A bat and ball game similar to American baseball, cricket features two teams attempting to score as many runs as possible. The teams compete on a large elliptical field, with most of the action taking place in the pitch, which is a rectangular area positioned dead center with three wood wickets, or short poles, at either end. The batter must protect the wickets from the opposing pitcher, driving the bowled ball into the field of play and sprinting from wicket to wicket to score runs.
Bowling
In cricket, the pitcher is known as a bowler, and he must deliver the ball in an overarm fashion with the arm perfectly straight upon release. The bowler runs forward a few steps to build momentum and then hurls the ball toward the opposite wicket, trying to strike the three slender poles and dislodge either of the two wooden pegs, or bails, they support. Knocking the bails free puts the batter out.
Fielding
Each bowler has 10 fielders at his disposal, including a wicket keeper, similar to a catcher in baseball, stationed behind the opposing batsman. The other fielders can take position anywhere in the field, often adjusting location due to the bowler's technique and the batter's skill. Unlike American baseball players, cricket fielders do not wear gloves to assist in catching the ball. Only the wicket keeper can wear protective equipment. When a ball is put in play, fielders attempt to catch the ball to record an immediate out. Fielders can also relay the ball into the pitch to either tag out the runner or knock over the wickets before the batter crosses the front line of the popping crease, which is where the batter stands to hit the ball. Recording 10 outs triggers the end of an inning and the teams switch sides.
Batting
The batsman's objective is to strike the bowled ball into the field of play and then run to the opposite wicket to score a run. The batter might score as many runs as possible by running back and worth between the wickets until the fielding team gets the ball back to the pitch. Batters might also score four automatic runs by swatting a ball beyond the outer boundary on a bounce. If the ball lands beyond the outer boundary on the fly, the batter records six runs.
Game
A cricket game consists of only two innings, with each side getting 10 outs per inning. The team with the most runs after two innings wins the match. Cricket matches have no time limits. Some matches have been known to stretch for days, with one batter or another going for lengthy scoring binges that last for several hours at a time.
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