There is a particular set of questions raised in the mind of fans watching cricket for the first time. The questions are like why did the Umpire raise a finger? Why did the crowd cheer for a ‘no-ball’? At first, a cricket game looks simple and easy to new fans. It looks like the batter hits the ball and gets runs. The bowler hits the 3 wooden sticks to get the wicket of the batter. But it does not seem to be that easy. There are certain rules and regulations that make this game easy and disciplined. Read this article to know the cricket rules for beginners to get better understanding of the game.
Brief History of Cricket Rules
At the start of this game, Cricket was mainly played in the streets of England with a stick and a small rock. When British Empire extend their boundaries, then Cricket became popular in the colonized parts of the British Empire.
The breakup of the British Empire helps Cricket grow worldwide. So, to manage this sport, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was established. MCC made the basic rules to make Cricket more disciplined.
Since then, all the rules of Cricket have been made and broken by MCC. In 1774, the LBW rule was introduced. The rule was that the batter would get out if the ball hit the part of the batter’s body before the wickets without touching the bat. This rule is still valid in international and domestic Cricket. MCC is also set the size of bat in 1835 to ensure the fairness of the game.
Until the 1970s, Cricket was only played in test format, where the game lasted 5 days. But ICC announced a new format of 60 overs per innings for short cricket games. Later, this format was shortened to 50 overs, which is called ODI cricket.
After 35 years, ICC announced another format of 20 overs per innings. So, with the change of formats, ICC kept on changing rules. But the core of Cricket remained the same.
Understanding the Field and Equipment
To properly understand the Cricket game, the field and equipment knowledge is very important. ICC has very clear instructions to use proper equipment to maintain the safety of the game. Like a batter is instructed to wear pads, a helmet, a guard and other necessary gadgets to face the bowler.
While maintaining the safety of the batter, ICC has also announced many rules to make the batter safe during the game. The rules include limited bouncers and limited height without bounce of the ball. These rules help batter safe and maintain the thrill of the game.
The rules for the fields are also very strict, where the pitch should be around 22 yards (20.12 meters) long. The pitch is the main point where the actual cricket game happens. In that 22-yard strip of ground is a place where the batter plays the ball and the bowler delivers it. The pitch is enclosed by 3 wooden sticks that stand closely on both sides. The sticks known as wickets, if the bowler hits the wickets with a legal ball, the batter gets out.
The batter plays the game with a bat to score runs. The bat size and weight are also measured to make the game fair. The width of the bat should not be more than 10.8cm. The bowler uses the ball, a structure enclosed in leather, in red or white colour.
The weight of a cricket ball should be in the range of 155.9 to 163 grams. All the weight and size are defined by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Field placement is also very important. The captain can only set the field under the rules and regulations of MCC in every format. Like in ODI cricket, no more than 2 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle in first 10 overs. While in T20 cricket, no more than 2 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle in first 6 overs.
Why Understanding Cricket Rules is Crucial
Understanding the cricket game is not optional; one must know how to watch a cricket game. Because if a viewer does not know a basic rule of Cricket, for him/her cricket match is just 14/15 people moving on a ground. There is no need to understand the complex rules of Cricket to watch the game of Cricket.
Basic rules like 6,4 and out decision are important to understand a cricket game. Understanding the LBW rule can be confusing for new cricket fans. It can be annoying for any pro-level cricket fans to understand the LBW decision of the Umpire. Besides viewers, if anyone wants to play Cricket and become an international cricketer in future.
The understanding of cricket rules must make their cricket skills more valuable. It has been seen that if any individual has a better understanding of cricket rules, they sustain the cricket field more. So, it is very important for any individual to understand the rules of the game and work on their skills as well.
Conclusion
A basic understanding of Cricket can be important for any viewer. It is important to understand what is happening on the field. Knowledge of rules in a cricket game adds more excitement among the fans. Because fans start engaging with the game and enjoy every moment of it. Understanding the core rules of the game is a must for any individual who wants to take their career forward as a cricketer. Skills must have the quality to play in international Cricket. But having knowledge of rules and understanding the situation of the game separates talented and legendary players. Check out the top fan bases of cricket sides in IPL.
FAQs
- What is LBW in simple terms?
When the bowler succeeds in hitting the body part, especially the legs, of the batter in front of the wickets with a legal delivery and no edge from the bat, the batter gets out. This term is called LBW, Leg Before Wickets.
- How does DRS work?
DRS is the Decision Review System, which allows players to challenge the decision of the Umpire.
- What is a no-ball?
In a pitch, a bowler cannot bowl from a certain point. If his/her foot crosses the point which is called crease, or if he bowls a ball without a bounce on the pitch from above waist height, then that ball is declared a no-ball.
- What is a free hit?
After getting a no-ball in ODI and T20, the batter gets the next ball as free hit after the bowler bowls a no-ball.
- What is a wide ball?
A wide ball is when the bowler delivers the ball too far from the batter to hit. It gives an extra run to the batting team.
