ARIF PATEL FROM DUBAI SHOWS HOW TO PLAY CRICKET IN THIS EASY GUIDE! Let’s Play Cricket
Arif Patel from Preston says: I have played cricket all throughout my childhood and still like to play on the weekends. Playing this sport is like having a complete body workout without going to the gym.
In this article, I’ll explain all about how to play cricket, what equipment is used, and the rules and regulations of the sport. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready for your first game.
Things You’ll Need to Play Cricket
Here is a quick rundown of the equipment you’ll need to play cricket.
- Cricket bat
- Cricket ball
- Stumps
- Ground and Pitch
Cricket Bat
The bat is the stick used to hit the ball to score runs. According to the rules, a bat can be no longer than 38 inches in length and 4.5 inches in width. It can weigh anywhere between 1 kg to 2.5 kg.
It is recommended that you use a lighter bat when you are starting out. As you get used to it, you can go for a heavier bat. Most players use a bat that weighs around 1 to 1.8 kg. The choice of a lighter or heavier bat is left up to the player.
Cricket Ball
The cricket ball is round in shape and is usually red or white in color and made of leather. A red ball is used in day matches or longer games (such as a five-day match) while a white ball is used in shorter format matches or in day/night matches.
I actually recommend not playing with a cricket ball for your first game. They can be quite heavy. A beginner may want to use a tennis ball for their first match. In fact, many in India, and I’m sure in many other countries as well, play with a tennis ball or rubber ball. If you just want to play for fun, a normal tennis ball is recommended. You can use a traditional leather ball once you get comfortable with the game and want to go to the next level.
This type of ball used in test matches.
Stumps
Stumps are wooden sticks that are beaten into the ground. They support two bails at the top and form a wicket. There are two wickets placed on opposite sides of the pitch. The stumps should be no longer than 28 inches in height and inches in width.
If you can’t afford to buy proper stumps, you can use any type of stick or lumber to create a makeshift wicket.
Ground and Pitch
The ground for cricket is spherical in shape. The part where the batsman plays is known as the pitch. In international cricket, the pitch is in a rectangular shape and measures 20 meters in length and 3 meters in width. The quality of the pitch is one of the most important elements of the game. It impacts how the ball moves on the field as well as how you would bat in the game. Some pitches are dry and hard, which can help fast bowlers. Some pitches may be more favorable for batting. Others may favor spin bowling.
The pitch is marked in various places to go with different aspects of the game. Wickets are placed at both ends. At the bowler’s side, there is bowling crease marked off that is eight feet and eight inches in length. The bowler’s popping crease, which is the area parallel to the bowling crease, is where a bowler should remain inside of when they release a ball.
As a newbie, you should find the nearest ground to play in. There is no need for any markings when you are starting out. Stumps and a bowling crease should be enough.
A cricket pitch
Important Aspects for Playing Cricket
The following are the basic mechanics of the sport.
- Teams
- Batting
- Bowling
- Fielding
- Umpire
- Captain
Teams
Cricket is a team sport with an equal number of players on either side. At the start of the game, a coin is tossed and the team winning the toss has the opportunity to choose to bat or bowl. International matches consist of 11 players on either side.
Look how a toss is done.
Batting
Batting refers to hitting the ball to score runs. The goal is to score as many runs as you can so that the opposing team can’t get past your total. The first two batters will be on the field. As one gets out, or dismissed, the other team members will follow until no one is left to bat or the overs are finished.
The basic idea is to hit the ball as far as you can and get runs. But hitting every ball will not be helpful because that approach can get you out by being caught or bowled. There are many techniques that you can use to make yourself a better player. Some tips on basic cricketing shots are explained in the video below.