Cricket rules simply explained – and more information
Fancy a game of cricket? Then let us explain to you how to play it correctly. For your next game, we give you the cricket rules here, which we explain in detail so that there are no misunderstandings during the game. You will also get more exciting information about this great sport from us.
What is cricket?
General information about the game
Cricket is one of the sports games, more precisely one of the ball or volleyball games. In this game you need two teams that compete against each other and like the combination of hitting, catching and running.
While it doesn’t get much hype here in Germany, cricket is one of the most respected sports in England and has a long tradition. While it’s not known exactly how long this sport has been around, it can be traced back to 1300. Cricket is characterized above all by patience and tactical intelligence, but also by the idea of fair play, in which origin no longer plays a role. At that time, it was mainly the landed gentry who played, but they quickly brought in the common people and organized games together. This was a real revolution at the time, which quickly generated enthusiasm and found imitators.
Principles of Cricket
- Respect the opponent, the referee, captain and the team
- Respect the tradition and rules of this sport
- Do not criticize the referee’s decisions
- Don’t insult anyone
- Play fair and sporty
- As captain, it is your responsibility to intervene if your team behaves against policy
Goal of the game
To win, you need more points than the opposing team. Depending on their positioning, each team temporarily has a different goal.
The pitcher on the fielding team tries to hit and destroy the wicket, while the batter tries to hit the ball as far down the field as possible to score as many points on his run as possible.
Cricket Basics
Team
Each of the two teams needs 11 players. One team plays as a so-called field party, the other as a batting party, with two players from the two teams “opposing” each other (one throws, the other hits).
Gear
For the game you need:
- a ball
- Bat (cricket bat)
- Wickets (goals)
For your personal equipment you need:
- Pads
- Jockstrap (abdomen protection)
- solid shoes
If you’re playing privately, you don’t need jerseys, but it helps if you put something together that makes it easier for you to identify yourself.
Matchfield
You play cricket on a large oval area, in the middle of which is the short-mowed, flat so-called pitch lane. This is 20.12 meters long and between 2 and 3 meters wide.
Lineup
You set up 2 referees on the field. There are also two batsman and the field team, consisting of bowler, wicketkeeper and nine other fielders.
The fielders are set up in such a way that they both prevent runs and cause dismissals.
At the end of each over, a new bowler throws from the other end of the pitch and fielders and empires must redeploy.
How do I play cricket?
The game and process
At the beginning of the game, the captains of the two teams toss a coin for the right to bat, but you can also agree otherwise.
The field players take their positions. Only two batsmen are on the field at any one time.
The striker is the striker and assumes the striking stance to block the first throw. The non-striker stands at the bottom of the pitch.
The bowler throws the ball at the stiker’s wicket, who tries to hit it and hit it with full power as far as possible.
There are two possibilities:
Either the bowler takes the wicket (1st),
the bowler misses, then the striker catches the ball (2.)
In case (1.) the two batsmen can start running. If the striker hits the ball into the field and then rolls it out, this counts as 4 points (runs).
(2.) If he hits directly into the ball, it counts as 6 points (runs).
Once the ball has been thrown, the two teams go about their respective business: the fielding team tries to get the ball and take a wicket as quickly as possible.
The batting team or bat begins its run as long as the ball is not back in field team possession, earning points.
During the run it can happen that either the wicket is hit while the bat is still in transit or the ball is caught out of the air. In both cases it means the end for the racket, which then exchanges for one of its teammates.
Who is cricket suitable for?
Cricket is suitable if you like sports games that involve movement and team spirit.
How many players can play cricket?
You play with two teams, each consisting of 11 players.
In which countries is cricket a national sport?
In England, cricket is the national sport, while in Germany it is not as well known and popular. It is now also popular in South Africa, India, Australia and Pakistan.
What is the difference between baseball and cricket?
Unlike baseball, in cricket you can also hit the ball backwards, forwards and sideways. This gives you the opportunity to pack more runs.
Is cricket an Olympic sport?
No, not so far. The sport was once able to make it to the Olympics, but it has not yet been taken up regularly.
What game is cricket?
It is a ball or batter sport or team sport.
