WHAT IS CRICKET

Let's get some commonly asked questions out of the way.

“Everyone wears white and stands around doing nothing.”

People often think cricket is slow and uneventful, especially when watching fielders waiting for action. The subtleties (like bowling tactics or field placements) aren’t obvious at first.

“It’s like baseball, right?”

Probably the most common one! People often compare cricket to baseball because both involve bats, balls, and runs - but the rules, field shape, and strategies are quite different. Still, it’s a fair starting point.

“Why are they rubbing the ball on their pants?”

Shining the ball to affect its swing is part of the game, but to newcomers, it looks odd or even suspicious.

“What’s an over? Or a wicket? Or a duck?”

Cricket’s jargon can sound like another language. Outsiders hear terms like silly mid-off, googly, lbw, or maiden over and assume it's overly complicated or just weird.

“They stop the game for tea?”

Yes, in traditional formats like Test cricket. To outsiders, stopping for tea and snacks mid-game is either charming or totally bizarre.

To people unfamiliar with cricket can seem long, slow, and confusing - with odd clothing, strange rules, and lots of standing around. But once they understand the strategy, pace variations, and team roles, most realize it’s actually a rich and exciting game.

HOW TO PLAY

Cricket is a team sport played with a bat and ball, where two teams of 11 players each take turns batting and fielding. The main goal is to score more runs than the opposing team.

How It's Played

The game is played on a large oval field with a 22-yard pitch in the center.
One team bats while the other fields and bowls.
The batting team sends two players onto the pitch. One faces the bowler and tries to hit the ball, while the other runs between the wickets (the wooden stumps at each end of the pitch) to score runs.
The fielding team tries to get the batters “out” by hitting the stumps with the ball, catching the ball after it's hit in the air, or running the batter out.

The Objective

The batting side tries to score as many runs as possible before their players are out.
Once the batting team is all out (or the overs run out), the teams switch roles.
The team with the most runs at the end of the match wins.

Formats of the Game

Cricket can be played in several formats:

T20 (Twenty20): Fast-paced, usually completed in about 3 hours.
One Day (50 overs per side): Takes most of a day.
Test cricket: The traditional form, played over 5 days at the highest level.

Why People Love Cricket

It's a mix of strategy, skill, patience, and teamwork.
There’s a role for everyone: batters, bowlers, fielders, and wicketkeepers.
It can be played casually in the backyard, at the beach or at a professional level.

In short cricket is more than just a sport - it’s a global game that brings people together, whether you're playing for fun or competing seriously. It’s easy to start, and there’s always something new to learn!

ARE You interested?

Feeling like this could be the game for you come on down and meet the club

Come & Try Day

Pre - Season

cricket break down

A fun, team sport where you bat, bowl, and field to score runs and get players out. Great for all ages, skill levels, and anyone keen to give it a go! Here's what you need to know!

FIELDING POSITIONS

Cricket fielders are strategically placed around the field to cover key areas and support the bowler and team. Common positions include slips, cover, mid-on, mid-off, and wicketkeeper, each serving a specific role in catching, stopping runs, or creating pressure on the batsman. The exact setup can vary based on the game situation, bowler type, and batsman’s style.

Cricket shots

In cricket, batsmen use a variety of shots to score runs and adapt to different deliveries. Common shots include the drive, cut, pull, hook, and sweep — each designed to hit the ball in specific directions. Mastering these shots helps players control the game and respond to different bowling styles.

Cricket Gear

Cricket players use specific gear to stay safe and perform at their best. Essential equipment includes a bat, ball, helmet, pads, gloves, and appropriate footwear. Protective gear is especially important for batters and wicketkeepers. Each item plays a key role in helping players stay comfortable, protected, and ready for action on the field.

Helmet

A cricket helmet is a protective headgear worn by batters and close fielders to guard against fast-moving balls. It helps prevent serious head and facial injuries by shielding the skull, face, and jaw.

Batting gloves

Batting gloves are worn to protect a batter’s hands from the impact of the ball and to improve grip on the bat. They feature padded sections to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury from fast deliveries, while also helping players maintain better control and comfort during play.

keeper gloves

Wicketkeeping gloves are specially designed for wicketkeepers to catch and control the ball behind the stumps. They feature extra padding and webbing between the fingers to protect the hands and improve grip when catching fast deliveries or making stumpings.

Bat

A cricket bat is the main tool used by batters to score runs. Made from willow, it features a flat front for striking the ball and a curved back for strength. Bats come in different sizes and weights to suit players of all ages and skill levels, helping them play shots with power

and control.

Thigh pads

Thigh pads are protective gear worn by batters to shield the upper leg from impact. Positioned under or over the pants, they help absorb the force of fast deliveries and reduce the risk of bruising or injury. Lightweight and flexible, they allow for comfort and mobility at the crease.

Shin pads

Shin pads are worn by batters to protect the lower legs, especially the shins and knees, from fast deliveries. Made with padded fronts and sturdy straps, they help absorb impact while allowing freedom of movement. Essential for safety, they’re a key part of every batter’s gear.

Waurn Ponds Deakin cricket club