus On The Point On The Pitch Where You Want The Ball To Land
 Align Your Front Arm With The Target
 Don’t Overstep

Grip The Ball Correctly

The first step to learning how to bowl is to learn how to hold the ball
correctly. This is really easy to get right. If you’re a fast bowler then you
should put your index and middle fingers on top of the ball with the seam
running in between them, like I’m showing in the photo below. Your ring
finger and little finger should be positioned alongside the ball to provide
support, and your thumb should be underneath the ball close to or on the
seam. Make sure the ball isn’t pressed too far back into the palm of your
hand, as this can have a negative impact on the way you release the ball.
Try to make sure there’s a small gap between your palm and the ball.

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Break Down The Bowling Action Into Smaller Parts
A ‘bowling action’ is the term that cricketers use for the movement of the
bowler from the start of their run up to the point at which they release the
ball towards the batsman. As I mentioned at the start of this post, there are a
lot of different parts of a bowling action which require co-ordination if you’re
going to become a successful bowler!

Run Up
For cricketers that are just starting to bowl, the main focus of the run up
should be to build up a little bit of speed before you reach the crease. The
run up does not need to be particularly long. Most players that are just
beginning to experiment with bowling won’t be bowling extremely fast, so I’d
start with a run up that is about 5 paces long

The Gather Phase

The ‘gather phase’ is the part of the bowling action that allows you to
transition between the main part of your run up and the release of the ball.
The gather phase takes place at the same time as the coil phase! Let’s see
what it involves:

The Coil Phase

As I mentioned above, the coil phase takes place at almost exactly the same
time as the gather phase of the bowling action. The coil phase refers more to
the movement of your upper body, rather than the lower body. Here’s what
you have to do during the coil phase of your action:

The Release Phase

This is where things get fun! All you have to do now is perform one final
stride and send the ball travelling towards the batsman. So, how do you
move from the coil phase/gather phase to releasing the

The Follow Through

When bowling, it’s important to have a ‘follow through’. This means that
rather than standing still after you have released the ball, you should
continue your motion and run 3 or 4 steps down the wicket towards the
batsman. A follow through is important as it helps to take stress off your

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body, and also allows you to get more of your momentum behind the ball as
you push through the crease.

Keep Your Hips & Shoulders Aligned

Keeping your hips and shoulders in line as you deliver the ball is hugely
important, and will make your cricket career go much more smoothly.

Focus On The Point On The Pitch Where You Want The Ball To
Land
Fast bowlers are always looking for ways to improve their accuracy, and this
is one that has worked wonders for me! If you can get into the habit of doing
it early in your career then I think you’ll be able to bowl a lot more accurately
once you get used to your bowling action.

Align Your Front Arm With The Target

This is my second tip that will help you with your accuracy, and this is
another one that helped me out a lot with my bowling. This tip doesn’t really
help you get the length of your delivery right, but it definitely helps you to
bowl the right line!

Don’t Overstep
I’m guessing a lot of you may already know this, but when it comes to
playing in a real cricket match you need to make sure that you get some
part of your front foot behind the line of the popping crease! The popping
crease is the line that runs across the pitch which the batsmen stand behind!
If you fail to keep some part of your front foot behind this line, the umpire
will declare a no ball – awarding one run to the other team and making you
bowl the delivery again.

BATTING

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9 Simple Cricket Batting Tips For Beginners!

So if you’re a player who’s still yet to have your first knock for a team, or
even if you have played a few games already, I’ve put together 9 tips that I
think are great to focus on at the start of your career. Here they are:

1. Choose the correct bat

2. Find a technique that works for you
3. Grip the bat correctly
4. Adopt a comfortable stance
5. Start ‘Taking a guard’
6. Learn to play the ball straight
7. Practice, practice & more practice
8. Focus on fitness
9. Get your bat over the line
How to Bat in Cricket: The Basics of Cricket Batting

Step 1: How to Hold the Cricket Bat

When you’re first learning how to bat, this is where it all starts. Hold the bat
firmly with your left hand at the top and your right hand underneath – if you
are right handed. The knuckles of your left hand should face the bowler while
the thumb and index finger of your right hand will form a ‘V’ at the back of
your bat.

Step 2: How to Take a Batting Stance

Your body will face the point region and your toes should be in a line with
each other.

Place the bat behind the back foot and turn your head 90 degrees to face the
bowler. This should all feel natural and balanced. If you are overbalancing
then start the process again.

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Step 3: How to Execute the Backlift

A backlift sees the batsman lift the bat in a backwards direction towards the
wicket keeper. When you’re starting out, the backlift should be as vertical as
possible. Make it a short backlift to begin so that you have time to bring the
bat forward and play the ball. In time, you may get used to a higher backlift
which puts more momentum into the shot.

Step 4: How to Judge Line and Length

Judging line and length will become easier with practise but how can you
assess this when you’re just starting out? Most cricket batting tips will tell
you to watch the ball very closely as it leaves the bowler’s hand.

Keep your head and eyes still and you should be able to read the speed, and
where the ball is likely to pitch, in a short space of time.

Step 5: How to Choose a Shot

Shot selection will depend entirely on that line and length. If it’s a short ball
outside the leg stump, then you should consider the pull or the hook. A good
length ball on middle stump should mean that you will play a forward
defensive.

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Step 6: How to Play the Shot

Each cricket shot comes with its own extensive set of instructions and you
should study these guides closely. An attacking shot will benefit from a
higher backlift and a longer follow through. Your footwork is also important
as you get your front foot to the pitch of the ball.

A defensive shot would require less of a backlift and a shorter follow through.
Here, we are simply defending our wicket and not looking to hit the ball a
long way.

Step 7: How to Follow Through

The follow through is important because it can determine how far the ball will
travel. As you learn how to play cricket shots, remember that the follow
through should see the bat move in the direction in which you want to hit the
ball. A longer follow through is intended to help the ball travel further while
little or no follow through is recommended for defensive strokes.

Step 8: How to Decide Whether to Run or Leave the Ball

Judging a run is an essential part of learning how to bat. Is there time to

complete a single or does the fielder have a chance to run you out? If the
ball goes straight to a fielder then you should simply call ‘no’ to your partner.

Cricket Batting Tips for Beginners

I would advise studying this guide and following it exactly.

 Practise long and hard in the nets until all of this becomes natural.
 When you’re confident with stance, backlift and the other processes,
you can then take this into a match situation.
 In time, you may alter your technique to suit your style of play.
 Make Sure You’re Batting Regularly Enough
 Grip Your Bat In The Correct Way
 Consider Your Batting Game Plan Before Starting Your Innings
 Get Used To Watching The Ball During Each Delivery
 Develop A Trigger Move

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  Get Your Head In A Good Position
 Practice Your Footwork Against Fast Bowlers & Spinners
 Learn Methods To Keep Your Nerves Under Control
 Remember You Can Use Your Pads as a Defence Against Spin Bowlers
 Rotate The Strike As Often As Possible
 In Tough Batting Conditions, Keep Your Hands Close To Your Body
 Get Comfortable Attacking & Evading The Short Ball
 Practice Your Innovative Shots
 Play The Swinging Ball As Late As Possible
 Work On Picking The Gaps In The Field
 Try To Replicate Game Situations During Practice

What Are the Basic Rules of Cricket?

1. The Batting Team: Tries to score as many runs as possible.

2. The Bowling Team: Aims to dismiss the batsmen and limit their runs.
3. The Fielding Team: Works with the bowler to prevent runs and take
wickets.
4. Innings: Each team gets a turn to bat and bowl. The game can be
played in formats like Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), or
T20s, each with different innings rules.
What is a Dismissal in Cricket?

Dismissals are also referred to as ‘ways of getting out’. They are methods in
which to claim the batsman’s wicket by getting him or her ‘out’ and to end
their innings.

Ways to Get Out in Cricket

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1. Caught

This dismissal is covered by law number 33 and it relates to the bat hitting
the ball and being caught by a fielder before touching the ground. This catch
needs to be judged as fair and the delivery must be a legal one.

2. Bowled Out

Law 32 covers this particular dismissal. The batsman is deemed to have

been bowled if a legal delivery strikes their wicket and puts it down. In order
for that wicket to be deemed as ‘put down’ at least one of the bails must be
dislodged and fall to the ground. The delivery can strike the wicket
unimpeded or it can hit the bat or any part of the batsman’s body before it
hits the stumps.

3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)

LBW dismissals are governed by law 36 and this was introduced to prevent
batsmen from deliberately blocking the wicket with their legs or any other
part of their body. A batsman can, therefore, be dismissed if a legal delivery
strikes any part of their body and is adjudged to have been hitting the
stumps. That delivery does not necessarily need to hit the legs and the
batsman’s act does not have to be deliberate.

4. Run Out

Governed by Law 38, a batsman is deemed to be run out if a member of the

fielding team puts down the wicket while that batsman is out of their ground.
In order to be within their ground, the batter should have some part of the
bat or their body behind the popping crease before the wicket is broken.

5. Stumped

Stumped is a form of dismissal that is carried out specifically by the

wicketkeeper (see chart below). This is covered by law 39 and it starts when
a batsman leaves their crease in order to play a delivery. If the ball passes
the stumps and the wicket is put down by the wicket keeper, the batter is
deemed to be out if no part of their bat or body is behind the popping
crease.

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6. Hit Wicket

Hit Wicket dismissals are covered by cricket’s law 36. A batsman is deemed
to be out hit wicket if they break the wicket with their bat or any part of their
body while playing a shot or attempting their first run. A dismissal can also
be affected if a part of their equipment, most notably the helmet, is
dislodged and breaks the wicket as a result of that delivery.

7. Obstructing the Field

Obstructing the Field covers the now defunct dismissal of ‘handled

the ball.’ It is covered by law 37 which states that the batsman can be
given out if he wilfully obstructs the fielding side either with their body or
with words or other actions.

8. Hit the Ball Twice

Governed by Law 34, Hit the Ball Twice is an exceptionally rare dismissal. As
the name indicates, if the batsman hits the ball willyfully a second time after
it has initially hit the bat or a part of their body / clothing, the batsman can
be given out.

9. Timed Out

Once a batsman has been dismissed for any reason, the incoming batter has
three minutes in which to take to the field and assume their position at the
crease. If they wilfully do not comply with this limit, the fielding side can
appeal and the umpire should uphold the dismissal as ‘timed out’.

10. Retired Out

During their innings, a batsman can leave the field of play for a legitimate
reason – usually injury or some other form of incapacity. This should be done
with the umpire’s consent but if the reason is obvious and admissible, they
are clearly going to allow it. However, if the batter leaves the field without
permission or for a reason that is not justified, they can be dismissed as
retired out. Disruption

Rules of Cricket Every Player Should Know

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1. The Toss: Deciding Who Bats First

At the start of every match, the two team captains meet for a coin toss. The
captain who wins the toss gets to choose whether their team will bat or bowl
first. The decision can significantly impact the game, especially considering
factors like weather, pitch conditions, and team strengths.

2. The Boundary: Scoring Four or Six Runs

The boundary is the perimeter around the cricket field. If a batsman hits
the ball and it crosses the boundary after touching the ground, the team
scores four runs. If the ball crosses the boundary without touching the
ground, it’s a six.

3. Wickets: How to Dismiss a Batsman

The primary goal for the fielding team is to dismiss the batsmen by
taking wickets. There are several ways to achieve this:

 Bowled: The ball hits the stumps, and the bails are dislodged.
 Caught: A fielder catches the ball directly from the batsman’s shot
before it hits the ground.
 Run-out: The fielding team breaks the stumps while the batsmen are
attempting to run between the wickets.
 LBW (Leg Before Wicket): More on this later.
4. Runs: The Basics of Scoring

Runs are the lifeblood of cricket. A batsman scores runs by hitting the ball
and running between the wickets or hitting the ball to the boundary. Extra
runs can also be scored through no-balls, wides, and byes.

5. Overs: The Unit of Bowling

An over consists of six legitimate deliveries bowled by a bowler. In limited-

overs formats (ODIs and T20s), each bowler is restricted to a certain number
of overs. A team usually has to bowl a set number of overs in the game—50
in ODIs and 20 in T20 matches.

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6. No-Balls and Free Hits: When Bowlers Make Mistakes

A no-ball occurs when the bowler oversteps the crease or delivers a high,
full toss. The batting team is awarded an extra run, and the next delivery
becomes a free hit, meaning the batsman cannot be dismissed by any
means other than a run-out.

7. Leg Before Wicket (LBW): Understanding a Complex Rule

The LBW rule allows a batsman to be dismissed if the ball strikes any part of
his body (usually the leg) in line with the stumps, and the umpire believes
the ball would have hit the stumps if not for the batsman’s body.

8. Powerplay: Maximizing Runs Early

In limited-overs cricket, a powerplay restricts the number of fielders

allowed outside the 30-yard circle during the first few overs. This gives the
batting team a better chance to score quickly, but also challenges the
bowlers to stay sharp.

9. The Follow-On Rule in Test Cricket

In Test matches, if the team batting second falls short of the first team’s
score by a significant margin, the captain of the leading team can ask the
opposition to follow-on. This forces them to bat again immediately, without
the leading team having to bat a second time.

10. Duckworth-Lewis and VJD Methods: Rain-Interrupted Matches

In cricket, rain or bad weather can disrupt a game. To ensure fair results, two
mathematical methods are used to revise the target when overs are lost:

 Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) Method:Widely used in international

matches, the DLS Method in Cricket adjusts the target based on the
remaining wickets and overs.
 VJD Method: Primarily used in Indian domestic matches like the IPL,
the VJD Method in Cricket is similar but uses different calculations to
estimate fair targets.

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11. Wides: Penalty for Errant Deliveries

A wide ball is a delivery that is too far from the batsman’s reach. Wides
result in an extra run for the batting team and the bowler has to bowl the
ball again.

12. Bouncers and Beamers: Short and High Deliveries

A bouncer is a short-pitched ball aimed at the batsman’s upper body or

head. Bowlers are allowed a limited number of bouncers per over. On the
other hand, a beamer is an illegal ball that reaches the batsman on the full
above waist height, leading to a no-ball call.

13. Run-Out: Timing is Key

A run-out occurs when the fielding team breaks the stumps while the
batsman is attempting to complete a run and is outside the crease. This is a
key strategy to prevent the batting side from scoring too many runs.

14. Dead Ball: Stopping the Action

A dead ball is when the play is halted, and no further action can be taken on
that delivery. This can happen for various reasons, such as the ball being out
of play, an injury to a player, or an umpire’s intervention.

15. The Super Over: Settling Tied Matches

In limited-overs matches, if the scores are tied, a super over is played to

determine the winner. Each team nominates three batsmen, and the team
with the highest score in the super over wins.

16. Caught
If the batter hits the ball, from a legitimate delivery (i.e. not a No-Ball), with
the bat (or with the glove when the glove is in contact with the bat) and the
ball is caught by the bowler or a fielder before it hits the ground, then the
striker is out.

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 17. Leg before wicket (lbw)
If a bowler's legitimate (i.e., not a No-ball) delivery strikes any part of the
batter (not necessarily the leg), without first touching the bat (or glove
holding the bat), and, in the umpire's judgement, the ball would have hit
the wicket but for this interception, then the striker is out.

18. Run out

A batter is Run out if at any time while the ball is in play, the wicket in
the ground closest to them is fairly put down by the opposing side while no
part of the batter's bat or body is grounded behind the popping crease.

19. Stumped
If the striker steps in front of the crease to play the ball, leaving no part of
their body or the bat on the ground behind the crease, and the wicket-keeper
is able to put down the wicket with the ball, then the striker is out. A
stumping is most likely to be effected off slow bowling, or (less frequently)
medium-paced bowling when the wicket-keeper is standing directly behind
the stumps.

20. Obstructing the field

If the batter, by action or by words, obstructs or distracts the fielding side,
then they are out. This law now encompasses transgressions that would
previously have been covered by handled the ball, which has now been
removed from the Laws.

21. Timed out

An incoming batter is "timed out" if they willfully take more than three
minutes to be ready to face the next delivery (or be at the other end if not on
strike).[24] If a not out batter is not ready after a break in play, they can also
be given out timed out on appeal. In the case of extremely long delays, the
umpires may forfeit the match to either team. So far, this method of taking a
wicket has never happened in the history of Test cricket and there have only
been six occasions in all forms of first-class cricket. [25]

Other Important Cricket Rules and Regulations

While the above 15 rules of cricket cover most of what you need to know,
here are a few other important regulations that players should keep in mind:

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1. Fielding Restrictions

In limited-overs cricket, there are specific rules governing where fielders can
stand. This ensures a balance between the bat and ball, making it harder for
the fielding team to overly crowd the boundary.

2. Fair and Unfair Play

Cricket has strict guidelines on what constitutes fair play. For example,
tampering with the ball or deliberately blocking a fielder is considered unfair
and can result in penalties.

3. Injuries and Substitutes

If a player gets injured, the team can bring in a substitute fielder, but that
substitute cannot bowl or bat. However, a newer rule allows for concussion
substitutes in certain cases.

NO BALLS IN CRICKET

No ball is a part of cricket that is considered an ‘extra’ or illegitimate

delivery. The umpire raises his right arm sideways whenever a No Ball is
bowled.

Types of no balls

1. Front foot no ball

There is a straight white line in front of both wickets. So, when the bowler is
bowling from one end, the rule is, that when the bowler is about to release
the ball, at the point of first contact with the crease, at least some part of the
bowler’s boot of the front leg has to be compulsorily behind the white line.

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So if even a tiny part of the bowler’s front leg boot is not behind the white
line, it will be considered a no ball. Even if the front leg boot is touching the
white line at the first point of contact with the crease just before releasing
the ball, it will be called a no ball.

2. Waist High Full toss

Ideally, before the ball reaches the batsman, the ball makes contact with the
pitch once, that is it bounces on the pitch before it reaches the batsman,
even if it doesn’t, the ball should reach the batsman at a level below his
waist.

3. bowling More than a legitimate number of bouncers

A bouncer is a type of ball or delivery that usually touches somewhere in the
middle of the pitch and then reaches the batsman somewhere at a level
between his shoulders and head (above the head high ball is called a ‘wide
ball’ plus also declared as a bouncer). In Test cricket and ODI cricket, a
bowler is allowed to bowl a maximum of 2 bouncers whereas in T20 cricket,
a bowler can bowl a maximum of 1 bouncer.

4. More than one bounce

As discussed in Case 2 of waist high full toss, the ball should either bounce
once or be at a level below the waist high of the batsman before it reaches
the batsman in order to be a legal delivery and not a no ball.

5. Ball bouncing out of the pitch

It is compulsory that the ball remains inside the periphery of the pitch before
or while bouncing. If the ball goes or lands completely out of the pitch before
it reaches the batsman then too, it will be deemed as a no ball.

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6. Fielding restrictions
This happens mainly in limited overs cricket. During the power play, a
maximum of two players are allowed outside the 30-yard circle and after the
power play, a maximum of 4 players are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.

So, if during the powerplay more than 2 fielders are outside the 30-yard
circle and after the powerplay if more than 4 fielders are outside the 30-yard
circle, then the delivery during that moment of time will be called a no ball.

7. Moving Fielders
Ideally, before the bowler starts to bowl, all the fielders should take their
respective fielding positions and shouldn’t move or switch positions when the
bowler is bowling.

Hence if fielders are moving or changing their fielding positions when the ball
is being bowled, then that ball will be called as a no ball.

8. Mistake from the wicket keeper

The wicket keeper should touch or have contact with the ball only after the
ball has gone past the wickets behind the batsman.

In case the wicket keeper touches or collects the ball before it has crossed
the wickets behind the batsman, then that particular ball will become a no
ball.

OFFICIATING OFFFICIALS IN CRICKET

Understanding the Role of Referee in Cricket

Key Responsibilities of a Cricket Referee

A match referee’s role can be broken down into several key responsibilities:

1. Ensuring Fair Play and Discipline

The match referee is responsible for maintaining discipline on and off
the field. They oversee that players and officials act within the “Spirit of
Cricket,” a concept emphasizing respect, fair play, and integrity.

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 Referees have the authority to penalize players for unsporting behavior,
such as aggressive gestures, verbal abuse, or unnecessary appealing.
2. Making Decisions on Code of Conduct Violations
Cricket has a strict Code of Conduct established by the ICC, and the
referee plays a significant role in enforcing it. When a player breaches
this code, whether through misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior,
the referee reviews the incident, decides on penalties, and ensures that
disciplinary actions are applied consistently.
3. Handling Team Disputes
The match referee acts as a mediator in case of disputes between
teams. If disagreements arise, especially those involving umpiring
decisions, the referee intervenes to mediate and prevent escalation.
This helps maintain the decorum of the game and provides a neutral
ground for conflict resolution.
4. Ensuring Compliance with Rules and Regulations
Match referees ensure that the playing conditions, set by the ICC for
each format, are followed strictly. From checking field placements and
pitch conditions to confirming that all equipment complies with ICC
standards, the referee verifies that the rules are consistently applied
across every match.
5. Overseeing DRS (Decision Review System) and Technology
Implementation
The Decision Review System has changed the way decisions are
reviewed and made in cricket. Referees supervise DRS usage, ensure
that the technology functions smoothly, and maintain neutrality and
transparency in the review process.
6. Match Reporting
After every game, referees compile a comprehensive report detailing
any incidents or issues that occurred during the match. This report
includes conduct violations, decisions made, and an assessment of the
umpires’ performance. The ICC reviews these reports to improve
regulations, officiating standards, and overall game integrity.
7. Promoting Fair Play and Sportsmanship
By ensuring adherence to the “Spirit of Cricket,” referees foster an
environment of respect and fair play. Their role in penalizing
misconduct deters players from engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior,
reinforcing the sport’s integrity.
8. Mitigating Pressure on Umpires
Umpires often face pressure from players and fans due to their high-
stakes, on-field decisions. Referees support umpires by addressing

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 misconduct, allowing them to focus on accurate decision-making
without distractions.
9. Ensuring Consistency Across Matches
By enforcing ICC rules consistently, referees create a standard of
fairness that transcends geographical and cultural differences,
contributing to cricket’s universal appeal.
10. Leveraging Technology for Accuracy
Referees’ role in DRS oversight ensures that technological tools are
used fairly, giving players confidence in the review system and ensuring
matches are decided as accurately as possible.

The role of umpires in cricket includes the following responsibilities

 Ensuring fair play and upholding the rules.
 Making decisions on the legality of deliveries and appeals for wickets.
 Inspecting the wicket, crease markings, and boundary lines.
 Checking players' equipment.
 Being the final authority on matters such as whether a player is out or not
out, whether a ball is a no-ball or a wide.
Before the match
 Time of the start of game and hours of play is predetermined.
 Balls are shortlisted with the captains for the match.
 When and what frequency breaks will be taken in a match.
 Umpires also check if the outfield and the pitch is conducive to play
 Umpires will check the light and other conditions
 They will check that all the gears used by players are within the rules of the
law.

During the Match

 Umpiring calls are made on Leg before the wicket , catches , runouts,
leg byes , boundary calls, wides and in some cases disallow runs if the
batsman has not offered a shot in the umpires eye.
 Umpires will monitor the behaviour of players and make note of it
during the game and if the conduct is felt unsporting, it is reported to
the match referee who decides on penalties and punishments.
 Umpires have to maintain the pace of the game and will keep the
players on their toes to avoid time wasting
 On regular intervals keep a check on the ball conditions to check if it
has not been tampered with.

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  Human Errors are bound to be made and the greatest umpires have
been severely criticised for an unintentional act which have clouded the
game for a long time.
OFFICIAL UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS IN CRICKET

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