For a beginner, cricket can feel confusing. You may hear commentators say “cover drive,” “silly point,” or “follow-on,” and wonder what it all means. That is why learning cricket terms is important. Once you know these words, the game becomes easier and more fun to follow.
This beginner’s glossary explains cricket terms in simple English. From batting to bowling and fielding to match rules, here are the words you will hear most often in cricket.
Basic Cricket Terms
Wicket
The word “wicket” can mean three things:
- The stumps and bails.
- The pitch itself.
- A batsman getting out.
Over
An “over” is six legal balls bowled by one bowler.
Innings
The time when one team bats while the other bowls and fields.
Run
The basic unit of scoring in cricket. A run is completed when batters cross each other after hitting the ball.
Boundary
When the ball crosses the edge of the field.
- Four runs if it touches the ground first.
- Six runs if it clears the boundary without touching the ground.
Batting Terms
Cover Drive
A stylish cricket shot played through the cover region.
Sweep Shot
A horizontal bat shot played against spin bowlers.
Duck
When a batsman gets out without scoring a single run.
Century
When a batsman scores 100 or more runs in a single innings.
Strike Rate
The number of runs scored per 100 balls faced. Example: 50 runs from 40 balls = strike rate 125.
Bowling Terms
Yorker
A ball delivered full at the batsman’s feet, difficult to hit.
Bouncer
A short-pitched ball that bounces high near the batsman’s head or chest.
Spin Bowling
Bowling that uses finger or wrist action to turn the ball.
Pace Bowling
Bowling at high speed, often 130 km/h or more.
Hat-Trick
When a bowler takes three wickets in three consecutive deliveries.
Fielding Terms
Slip
A fielder standing next to the wicketkeeper to catch edges from the bat.
Silly Point
A very close-in fielding position near the batsman.
Long-On / Long-Off
Fielding positions near the straight boundary on the leg side (long-on) and off side (long-off).
Mid-Wicket
A fielding position between square leg and long-on.
Boundary Rider
A fielder placed near the boundary rope.
Match Terms
Toss
Before the match, the two captains flip a coin to decide who bats or bowls first.
Follow-On
In Test cricket, if a team leads by 200 or more runs, they can ask the other team to bat again.
Net Run Rate (NRR)
A method to decide standings in tournaments when points are equal.
DLS Method
The Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method used to set targets in rain-affected matches.
Powerplay
A field restriction period in limited-overs cricket. Only a certain number of fielders can be outside the circle.
Also read: Cricket Calculators
Funny Cricket Terms
Nightwatchman
A lower-order batsman sent in near the end of the day to protect better batsmen.
Golden Duck
When a batsman is out on the first ball faced.
Chin Music
A slang term for bouncers bowled near a batsman’s head.
Mankading
When a bowler runs out the non-striker before delivering the ball.
Why Learning Cricket Terms Matters
- For Players: Helps beginners learn tactics faster.
- For Coaches: Makes training easier to explain.
- For Fans: Makes commentary and match analysis easy to follow.
- For Kids: Builds early cricket knowledge in simple words.
Real Examples of Cricket Terms in Action
- In IPL 2019, a team’s playoff spot was decided by net run rate.
- In the 2019 World Cup, rain matches were decided by the DLS method.
- Sachin Tendulkar is famous for his cover drives.
- Brett Lee’s bouncers often troubled batters.
FAQ
1. What are cricket terms?
Cricket terms are words and phrases used to describe rules, shots, fielding positions, and match situations.
2. Why should beginners learn cricket terms?
They make the game easier to understand and follow.
3. What is a duck in cricket?
When a batsman is dismissed without scoring.
4. What is a yorker?
A ball bowled at the batsman’s feet, hard to hit.
5. What is net run rate in cricket?
It measures the difference between runs scored and conceded per over.
6. What is a powerplay?
A set of overs with fielding restrictions in limited-overs cricket.
7. What does a hat-trick mean?
When a bowler takes three wickets in three consecutive deliveries.
8. What is the DLS method?
A system used to set targets in rain-affected matches.
9. What is a century?
When a batsman scores 100 or more runs in an innings.
10. What is a follow-on?
In Test cricket, when the leading team forces the other team to bat again.
Conclusion
Cricket is a sport with its own language. For beginners, learning cricket terms is the first step to enjoying the game. Whether it is a simple word like “run” or advanced terms like “DLS method,” these words add meaning to matches.
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