Ashes contests between England and Australia have often been fiery affairs but nothing has come close to the 1932/33 series down under. Hostile, intimidatory bowling from the English attack led to some serious ill feeling which is still discussed over 85 years later. What is Bodyline Bowling? Bodyline is also known as leg theory and …
What is Bodyline Bowling – The Story of the 1932/33 Ashes Series Read More »
Cricket has a language all of its own and one of the more curious terms is the ‘jaffa’. But what does jaffa mean and how did the phrase come about? What is a Jaffa in Cricket? It has no fixed definition but generally a jaffa is an unplayable, exceptional delivery. The batsman will either play …
What does a Jaffa Mean in Cricket? Explained with Examples Read More »
Cricket shoes are among the most important pieces of equipment in your kit bag but, for fast bowlers, it’s essential to find the right pair. Best Cricket Fast Bowling Shoes 1. Adidas Adipower Vector 20 – Cricket Shoes Designed for Fast Bowlers It’s interesting to note the manufacturer’s specifications for this product because they underline …
It may not be a question that you’ve ever thought of asking but, in these days of modern technology, it’s very interesting to discover just what cricketers wear inside their jersey, on their back. What do Cricketers Wear on Their Backs? If you’re watching an international game on the television then you’ll probably notice that …
It’s the time of year that we all look forward to but, exactly when is the cricket season and how long does it last? When is the Cricket Season? The answer depends on which part of the world you live in. In England, the cricket season starts at the beginning of April and finishes at …
It’s one of the many new shots to have crept into the modern game but what is a flick shot and how should it be executed? What is a Flick Shot in Cricket? A flick shot is usually played to a straight, full length ball or to one pitched on middle and leg. It’s played …
How to Play a Flick Shot in Cricket and When to Use It Read More »
The modern day batsman has to add strength and power to their game. Timing remains important but power hitting boosts the run rate so here are 12 exercises to increase that capability. 12 Best Strength and Power Exercises for Batsmen 1. Squats This is one of the most common exercises around and it can be …
12 Best Cricket Exercises for Batsmen: Improve Strength and Power Read More »
It’s a fast-paced version of the outdoor game and it’s growing in popularity thanks to the ability to play all year round. But what is indoor cricket and what are the rules? What is Indoor Cricket? Indoor cricket is a game played indoors, in an enclosed area. Indoor cricket is a distinct sport of its …
How to Play Indoor Cricket – Rules, Tips and Strategies Read More »
There are some deliveries, like the beamer in cricket that are dangerous to the batsman. However, it involves serious consequences to the bowler, no matter whether it was accidental or intentional. What is a Beamer Ball? A beamer delivery is an illegal ball in cricket which reaches the batsman at above waist height, without bouncing. …
What is a Beamer in Cricket? Dangerous Bowling and Unfair Play Rules Read More »
Fast bowling is the one part of the game that can bring the fear factor for new players so, in this article I’m going to look at some tips and drills that will allow you to play it more confidently. How to Play Against Fast Bowlers In order to learn how to play fast bowling …
12 Tips and Drills to Play Fast Bowling Perfectly Read More »
I don’t think that enough young players practise their fielding skills and, because it’s a crucial part of the game, I’m going to list some cricket fielding drills that can make things fun. How to Practise Fielding at Home You don’t need a big garden to practise your cricket fielding skills at home but you …
Fun Cricket Fielding Drills for Practising Catching and Throwing Read More »
They are the men and women in charge of the team and the responsibility for winning or losing lies with them. There have been some brilliant, inspirational captains in the history of cricket but who has been the best of them all? Who is the Best Cricket Captain in the World? Statistics show that India’s …
Batsmen need them, fielders hate moving them but why are sight screens so vital to the game of cricket? What is a Cricket Sight Screen? A sight screen is a piece of cricket equipment, usually made of wood or polycarbonate. It’s a large rectangular board mounted on wheels and it is placed behind the bowler’s …
What is a Cricket Sight Screen? – Sizes, Types Importance of Using Read More »
The yorker is arguably the most important delivery for a fast bowler to use so this is a guide on how to perfect it. How to Bowl a Yorker Step 1: How to Hold the Ball for a Yorker This is the first part of the equation and, while it may seem simple, this is …
How to Bowl a Yorker – Mastering the Yorker in 6 Steps Read More »
More and more players are using sunglasses out in the field and, because there are so many brands to choose from, it’s time to review the best. What Kind of Sunglasses are Best for Cricket? The best cricket sunglasses will offer complete protection against the sun and its potentially harmful UV rays. While out in …
Best Sunglasses for Cricket in 2026 – Tested and Reviewed Read More »
It’s one of the rulings that makes cricket such a unique game and, in this article, I’m going to explain all about the follow-on. What is the Follow-On in Cricket? The follow-on can only occur in a match where each team has two innings per side so we’re looking at test and first class cricket. …
What are the Follow-On Rules in Test Cricket – The Pros & Cons Read More »
When we start playing cricket, most of us want to be fast bowlers but whether you’re new to the game or more experienced, these drills will help your action and performance. How to Improve Line and Length in Fast Bowling Pace is important but you should avoid bowling deliveries in the wrong areas. Hitting a …
Fast Bowling Practise Drills: How to Improve Line and Length Read More »
Full articles on cricket protective equipment can be found across this site but which are the best products? It’s important to put them to the test and here are my best selections. 1. DSC Cricket Abdominal Guard It seems odd to say an abdominal guard is attractive but this is a stunning design that makes …
5 Best Cricket Protective Equipment of 2026: Tested and Reviewed Read More »
This is another important skill to learn: Running 22 yards might sound easy but you need to know how to judge a run and to get yourself prepared for a second, or even a third. How to Decide Whether to Attempt a Run or Not At times this will be obvious: The ball may be …
Running Between the Wickets: Basics for Beginners Read More »
The saying states that catches win matches and that’s why it’s important to take a few moments to read through my guide on the art of catching. How to Catch the Ball: The Basics of Cricket Fielding Note that there are different types of catches in cricket and these will generally vary, depending on where …
How to Catch a Cricket Ball – Fielding for Beginners Read More »
In this section I’m going to look in depth at the subject of penalty runs and the laws covering an issue that all cricketers will want to avoid. What are Penalty Runs? Penalty runs are awarded to opposing teams when a player or group of players infringes one of cricket’s relevant laws. Depending on who …
As a beginner, you need to start with the basics and here are 8 of the most important cricket shots that you will need. How to Play Cricket Shots The basics are all about stance, keeping your head still and watching the ball as you start to learn these shots. 1. Straight Drive This is …
Learn 8 Basic Cricket Shots: How to Play as a Beginner Read More »
Power hitting in cricket is developing at a great speed. It’s exciting to watch but the pace of the game means that players and officials need to be more aware of their protection. Umpires are also at risk and they are starting to take action. What is the Cricket Umpire Shield? The umpire shield can …
This can be a controversial issue but it’s a very important one for bowlers so we should cover it here. Chucking, or throwing, during a delivery has been known to end careers but what does it involve? What is Chucking in Cricket? Chucking the cricket ball is effectively a throw. The arm should be straight …
What is Chucking in Cricket? All the Rules on Illegal Deliveries Read More »
I learnt a lot of cricket terms by watching games on the television. One of the more common phrases relates to line and length. It’s specifically about the bowlers but what does it mean? What is Line and Length in Cricket? The phrase line and length describes where the bowler is delivering the ball. The …
Line and Length in Cricket – What is It and How to Use it as a Bowler Read More »
In this guide I’m going to talk about guards and protective clothing. Forget about pads and helmets, this is more specific with abdomen protectors and chest guards under the spotlight. What Protective Gears are used in Cricket? A number of protective items are used by cricket players. These will include helmets, pads or leg guards, …
How to Wear Cricket Guards – Cricket Protective Gears Read More »
Many sports have a perfect scoring scenario. In darts it’s the nine-dart finish while snooker has its maximum 147 break. A perfect phenomenon in cricket would be the six ball, six wicket but has it ever been done? What is a Six Ball Six Wicket? This occurs when six wickets are taken in one over. …
Six Ball Six Wicket: Are There Any Perfect Overs in Cricket? Read More »
A cricket ball is hard and it can hurt. Even the top professional players can suffer injuries at times. However, those cases are very rare and, if fear of injury is holding you back, here are some tips on how to overcome it. How to Overcome Fear of Getting Hit in Six Steps Fear is …
How to Overcome Fear of the Cricket Ball in 6 Easy Steps? Read More »
One of the more complex laws in relation to cricket refers to the danger area. It’s also referred to as the protected area and, sometimes, the rough. It’s not dangerous in a physical sense but it could have severe issues for bowlers, batsmen and fielders if they fall foul of the regulations. What is the …
What is Danger Area in Cricket – Also Known as ‘The Rough’? Read More »
Bat stickers are already in place when you purchase your most important piece of equipment but did you know that there is a way of changing those stickers to make your bat unique? How to Make Cricket Bat Stickers on Your Own? If you want to personalize your bat, you can create your stickers in …
Cricket Bat Stickers 101 – Everything to Know About Bat Stickers Read More »
Hitting a six is one of the most exciting things that can happen in cricket. The thrill of seeing the ball clear the boundary rope provides a huge thrill for both the batsman and the spectators. Power is a necessary factor to have but hitting maximums also requires great skill so, in this guide I’ll …
This is a basic guide to beginners, young and old. We all had to start somewhere and this round up is an entry point to playing your shots as a batsman. How to Bat in Cricket: The Basics of Cricket Batting Step 1: How to Hold the Cricket Bat When you’re first learning how to …
How to Bat and Play Your Shots – Learn Cricket Batting in 8 Steps Read More »
History was made in July 2021 as a new cricket format was launched. The Hundred is the newest form of the game and the first to be introduced since T20 in 2003. It’s largely been met with a positive response from fans but how easy is it to follow? The 100 Ball Cricket Format: Rules …
The Hundred: Rules and Explanation of the 100 Ball Cricket Read More »
This is a brief but comprehensive guide about the approach to playing cricket as a left handed batsman. In the round up I’ll discuss equipment, stance and any potential advantages and disadvantages to being left handed. If you’re just starting out in cricket and you are a natural left-hander, you’re in very good company. At …
Everyone has to bat in cricket but not all players will get to bowl. However, all youngsters learning the game should be fully conversant with the art. In this guide I’ll talk you through some basic coaching advice on how to bowl and we’ll also take a look at some common techniques. The Basics of …
How to Bowl in Cricket – Tips & Lessons for Beginners Read More »
A wide in cricket is an illegal delivery, any bowler should avoid. In this guide I’ll explain what a wide is, together with the laws that are associated with it. What is a Wide Ball in Cricket? A wide is an illegal delivery that is out of a batsman’s reach. It is either too wide …
As a batsman, your guard is an important thing to consider. This is the point on the wicket where you stand, in front of the stumps. There are a number of choices to take and, while it may seem like there are small margins involved, they can make the difference between being dismissed and staying …
Taking Guard in Cricket – Which Batting Guard to Choose Read More »
Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the game for most spectators. I’d agree with that theory and, I prefer to get immersed in a game over five days. The test arena also provides the biggest challenge for batsmen. Those who score highly in test cricket are considered to be the best in the sport. Who …
Most Runs in Test Cricket – 1985 – 2023 Interactive Chart and Complete List Read More »
I’ve guided readers on how to choose a cricket bat and there’s also a section on the game’s most popular brands. In this guide, I’ve gone a stage further and tested out some specific models. The result is a list of what I believe to be the best 10 cricket bats this year. There will …
10 Best Cricket Bats of 2026 – For All Styles from Power Hitters to Touch Players Read More »
Why do bowlers and their fielders shine a cricket ball? In this guide, I’ll look a bit closer at the dynamics and why it is important to maintain that shine. Also under the spotlight are the ways in which you can and can’t treat the ball while on the field of play. How to Shine …
The Best Way to Shine a Cricket Ball – and How Does It Help Swing Bowling Read More »
It’s important to be comfortable in your cricket shoes in order to be at your best on the field and keeping your shoes in optimum condition can also prevent serious injury. I’ve already produced a guide on how to choose cricket shoes and, in this round up, I’ll take a look at how you can …
Cricket Shoes Maintenance Guide – How to Take Care of Your Cricket Shoes? Read More »
I always advise taking time and care when choosing any piece of cricketing equipment. Cricket shoes should last across more than one season so it’s essential to find a brand of shoes which you trust. Best Cricket Shoe Brands of Find below some of the best brands for cricket shoes, along with a couple of …
Best Cricket Shoes Brands for Batting, Bowling and Fielding Shoes Read More »
I’ve already worked through a guide to choosing a cricket bat and there’s also a piece on whether English or Kashmir willow is the best. One thing that’s left to look at is a list of the biggest and best bat manufacturers out there. This is a worldwide list covering India, Australia, England and others …
Top 12 Cricket Bat Brands Worldwide: Indian, Australian and English Manufacturers Read More »
Firstly, let’s start with defining what is a six in cricket: A six is also referred to as a ‘maximum’ as this is the most runs that can be scored in cricket from a single hit. There may be anomalies, such as instances where fielders allow for ‘overthrows’ but these are exceptionally rare. The Longest …
The Longest and Highest Sixes In Cricket – The Complete List Read More »
These are the bat brands that I’m most familiar with. Readers should also know them very well as they are used by some of the top international players around the world. This is a list of the best cricket bat manufacturers based in the UK. Gunn & Moore Personally, I’ve used Gunn and Moore bats …
Getting a batting order right is one of the most important parts of a cricketing strategy. I captained my club side on a few occasions and often found this to be the toughest part of my day. Here’s a guide on how to assess the eleven players taking part in the match and how to …
Batting Order in Cricket: How is a Batting Line Up Set Up? Read More »
Novice cricketers, but even seniors, often use other balls than regular cricket balls for training purposes. There are dozens of alternatives around to keep your precious Kookaburra from being damaged, but we have listed the best five for your cricket practice. 5 Types of Practice Cricket Balls At junior level and for seniors’ training, a …
Practice Cricket Balls: Which Ball is Best for Cricket Training? Read More »
In this guide I’m going to be looking at all the different cricket shots that are available to batsmen. I’ll also discuss the strategy and approach to selecting an appropriate shot to the ball that has been delivered. The aim is to help readers understand shot selection and to hopefully make them more prolific run …
All Cricket Shots – Types of Cricket Shots, Batting Technique Explained Read More »
I’ve already walked you through the process of knocking in a cricket bat but there is a series of aftercare procedures that everyone should look at. This is your most expensive and valuable piece of equipment and it deserves to be looked after properly. Cricket bat care is essential! Cricket Bat Care and Maintenance Here …
I’ve been lucky enough to watch cricket in four different countries so far – England, New Zealand Barbados and the Antigua. Obviously there is more to see and that list needs to be added to in the future. During that time, I’ve also seen some wonderful stadiums: Cricket grounds fascinate me and, in this article, …
Largest Cricket Stadiums in the World by Boundary and Capacity (2026) Read More »
