The game of cricket, though not quite yet a global sport, has seen a sharp increase in popularity around the globe in recent times. This bat-and-ball team sport can be loosely compared to baseball in that it involves pitchers, batsmen and runs, although a lot of the rules and finer details vary significantly.
The game has its beginnings in 16th-century England and has grown very popular in countries like Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. So much so that it is seen as the national sport in many South Asian nations.
The last couple of decades has seen something of a transformation of the game. On top of the traditional Test matches, which sometimes last for days, there are now one day and 20 overs matches that are shorter and a much more fan-friendly experience.
These transformations have coincided with, or perhaps are the reason for, the emergence of a number of 'second-tier' cricket-playing countries all over the globe. Though these countries are still quite a way behind the superpowers of international cricket, it seems the gulf in class is narrowing.
The laws of cricket are fairly complicated, but here is a short summary of the sport. Cricket teams have eleven players each and the game is played on a big oval pitch. One team bats, attempting to accumulate as many runs as they can. The batsman attempts to protect the wicket from the bowler while scoring runs. When the bowler hits the wicket with the ball, or a fielder catches the ball after it is batted, then the batsman is dismissed. When all the batsmen are dismissed then the teams change roles, and the side that accumulates the most runs triumphs.
As mentioned, standard 'Test' games , for example those played in the prestigious Ashes series between England and Australia, can last for a few days. The newer 1 day and twenty overs matches keep matches to 1 day of action.
The equipment required for cricket is pretty simple and casual games with family and friends can be easily organized. The most important items are cricket bats and balls. The bats are blade-shaped and can be up to thirty-eight inches in length. The balls are made out of hard leather.
Because of the weight of the balls and the fact that they can be delivered at up to ninety miles per hour, it is necessary for batsmen to wear safety gear, including a helmet, gloves and pads. Serious injuries do occur in cricket.
The governing body of the game is the Dubai-based International Cricket Council (ICC). It has 104 member nations, including 10 full members that compete in international Test matches. It also governs the rules of the sport and appoints umpires and officials.
The game has its beginnings in 16th-century England and has grown very popular in countries like Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. So much so that it is seen as the national sport in many South Asian nations.
The last couple of decades has seen something of a transformation of the game. On top of the traditional Test matches, which sometimes last for days, there are now one day and 20 overs matches that are shorter and a much more fan-friendly experience.
These transformations have coincided with, or perhaps are the reason for, the emergence of a number of 'second-tier' cricket-playing countries all over the globe. Though these countries are still quite a way behind the superpowers of international cricket, it seems the gulf in class is narrowing.
The laws of cricket are fairly complicated, but here is a short summary of the sport. Cricket teams have eleven players each and the game is played on a big oval pitch. One team bats, attempting to accumulate as many runs as they can. The batsman attempts to protect the wicket from the bowler while scoring runs. When the bowler hits the wicket with the ball, or a fielder catches the ball after it is batted, then the batsman is dismissed. When all the batsmen are dismissed then the teams change roles, and the side that accumulates the most runs triumphs.
As mentioned, standard 'Test' games , for example those played in the prestigious Ashes series between England and Australia, can last for a few days. The newer 1 day and twenty overs matches keep matches to 1 day of action.
The equipment required for cricket is pretty simple and casual games with family and friends can be easily organized. The most important items are cricket bats and balls. The bats are blade-shaped and can be up to thirty-eight inches in length. The balls are made out of hard leather.
Because of the weight of the balls and the fact that they can be delivered at up to ninety miles per hour, it is necessary for batsmen to wear safety gear, including a helmet, gloves and pads. Serious injuries do occur in cricket.
The governing body of the game is the Dubai-based International Cricket Council (ICC). It has 104 member nations, including 10 full members that compete in international Test matches. It also governs the rules of the sport and appoints umpires and officials.
About the Author:
Jim is an independent journalist with more than twelve years of writing experience. Jim is currently engaged as a journalist for our b2b site and is considered the company authority on cricket. Visit our useful web portal for additional information on Cricket Bats and Cricket Balls.
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