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Cricket — rules, strategy patterns, and a short knowledge check

Learn how cricket is structured across formats, how runs and dismissals work, what “line & length” means in practice, and how teams plan batting/bowling/fielding. This page is instructional and neutral. For region-specific notices, see the Disclaimer.

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Rules & basics Strategy & patterns Knowledge check

Rules & basics

Field & pitch • Scoring & dismissals • Formats & restrictions

Field & pitch

Pitch: 22 yards between wickets. Creases mark bowling/return areas.
Wicket: 3 stumps + 2 bails at each end.
Boundary: Rope/line around field; 4 if ball reaches by ground, 6 if on the full.

Innings & overs

Over: 6 legal balls from one end by one bowler.
Innings: Batting side tries to score; ends when all out/overs finished/declared.
Formats: Test (time-based, 2 innings each), ODI (50 overs), T20 (20 overs).

Toss & result

Captains toss; winner chooses to bat or bowl first.
Limited overs: higher score wins (second innings chases a target).
Tests: result by runs/wickets, or draw if time ends.

Scoring runs

Batters run between wickets after hitting the ball.
Boundary 4: ball reaches rope on the ground; Boundary 6: reaches on the full.
Multiple runs possible on one ball if time/field allows.

Extras

No-ball: illegal delivery (e.g., overstepping); 1 run + free hit in many limited-overs.
Wide: ball too wide/high of a legal hitting zone; 1 run, re-bowl.
Byes/Leg-byes: runs when ball passes without bat; counted as extras.

Dismissals (common)

Bowled/Caught: hits stumps or fielder catches before bounce.
LBW: ball hits pad in line & meeting conditions.
Run-out/Stumped: wicket put down while batter is short of crease.
Others: hit wicket, obstructing the field, timed out, etc.

Limited-overs restrictions

Powerplays: fielding circle limits number of outfielders in set overs.
Bowling quotas per bowler (e.g., 10 in ODIs, 4 in T20s).
Over rate & time rules can apply (match-specific regulations).

Fielding sets (idea)

Ring field to stop singles; sweepers to guard boundaries.
Slip/gully for edges (pace); close-in for spin (short leg/silly point).
Set based on bowler’s plan & batter’s pattern.

Umpires & reviews

On-field umpires make decisions; third umpire assists for certain calls.
DRS (where used): limited reviews per team; tech assists, umpire’s call applies in some cases.
Signals indicate outcomes (wide, no-ball, four/six, out/not out).

Glossary (key terms) Go to strategy

Strategy & patterns

Batting • Bowling • Fielding • Captaincy choices

Batting patterns

Start: Assess bounce/swing/spin; play late under eyes; leave well.
Middle: Rotate strike, punish loose balls, keep shape vs pace.
Death (LOIs): Target zones, pre-plan options, respect Yorkers.

Common shot selection examples

Good length outside off (pace): leave or defend; drive only if close to body.
Short & on-body: drop/pull if in control; else sway/duck.
Full & straight: present full face; watch for swing; avoid across-the-line early.
Spin: use feet/sweep based on line/length & fielders.

Bowling plans

Pace: Channel outside off; move ball; vary length; bouncer as surprise.
Spin: Build dots; attack pads/outside edge; change pace/trajectory.
Death: Yorkers at base; slower balls into the pitch; wide lines to long boundaries.

Field ties to plan (examples)

Outswing channel: slips + gully; point/set ring for cut.
Short-ball phase: deep square/long leg; ring pulls inside.
Leg-spinner to RHB: slip, short mid-wicket, deep mid-wicket for mis-hits.

Fielding habits

Stop singles early with ring intensity; throw to safe end.
Angles to cut boundaries; back up throws to reduce overthrows.
Communication: call clearly; wicketkeeper sets tone & fields.

Catching & ground tips

Hands soft under high ball; judge trajectory early.
Attack on the single; stay low; two hands where possible.
Relay throws near boundary to maximize speed/accuracy.

Scenario: First 6 overs (LOI)

Do: Target gaps with risk-aware boundary options.
Why: Fewer outfielders; value of early momentum.
How: Pre-plan zones; keep head still; respect swing.

Compare vs “hold wickets & launch later” based on pitch/attack.

Scenario: Bowling to set batter

Do: Change pace/length; work away from strong zones.
Why: Break rhythm; provoke mis-hit to fielders set.
How: Two-ball setup: back-of-length → fuller wobble seam.

Scenario: Chase 8/over, 6 overs left

Do: Target favorable bowler/side; run hard; keep 1–2 boundary balls/over.
Why: Regular boundaries reduce pressure at the end.
How: Pre-call matchups; avoid dot-ball clusters; keep shape.

Captaincy choices

Toss decision: assess pitch & weather; bat first vs chase potential.
Bowling rotation: short bursts in heat; matchups vs left/right batters.
Field sets: reflect plan; change only with purpose.
Test cricket: declaration timing balances time left vs runs needed.

Common mistakes to avoid

Across-the-line swings early without reading movement.
Predictable bowling pace/line for long stretches.
Ring too tight too long—no sweepers to stop momentum.
Poor over planning at the death (no Yorker practice/backup).

Pre-innings checklist (batting)

Note pitch type & early movement.
Identify boundary areas vs risk zones.
Agree running calls; plan rotation options.

Over plan (bowling)

Field set first; bowl to it.
Primary channel + 1 variation prepared.
Discuss boundary protection & catcher positions.

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