When was the first ever One – day match played?

When was the first ever One – day match played?

Enthusiasm, and the number of people watching cricket had come down by the 1950s. Organisers were faced with a dilemma and they started to think of how to make cricket more interesting. It was then that they came up with a bright idea – One day matches!


With the introduction of One-day matches, cricket became more lively. In 1963, One-day matches were organized for counties by MCC. These matches were the first step towards the World Cup, and cricket began gaining its lost popularity.


The first One-day International was held on January 5th, 1971. In this match between Australia and England, Australia won by 5 wickets

Which team scored the highest team total in test cricket?

Which team scored the highest team total in test cricket?

At Colombo in 1996 – ’97 India won the toss and batted first. Having scored 537/8, they declared, trying to bowl Sri Lanka out for under 337, How wrong they were! Sri Lanka scored 952 for 6 (a test record) with Sanath Jayasuriya (340) and Roshan Mahanama (325) putting on 576 runs (a test record and 1 run short of the first-class record). They also became the only pair to bat through 2 full days of test cricket. At the other end of the spectrum, New Zealand were dismissed by England for a 26 a Auckland in 1954 – ’55 – a test record for the lowest team total!

What are some of the most memorable debuts in Test cricket?

What are some of the most memorable debuts in Test cricket?

When he was paying his first test for New Zealand versus India in Calcutta (1965) Bruce Taylor scored 105 and took 5/86. He remains the only cricketer to score a century and take five wickets on his test debut. Mohammad Azharuddin scored a century on test debut. He followed it up with centuries in his next two matches and remains the only test cricketer to score three centuries in his first three tests. Narendra Hirwani, playing his first test for India against the West Indies at Madras in 1988, took an astonishing 16 wickets for 136 runs. Remarkably, he broke the world record for the best debut figures by just 1 run! Bob Massie of Australia had earlier taken 16 for 137 on his debut. Marvan Atapattu of Sri Lanka had a rather unfortunate start to his test career. His first six test innings were 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, and 0. However, he forced his way back into the Sri Lankan team and has scored 6 test double centuries - a record for Sri Lanka.

Have all the four innings of a cricket match ever been played on the same day?

Have all the four innings of a cricket match ever been played on the same day?

The second day of the Lord’s test match between England and West Indies in 2000 is the only time in the history of test cricket that a part of all 4 innings have been played on the same day!

Has a cricket team or a cricket player ever made exactly the same score in both innings?

Has a cricket team or a cricket player ever made exactly the same score in both innings?

In March 2005, India made 407 and 407/9 declared, in a test against Pakistan. This is the highest “duplicate” score by a team in a test match. At an individual level, 1982 Duleep Mendis of Sri Lanka scored 105 in both innings against India. He is the only batsman to hit identical hundreds in both innings of a test match

How many times has a Test cricket team won a match after following on?

How many times has a Test cricket team won a match after following on?

Only thrice in the history of Test cricket has a team come back from following on to win a test match. Strangely enough, Australia has been at the receiving end on all three occasions! At the Sydney Cricket ground in 1894 – ’95, Australia lost by 10 runs, having score 586 in the first innings (the highest score by a losing team) and asking England to follow-on. The second time it happened was at Headingley in 1981, when an inspired Ian Botham and a devastating Bob Willis helped England win by 18 runs. The last occasion was in 2001-’01 at Calcutta when a VVS Laxman, ably assisted by Rahul Dravid and Harbhajan Singh helped India win by an amazing 171 runs after following on.

Has the cricket ever been part of the Olympic Games?

Has the cricket ever been part of the Olympic Games?

Yes, but just once! That was in 1900 in Paris, when Great Britain in the form of Devon County Wanderers, beat the only other competitor, France, by 262 runs to 104

What is known as ‘bodyline’?

What is known as ‘bodyline’?

Bodyline was the notorious type of bowling which was used by England bowlers against Australia during the 1932-33 series. During the 1920’s Australian batsmen were dominating world cricket. Ponsford and especially Bradman, were pilling up batting records. To curb this run spree, D.R Jardine, the English captain decided to implement what he called “leg theory”. England bowlers especially Larwood and Voce bowled fast deliveries on the leg stump with a semi circle of close fielders on the leg side. Some of the Australian batsmen, including the captain, were injured. Woodful, the Australian captain came out with a comment that there were two sides playing and one was not playing cricket. The atmosphere was getting bitter. England won the series 4-1. Disputes and discussions continued well after the series. ‘Bodyline Series’ is considered a notorious chapter in the ‘Bradman era’

Which was the first Cricket Test, and who won it?

Which was the first Cricket Test, and who won it?

The first official Test match was played between Australia and England. This was in 1877, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia won the toss and batted first. They scored 245, which was powered by a century by Charles Bannerman. England were bowled out for 165. In the second innings Australia scored 104, setting a target of 154 for England. But England could not bat well and they were all out for a mere 108. Thus, Australia won the first ever Test match by 45 runs.

Why was ‘lbw’ introduced in 1809?

Why was ‘lbw’ introduced in 1809?

A new method of dismissing a batsman, lbw, was introduced in 1809. Previously, as cricket uses a hard ball and leg-pads were not used, players would naturally play with their legs away from the wicket. As batsmen started to wear pads, they became willing to cover their stumps with their legs to prevent the ball hitting the stumps. Therefore a “leg before wicket” rule was introduced so that a batsman preventing the ball hitting his stumps with his legs would be out. In 1829, the length of stumps increased from 24 inches to 27 inches, and the length of the bails was increased from 7 inches to 8 inches, again to help the bowlers

When did women’s cricket begin?

When did women’s cricket begin?

Women’s Test Cricket has been played since December 1934. Current international women’s cricket teams include ten Test teams. Women’s One-day Internationals have been played since 1973

What changes were brought about to the laws of cricket over the ages?

What changes were brought about to the laws of cricket over the ages?

The earliest existing known Code of cricket was drawn up by certain ‘Noblemen and Gentlemen’ who used the Artillery Ground in London in 1744. In 1755, there is further reference to the laws being revised by ‘Several Cricket Clubs, particularly the Star and Garter in Pall Mall’ followed by a revision of eh Laws by “a Committee of Noblemen and Gentlemen of Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and London at the Star and Garter” in 1774. A printed form of the laws was published in 1775, and a further revision to the laws was undertaken by another body of gentlemen of the same counties in 1786. However, these laws were not universally followed, with different games played under different guidelines. On 30 May 1788, the MCC produced its first Code of Laws. The MCC’s version of laws were not accepted fully immediately, or applied consistently, but it is the predecessor of the laws that govern the game today. The next major change was in 1809, and saw the further standardization of the weight of the ball from between 142 to 170 g to between 156 to 163 g, and the width of the cricket bat was standardized for the first time. The length of stumps was increased from 22 to 24 inches and bails from 6 to 7 inches to help the bowlers, and the importance of umpires was further enhanced

When was the first Twenty 20 cricket match played?

When was the first Twenty 20 cricket match played?

The first men’s Twenty 20 international was between Australia and New Zealand in 2005. The first women’s Twenty 20 international was played between England and New Zealand in 2004. The ICC announced after its Executive Board meeting in March 2006 that beginning from 2007 to 2015, the Twenty 20 World Championship would be held on an biannual basis, and the first ever Twenty 20 World Championship would be held in South Africa in September 2007.

What is a twenty 20 cricket?

What is a twenty 20 cricket?

A ‘Twenty 20 Game’ consists of 20 overs per each side. Twenty 20 Cricket was first played in English domestic cricket in 2003. Now it has spread to many other countries.


A free-hit after a no-ball is bowled, short boundaries, batting-friendly pitches etc are some specialities of Twenty 20 cricket. India has played a Twenty 20 cricket match against South Africa and won it.

What does the ‘Ashes’ refer to in cricket?

What does the ‘Ashes’ refer to in cricket?

The Ashes is a Test cricket series, played between England and Australia. It is international cricket’s oldest, and most celebrated rivalry, dating back to 1882. It is currently played biennially, alternately in England and Australia. However since cricket is a summer game, and the venues being in opposite hemispheres means the break between series is alternately 18 months and 30 months. If a series is drawn, then the country holding the Ashes retains them. The series is named dafter a satirical published in an English news paper, ‘The Sporting Times’, in 1882, after the match at the Oval in which australia beat England on an English ground for the first time. The obituary stated that English cricket had died, and ‘the body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia’. The English media then dubbed the next English tour to Australia in 1882-83 as ‘the quest to regain The Ashes’. During that tour in Australia, a small terracotta urn was presented as a gift to the England captain Ivo Bligh by a group of Melbourne women. The contents of the urn are reputed to be the ashes of an item of cricket equipment! Victorious teams often hold aloft replicas of the urn as a symbol of their triumph in an Ashes series but the actual urn has never been presented or displayed as a trophy in this way, whichever side holds the Ashes, the urn normally remains in the Marylebone Cricket club Museum at Lord’s


Since the 1998-99 Ashes series a Waterford crystal representation of the Ashes urn has been presented to the winners of the Ashes series as the official trophy of that series.

Which was the longest cricket match?

Which was the longest cricket match?

The longest test match of all was played between England and South Africa at Durban in 1938-39. This was an endlessly long test, which lasted for 9 days! Despite this, the match ended in a draw, since the England players had to leave to catch the boat back to England! Set a target of 696 runs to win in the fourth innings, the English players had scored an astonishing 654/5 and had a real chance of winning the match when they had to leave!

What was the equipment used in early cricket like?

What was the equipment used in early cricket like?

Early cricket bats were long curved pieces of wood resembling a thick hockey stick. The stumps consisted of two wickets, with one bail in between

What kind of balls did bowlers bowl in early cricket matches?

What kind of balls did bowlers bowl in early cricket matches?

Early bowlers would bowl the ball underarm, and cricket records are full of stories of great underarm lob bowlers. Can you believe that over arm bowling was initially illegal in cricket? A cricketer from Kent, John Willes, first introduced it to cricket. He actually learnt it from his sister Christiana Willes, who found that her skirt was getting in the way when she tried to bowl underarm!

Why is Wisden called the Bible of cricket?

Why is Wisden called the Bible of cricket?

Wisden, the book known as the Bible of cricket, contains all information about cricket. Besides details about cricketers from 1877 onwards, it has details about matches, records, scoreboards, laws, regulations etc from that year onwards.


It is the firm known as John Wisden, established in 1850 brings out this book every year. The first edition was published in 1864.


Every year Wisden confers the title of ‘Cricketer of the Year’ on 5 players. Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid are some of the Indian players who have been given this honour.


In 2001, Wisden had also selected 5 players as the ‘Cricketers of the Century’. They are Don Bradman (Australia), Gary Sobers (West Indies), Jack Hobbs (England), Viv Richards (West Indies) and Shane Warne (Australia).

When did a cricket team from England tour Australia for the first time?

When did a cricket team from England tour Australia for the first time?

In 1876 – ’77, the English cricket team toured Australia. It is believed that the cricket tour was organized to replace a cancelled tour by Charles Dickens to Australia! Charles Bannerman of Australia set a number of records in that match. He faced the first ball in Test cricket, scored the first run, and the first century!

What is ICC?

What is ICC?

ICC is the abbreviation of International Cricket Council. ICC is the international body that exercises general supervision over cricket at the international level. It was founded in 1909 as Imperial Cricket Conference. In 1965 ICC changed its name to International Cricket Conference and in 1989 to its current name.

Who wrote the first history of cricket?

Who wrote the first history of cricket?

The first text book of cricket which contains its history was ‘The Cricket Field’ by the Rev. James Pycroft. It was first published in 1851, and made a lasting impression on several generations of cricketers.

Who is known as the father of modern cricket?

Who is known as the father of modern cricket?

Dr. William Gilbert Grace, better known as W.G. Grace is considered to be the father of modern cricket. He has presented several unforgettable moments to the world of cricket. Born in Bristol, England on July 18, 1848, Grace played a very important role in popularizing the game of cricket. Starting his cricketing career at the age of 17, he officially retired at 60. That is to say, he played for 43 long years!


Grace scored 54, 818 runs and 2876 wickets from 872 games of first class cricket. His highest score was 344 runs. He has to his credit 3 triple centuries and 13 double centuries and stood not out 105 times. He has also earned 126 first class centuries and 9 wickets. Grace excelled as a Captain leading England in 13 Tests, with 8 wins and 2 draws. Many firsts in cricket are associated with his name. The first century in Test cricket and 1000 runs in a single season are records created by him.


At the time of playing his last test for England, Grace was 51 years old! E.M Grace his brother was a cricketer as well. W.G Grace was also well known as a doctor. He died in Nottingham on December 23, 1915. To mark W.G. Grace’s birth anniversary, M.C.C Eleven and the ‘Rest of the World’ led by Sachin Tendulkar played for the Grace Trophy

What is first class cricket?

What is first class cricket?

First Class cricket, since the year 1947, has been defined as ‘one arranged for three days minimum between two teams of 11 players each, with each team allowed two innings’. Each of the two teams should be regarded as of first class standard by the relevant body controlling the cricket in the country in which the match was played. Before 1947, the press generally decided which matches could be qualified as ‘first class’. Today, the cricket ‘averages’ published in newspapers and magazines are compiled from performances in first-class matches only, unless mentioned otherwise. Performances in one day internationals etc are not included.

Who devised the laws of cricket?

Who devised the laws of cricket?

The earliest known set of laws that appear printed seems to have been published in ‘The New Universal Magazine’ of November 1752 and was titled ‘The Game of Cricket’ as settled by the Cricket-Club, in 1744, and played at the Artillery-Ground, London.


The Laws were first issued as a booklet in 1755, and the first code which was produced by the MCC was written in 1788, since which year the MCC has remained the body in charge of the Laws.

What is MCC?

What is MCC?

MCC is short form for Marylebone Cricket Club. It is a private cricket club which owns and has its headquarters at Lord’s Cricket Ground in St. John’s Wood, London.


The exact year of the foundation of MCC is not known. Lord’s ground was first opened in 1787, and the players who had been known as ‘White Conduit Club’ moved to the ground and since then adopted the name of Marylebone Cricket Club, as its was located in Marylebone.


The MCC began to revise the Laws in 1788. Till the formation of the Cricket Council in the 1960s, they were involved in the running of cricket in England at the national and county levels.

Why is ‘cricket’ called so?

Why is ‘cricket’ called so?

Information regarding the origin of the name of cricket is very meager. However, the earliest reference is seen in a ledger during the time of Edward 1, relating to his son having played a game called ‘creag et alios ludos’. Perhaps this was a form of cricket. The origin of the name is also traced to krickstoel, which is a three-legged stool used in Flanders. The name of ‘cricket’ and ‘wicket’ could also be linked to this.

What is the importance of Hambledon in the history of cricket?

What is the importance of Hambledon in the history of cricket?

Hambledon is a small village in Hampshire, England and it was the headquarters of the leading cricketer in England for a long time before the rise of the MCC. The team raised by the Hambledon Club challenged and beat the Rest of the World. ‘The Cricketers of My Time’ by Clarke which is based on the recollections of John Nyren, is one of cricket’s greatest books, and describes many of the players who played at Hambledon.

How did the game of cricket begin?

How did the game of cricket begin?

Centuries ago, the shepherds of England used a kind of curved stick to mind their flock. To pass the time, they devised a game to be played using this stick. They threw a ball to bounce it at the little ‘wicket gates’ at the fence and hit the ball with their stick, using it as the bat. It was this game of the shepherds that evolved into the cricket today!

When did the third umpire first make its appearance in cricket?

When did the third umpire first make its appearance in cricket?

The third umpire debited in Test Cricket at Kingsmead, Durban for the South Africa Vs India series in 1992/93. Sachin Tendulkar became the first man to be dismissed (run out) by television replays. If the field umpires are unable to accurately come to decision on the dismissal of a batsman, the umpire requests the third umpire to ascertain whether the batsman had made it home. The third umpire then looks at various TV replays from different angles, and comes to a conclusion by pressing the appropriate signal. Originally decisions wee conveyed in traffic light style (a red light indicating a batsman’s dismissal, a green light not out) but it is now common practice to display the decision via the big screen scoreboard.

What are the main signals used by an umpire?

What are the main signals used by an umpire?

The umpires signal various events with gestures, as follows:

Out – When a batsman is out, the umpire making the decision raises one hand above his head, with the index finger extended.


Four – A four scored by the ball reaching the boundary is signaled by an arm extended horizontally, and waved briefly back and forth in a horizontal arc.


Six – A six is signaled by raising both arms straight over the head.


No-ball – A no-ball is signaled by holding an arm out horizontally.


Wide – A wide is signaled by holding both arms out horizontally.


Byes – Byes are signaled by raising one arm over the head, palm open.


Leg Byes – Leg byes are signaled by raising one leg, and tapping the knee with one hand.


Dead Ball – If the umpire has to signal dead ball to prevent the players from assuming that the ball is still alive, he waves both arms across each other in front of his abdomen.


One Short – One short is signaled by touching the tip of one hand to the same shoulder.


Five penalty runs awarded to the batting side – By repeated tapping of one shoulder with opposite hand.


Five penalty runs awarded to the fielding side – By placing one hand on the opposite shoulder.


TV Replay – By drawing a large squares in the air with both hands.


Power play – By drawing large circles with hands

What is the role of a third umpire?

What is the role of a third umpire?

In international cricket matches, the third umpire (or TV Umpire) is an off-field umpire who makes the final decision in questions referred to him by the two on-field umpires. Television replays are available to the third umpire to assist him in coming to a decision. An on-field umpire can, at his own direction use a radio link to refer any close decision to the third umpire.

Is there any association for umpires?

Is there any association for umpires?

Yes, indeed. Way back in Cricket Umpires was founded by the late Tom Smith. The purpose of this association was to improve the standard of umpiring by education, training and examination, and to improve the status of umpires. Later this association became the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers

Why does the bowlers end umpire move to a side if the ball is hit into the field?

Why does the bowlers end umpire move to a side if the ball is hit into the field?


When the ball goes out into the field, the bowler’s end umpire must be ready to move very quickly to a position on a side to the creases to observe carefully:


the completion of each run
to see if the wicket is put down fairly
what is happening to the ball in the field and
when the batsmen cross


To see all this action, the umpire should move to a position far enough from the stumps to see the wicket and the popping crease at the same time.

Why does an umpire carry pencils and papers to the ground?

Why does an umpire carry pencils and papers to the ground?

Paper and pencil are an important part of the equipment that an umpire carries to the field. The main use is to make notes on the bowlers, the batsmen, the number of balls, etc at an interval. They are also needed to make notes of points to be discussed later with scorers or in rare cases to send notes to scorers. When umpiring for matches in which there is a restriction on the number of overs per bowler, the umpire needs the paper and pencil to record these overs

What are the things that an umpire should carry to the field?

What are the things that an umpire should carry to the field?

There are certain essential things that an umpire should carry to the field. This is to ensure that the game proceeds smoothly. The items considered as essential are:


Counters – To count the balls in each over. At the beginning of every over, he should have six of the item that he uses as counters. He must also have a means of checking runs if the scoreboard will not be sufficient.


Watch – To time the match. According to the law the umpires must agree which watch is to be used, as well as the one to be used if the selected one fails. Both umpires should carry a watch, and check it against the agreed timepiece before the start of the match.


Pencil and Paper – To make notes on bowlers, the batsmen, the number of balls, etc at an interval and notes of points to discuss later with scorers.


Law Book – IT can be useful for setting a point at an interval.


Balls – The umpires have charge of the balls approved by the umpires and the captain before the start of the match. If a new ball is to be used after a certain number of overs, the umpires will need to carry new balls and also spare ones.


Bails – Umpires carry their own set of bails to ensure a matching pair, and also spare ones in case of damage.


Bowler’s start marker – Although these are provided by the Ground Authority, the umpire carries his own to be produced if necessary.


Drying material – For drying the ball

Why are there two umpires on the field?

Why are there two umpires on the field?

There are two umpires in the field – one standing at the bowler’s end and the other at the striker’s end, who is known as the ‘square leg umpire’. The umpire at the bowler’s end stands behind the stumps as it is the best position to judge lbw appeals. The other umpire stands in the position of a shortish square leg, but as the law states, he may elect to stand on the off instead of the leg side. In cases of stumping, hit wicket, or run-outs at the striker’s wicket, the square leg umpire’s decision is final. Appeals by the fielding side are taken care of by the umpire at the bowler’s end. At the end of each over, the umpire at the bowler’s end moves out to square leg at the same end, and the other umpire moves in to the wicket to become the ‘main’ umpire.

How does an umpire count the balls in an over?

How does an umpire count the balls in an over?

An umpire uses counters to count the balls in each over. He establishes method of counting with which he is comfortable and often uses some object like pebbles as counters separately. He has six counters at the beginning of each over and transfers each counter from the unused ones to the used for every ball. Where there are efficient scoreboards, the umpire does not need to make any other check; he only has to see that every run is recorded. But most often, an umpire has to make his own record of runs. For this purpose simple clickers where each click increases the display by one, is commonly used

What are the physical attributes an umpire needs?

What are the physical attributes an umpire needs?

An umpire has to have excellent eyesight and acute hearing. He needs to be physically fit, and possess the stamina to bear the strain of long hours in the field. He must be able to concentrated for long and puck up and register even the smallest details of the action.

How did the word ‘umpire’ come to be used in cricket?

How did the word ‘umpire’ come to be used in cricket?

The word ‘umpire’ is supposed to have been used in sports, earlier than 1714. It is a development of the old English word ‘noumpere’, which is derived from the French ‘nomper’. ‘Noumpere’ meant ‘one who decides disputes between parties’ and ‘nonper’ meant ‘not a peer, or not equal’. The umpire has indeed to be ‘without equal’ as he has the respectable and authoritative position of dispensing justice in the game

What is the role of a substitute player?

What is the role of a substitute player?

In all forms of cricket if a player gets injured or becomes ill during a match, a substitute is allowed to field instead of him, but this player cannot bowl, bat or act as a captain or wicket keeper. Here the substitute has a temporary role, and leaves the field once the injured player is fit to return

What does the term ‘backing up’ mean in cricket?

What does the term ‘backing up’ mean in cricket?

After a fielder chases the ball, another fielder placed at a further distance also moves into position so that if the fielder misfields the ball, the damage done is minimal. This is called backing up. Backing up is also done to support a fielder receiving a throw from the outfield in case the throw is errant or not caught. Backing up is done to avoid ‘overthrows’. The non-striking batsman leaving his crease during the delivery in order to shorten the distance to completed one run, is also called backing up. A batsman ‘backing up’ too far runs the risk of being run out.

Which style of play is known as ‘Mankad’?

Which style of play is known as ‘Mankad’?

The running out of a non-striking batsman, who leaves his crease before the bowler has released the ball, is called ‘Mankad’. It is named after Vinoo Mankad, an Indian bowler who used this method rather controversially, in a Test match. This is relatively common in indoor cricket, and is noted separately from run outs, though it is almost unheard of in first class cricket

What is the role of the scorers in a cricket match?

What is the role of the scorers in a cricket match?

Two scorers are appointed in a match, and most often one scorer is provided by each team. The laws of cricket specify that the official scorers are to record all runs scored, wickets taken and where appropriate, overs bowled. They are acknowledge signals from the umpire, and to check the accuracy of the score regularly, both with each other, and at playing intervals, with the umpires. In practice, scorers also keep track of other matters such as bowlers’ analysis, the rate at which the teams bowl their overs, and team statistics such as averages and records. I international and national cricket competitions, the media often require notification of records and statistics, so unofficial scorers often keep tally for broadcast commentators an newspaper journalists. The official scorers occasionally make mistakes, but unlike umpire’s mistakes there can be corrected after the event

Why do bowlers or fielders rub the ball on trousers?

Why do bowlers or fielders rub the ball on trousers?

As the ball is used for an extended period of play, its surface wears down and becomes rough. The bowlers will polish it whenever they can usually by rubbing it on their trousers, producing the characteristic red stain that can often be seen there. However, they will usually only polish one side of the ball, in order to create ‘swing’ as it travels through the air. They may apply natural substances (i.e. saliva or sweat) to the ball as they polish it, but any other material is illegal. Since the condition of the cricket ball is crucial to the amount of movement through the air a bowler can produce, the laws governing what players may and may not do, to the ball are specific, and rigorously enforced. It is illegal for a player to rub any substance apart from saliva or swear onto the ball, rub the ball on the ground, scuff the ball with any rough object including the finger-nails, or pick at or lift the seam of the ball

When, during a cricket match, can a cricket ball be replaced?

When, during a cricket match, can a cricket ball be replaced?

A new, high polished ball is used at the start of each innings in a match. A cricket ball may not be replaced except under specific conditions described in the Laws of Cricket, like if the ball becomes damaged, or lost. Or, if the condition of the ball is illegally modified by a player. After a specified number of overs (80 in Test cricket), the captain of the bowling side has the option to take a new ball. The ball is not replaced if it is hit into the crowd – the crowd must return it. If the ball is damages, lost or illegally modified, it will be replaced by a ‘used’ ball in similar condition to the replaced ball.

What does the term ‘backfoot’ signify in cricket?

What does the term ‘backfoot’ signify in cricket?

In a batsman’s stance, the back foot is the foot that is nearer to the stumps. A bowler’s front foot is the last foot to contact the ground before the ball is released. The other foot is the back foot.


Front foot and Backfoot plays are two techniques to face the ball. To play on backfoot, a batsman moves backward and to play on frontfoot, he moves forward.

How fast do bowlers usually bowl?

How fast do bowlers usually bowl?

Typical bowling speeds are: For a fast bowler: 130-140 km/h (80 – 90 mph); Medium pace bowler: 100 – 130 km/h (60 – 80 mph); Spin bowler: 70 – 90 km/h (45 – 55 mph). The fastest ball recorded in the history of cricket is bowled by Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan. He crossed the 100 miles per hour speed mark

How does a bowler use the conditions of the pitch?

How does a bowler use the conditions of the pitch?

Bowlers also make use of the state of the pitch, which is quite crucial to the game, and is one of the things the commentators look at in great detail before the game begins. Because it’s a natural surface, there are usually small inconsistencies in its flatness, hardness and elasticity. Over a multi-day game, or over a single day, these become more pronounced, so it often gets more difficult to bat as the game progresses. Spin bowlers in particular, often find that they get much more spin from an old pitch than a freshly prepared one

What is the difference between a ‘tie’ and a ‘draw’?

What is the difference between a ‘tie’ and a ‘draw’?

The result of match in which both sides have made the same number of suns is a ‘tie’.


If the match ends with the side batting having wickets in hand, then the game ends in a ‘draw’. This does not apply for One-day matches. If the side batting second makes a lesser score after playing full overs, the team loses

Can cricket be played without bails?

Can cricket be played without bails?

During very windy conditions, sometimes the bails will tend to blow off the top of the stumps. If this becomes a problem, the umpires can decide to play without bails! In this case, the wicket does not need to be broken by uprooting a stump, and the umpires must take full responsibility for deciding, in a reasonable manner, whether the wicket is broken or not

Can a batsman hit a ball which is already called a ‘wide’?

Can a batsman hit a ball which is already called a ‘wide’?

Yes! A batsman can hit a ball before it passes the line of the striker’s wicket, batsman can hit it! If that ball is caught by a fielder, the batsman cannot be given out because, one cannot be caught out of a wide ball! The batsman has the right to hit the ball even if it stops before reaching him. So (to be safe enough) the umpires will not call a ball wide until it has passed the lime of wicket

Who is a ‘night-watchman’?

Who is a ‘night-watchman’?

This is a term used to describe a player who normally comes in to bat near the end of innings of his team, but is sent in just prior to the end of the day’s play, in order to save a better batsman for the morning session of play

Who invented the ‘hook shot’?

Who invented the ‘hook shot’?

The invention of this stroke is credited to E.M Grace, the brother of W.G. Grace. This batsman’s stroke is used to deal with short-pitched delivery when the ball is rising. To play a hook shot, the batsman moves back towards his wicket, and strikes the ball with horizontal bat in the direction of square leg.

Why can’t a bowler ‘throw’ the ball to a batsman?

Why can’t a bowler ‘throw’ the ball to a batsman?

The bowler cannot throw the ball to batsman since there are a number of cricket playing rules, which do not allow the bowler to straighten his bowling arm at the elbow during the delivery swing. Such deliveries have to be no balled by the umpires. In earlier days, bowlers were no-balled for delivering the ball with too high an arm. However, changes in rules tended to legalize what had been happening for some years as under arm evolved into round arm, then later into over arm.

What happens if the batsman hits the ball to a helmet that has been put down somewhere on the ground?

What happens if the batsman hits the ball to a helmet that has been put down somewhere on the ground?

If the ball strikes a helmet or any other piece of equipment that has been put down somewhere on the ground as the play is in progress, five runs are added to the runs already scored, including the run in progress, if the batsmen have crossed. If the batsman has hit the ball, he is given runs and whatever runs have been made before the ball hits the obstruction, if not, they are scored as byes, leg-byes etc.

When does a team follow-on?

When does a team follow-on?

In a match where teams have two innings each, when the side that bats second is dismissed cheaply, and have a large deficit on the first innings, they can be asked to take their second innings immediately. The team that batted first reserves the right to bat again. When a side continues to play their second innings directly after their first in this way, it is said to be a ‘follow on’.

Is the batsman out if the ball is caught in the pocket of the umpire?

Is the batsman out if the ball is caught in the pocket of the umpire?

No. catches can be made after the deflection off the non-striker, an umpire, or another fielder as long as the ball has not touched a fielder’s helmet. If the ball lodges in an umpire’s clothing or in the clothing or equipment of either batsman, ‘dead ball’ is called.

Is the batsman caught out if the ball goes to the pocket of a fielder?

Is the batsman caught out if the ball goes to the pocket of a fielder?

Yes! The batsman is out if the ball is caught by a fielder who hugs the ball to his body or if it lodges accidentally in his clothing, or in a wicket keeper’s pads. But if the ball lodges in helmet worn by the fielder, the batsman is not out. In that case ‘dead ball’ is called.


The batsman is out if the ball is caught off any part of his person, or equipment, after hitting the bat. The catch is fair if it is deflected from the batsman’s helmet as long as the ball also touches the bat, or the hand, or glove, below the wrist.

How can a batsman be timed out?

How can a batsman be timed out?

Timed out is a method of dismissal by which an incoming batsman may be given out if he takes more than two minutes to come in after a wicket has fallen. When a batsman gets out in this manner, the wicket is not credited to the bowler.

What is hitting the wicket?

What is hitting the wicket?

If the batsman dislodges the bail, either with his bat or his body part, in the course of making the stroke the batsman is given out.

What is obstructing the field?

What is obstructing the field?

If a batsman willfully obstructs a fielder by word or action he can be given out. The bowler will not be credited with the wicket.

What is handling the ball?

What is handling the ball?

A batsman can be given out if he picks up or deliberately touches the ball with his hand while it is in play. If a batsman is out in this way, his wicket is not credited to the bowler. West Indies batsman Desmond Haynes was given out for handling the ball in a test match against India at Mumbai at 1983 – 84.

What is the difference between run out and stumping?

What is the difference between run out and stumping?

A batsman is said to be stumped when he misses the ball, is out of his crease, and the wicket keeper gathers the ball and breaks the stumps. But if the batsman is attempting to take a run, he is run out.


The batsman is also run out when he is not attempting a run and a fielder other than the wicket keeper is responsible for getting him out.

What is LBW or ‘leg before wicket’?

What is LBW or ‘leg before wicket’?

As abbreviated as ‘l.b.w’ or ‘lbw’ this method of dismissal occurs when any part of the batsman’s person apart from his hand and forearm, is situated between the two sets of stumps and the opinion of the umpire prevents a ball, which either hits him in full, or pitched on a line between the two wickets from hitting the stumps. Current rules state that a batsman can be given ‘lbw’ if the ball pitches on the offside of the stumps and would have hit the wicket, but for the batsman preventing it by means of his person, Unless he did so whilst attempting to play a stroke

What is ‘caught out’?

What is ‘caught out’?

The batsman is caught out if the ball hit by a batsman is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground. The catch is fair only if the ball is not a ‘no ball’. If the catch is made outside the playing area, the batsman is not out

What is ‘bowled’?

What is ‘bowled’?

A batsman is bowled when the ball from the bowler hits the stumps and removes at least one bail. If the ball hits the stumps after hitting the bat, it is called ‘played on’.

In how many ways can a batsman get out in a cricket match?

In how many ways can a batsman get out in a cricket match?

A batsman can be declared out in any one of the following ten ways:

1. Bowled

2. Caught

3. Run out

4. Stumped

5. Leg before wicket (lbw)

6. Handled the ball

7. Hit the ball twice

8. Timed out

9. Hit the wicket

10. Obstructing the field.

The decision as to whether a batsman is out rests exclusively with the umpires to whom the fielding team must appeal. If given out, the umpire signals his decision by raising his index finger above his head

What are the common shots a batsman plays?

What are the common shots a batsman plays?

The different types of shots a batsman can play are described by names:

Drive: An offensive shot played with the bat sweeping down through the vertical. The ball travels swiftly along the ground in front of the striker. A drive can be on drive, straight drive, of drive or cover drive, depending in which direction it goes.


Cut: A shot played with the bat close to horizontal, which hits the ball somewhere in the arc between cover and gully.


Edge, or Glance: A shot played off the bat at a glancing angle through the slips area.


Leg Glance: A shot played at a glancing angle behind the legs so that it goes in the direction of fine leg.


Pull: A horizontal bat shot which pulls the ball around the batsman into the square leg area.


Hook: Like a pull shot, but played to a bouncer and intended to hit the ball high in the air over square leg – hopefully for six runs.


Sweep: Like a pull shot, except played with the backmost knee on the ground, so as to hit balls which bounce low.


Reverse Sweep: S sweep with the bat revered, into the point area.


Block: A defensive shot played with the bat vertical and angled down at the front, intended to stop the ball and drop it down quickly on to the pitch in front of the batsman

Why is a coin tossed before the match?

Why is a coin tossed before the match?

In the sport of cricket , a coin is tossed to determine which team bats first. This is known as the toss. Before the play begins, the captain of each side will inspect the pitch. Based on the pitch, and weather conditions, the captains select their final eleven players. If the pitch is soft or dusty, the captain will tend to select more spin bowlers. If the pitch is hard, the choice tends to favour fast bowlers at the expense of spinners. Half an hour before the start of play, the two captains meet, and exchange team selection sheets. These list the composition of each side, which cannot be changed during the match. Then under the supervision of the umpires, a coin is tossed to determine who bats first. The tossing of the coin marks the official stat of the match. If the match is abandoned at any time after the toss, it stands as a match played, and enters official statistical records. If a match is abandoned before the toss, it is not considered to have been played at all, and does not count for records. The captain who wins the toss gets the option either to bat or bowl. The decision to bat or bowl first is of great tactical importance, and the captain will have considered many variables before arriving at his decision. Because of the different natures of the games, it is considerably more common to bat second in one-day cricket than it is in Test cricket.

What is the colour of a cricket ball?

What is the colour of a cricket ball?

Cricket balls are traditionally dyed red, and red balls are used in Test cricket and First-class cricket. White balls were introduced when one-day matches began being played at night under floodlights, as they are more visible at night. Many one-day matches are now played with white balls. Other colours have occasionally been experimented with, such as yellow and orange for improved night visibility, but the colouring process has so far rendered such balls unsuitable for professional play, because they wear differently to standard balls.


The white ball has been found to swing a lot more during the first half of the innings than the red ball. It also deteriorates faster than the red ball.


A cricket ball is sometimes referred to as a ‘cherry’ because of its bright red colour. This word is also used to describe the red spots or marks that appear on cricket bats after a wet cricket ball has hit it

How are cricket balls made?

How are cricket balls made?

Cricket balls are made from a core of cork, which is layered with tightly wound string, and covered by a leather case with a slightly raised sewn seam. The covering is constructed of four pieces of leather shaped similar to the peel of a quartered orange, but one hemisphere is rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the other. The ‘equator’ of the ball is stitched with string to from the seam, with a total of six rows of stitches. The remaining two joins between the leather pieces are left unstitched

Why are metal bats not used in cricket?

Why are metal bats not used in cricket?

Using metal or any materials other than wood is against the law of cricket. Ever since a highly publicized marketing attempt by Dennis Lillie, who brought out an aluminum bat during an international game, the laws have provided that the blade of the bat must be made of wood (and in practice, they are made from white willow wood).

When did helmets first appear in cricket?

When did helmets first appear in cricket?

At its summer meeting in August 1978, the The Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB) ruled that a batsman could not be caught off a ball which rebounded off a protective helmet worn by the fielder. Thus, helmets entered into the regulations of the game for the first time. This was then enshrined in the 1980 Code of the Laws.


It was during the 1978 English season that helmets came to be introduced in force in first-class county cricket. The Warwickshire batsman, Dennis Amiss, organized the manufacture of helmets, and about 100 numbers were sold to player at 29 pounds each… Earlier, Mike Brearley had improvised his own to be worn during batting. He wore it under his cap!

Why is it important to cover a cricket pitch?

Why is it important to cover a cricket pitch?

Covering the pitch affects how the ball will react when it bounces on it. For example, a ball bouncing on wet ground will react differently to one bouncing on hard ground. In general, a wet pitch will have an uneven bounce, a dry pitch won’t. The laws stipulate that the regulations on covering the pitch shall be agreed in advance. Bowlers’ run-ups also need to be dry to reduce the chances that they will slip. The laws, therefore, require these to be covered wherever possible, especially when there is wet weather

What should be the size of stumps and bails?

What should be the size of stumps and bails?

The top of the stumps shall be 28 inches or 71.1 cms above the playing surface. It shall be dome shaped, except for the bail groves. Apart from the domed top, the portion of the stump above the playing ground shall be cylindrical with the circular section of diameter not less than 3.49 cms and not more than 3.81 cms.


Each bail shall conform to the specifications as follows:

Overall length: 4 and 5/6 inches or 10.95 cms

Length of barrel: 2 and 1/8 inches or 5.40 cms

Longer spigot: 1 and 3/8 inches or 3.49 cms

Shorter spigot: 13/16 inch or 2.06 cms

The bails when in position on top of the stumps:

Shall not project more than ½ inch or 1.27 cms above them.
Shall fit between the stumps without forcing them out of the vertical.

How long should be the crease?

How long should be the crease?

The bowling crease runs through, and parallel with the three stumps, and it extends 4 feet each side of the stumps. So the total length of the crease is 8 feet 8 inches. The return creases are short lines at each end of the bowling crease

Who is a ‘chucker’?

Who is a ‘chucker’?

A bowler who does not deliver the ball in a legal manner is called a ‘chucker’

What is a crease?

What is a crease?

In the sport of cricket, the crease is the area demarcated by white lines painted or chalked on the field of play. The term ‘crease’ is also used to refer to the lines themselves (but only the back edge of the line i.e. the edge nearest to the wicket at that end, as this is the actual crease), particularly the popping crease. Law 9 of the laws of Cricket governs the size and position of the crease markings. Four creases (one popping crease, one bowling crease and two return creases) are drawn at each end of the pitch, around the two sets of stumps. The batsmen generally play in, and run between the areas defined by the creases at each end of the pitch

What are different types of cricket balls?

What are different types of cricket balls?

There are three major types of cricket balls.
i. Dukes – Keep their shine longer
ii. Kookaburra – have a strong seam
iii. Indian cricket balls – which are very handy and last longer.

How big and heavy should a cricket ball be?

How big and heavy should a cricket ball be?

When new, the ball shall weigh not less than 155.9 g and not larger than 9 inches (22.9 cm) in circumference. These specifications are for men’s cricket. In women’s cricket and in junior cricket measurements are different.

What are the rules regarding the cricket bat?

What are the rules regarding the cricket bat?

The bat shall not be more than 38 inches (96.5 cm) in length. The blade of the bat shall be made solely of wood, and shall not be exceed 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) at the widest part.

The blade may be covered with material for protection, strengthening or repair. Such material shall not exceed 1/16 in/1.56 mm in thickness and shall not be likely to cause unacceptable damage to the ball.

Umpires must see to it that the size of the bat conforms to these specifications. A bat must strictly be of this size when there is no binding. It can be wider only if there is binding. Then the extra 1/16 in allowed for that will mean a maximum of 4 and 3/8 inches