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Cricket is a sport that transfers neatly into the realms of computer gaming. There are titles where you act out the roles of players while others are strategy games where you manage a team but which of these are the best?
Best Cricket Games for PC
Title | Available Teams | Controls | Gamestyle | Custom Players | Min RAM | Storage Space |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ashes Cricket (2017) | EN, AU | Controller | Single and Multiplayer Simulation | Yes | 4 GB | 12 GB |
Cricket Captain 2021 | EN, AU, IN, NZ, SA, WI, PA, BD, Domestic and International | Keyboard & Mouse | Management | No | 2 GB | 250 MB |
Don Bradman Cricket 17 | Community Created | Controller | Single, Multiplayer & Online Simulation | Yes | 4 GB | 11 GB |
Cricket 19 | IN, AU, EN, WI, NZ, PA, SA, SL, BD, AFGH, Domestic AU | Controller | Single, Multiplayer & Online Simulation | Yes | 4 GB | 25 GB |
Big Bash Boom | Big Bash League | Controller | Single and Multiplayer Arcade | Yes | 4 GB | 9 GB |
Cricket Revolution | No Licensed Teams Available | Keyboard &Mouse | Online, Multiplayer and LAN Simulation | Yes | 512 MB | 1 GB |
Cricket Coach 2014 | No Licensed Teams Available | Keyboard & Mouse | Management | Yes | 2 GB | 1 GB |
TableTop Cricket | No Licensed Teams Available | Keyboard or Controller | Single, Multiplayer, Online Arcade | No | 512 MB | 180 MB |
International Test Cricket | No Licensed Teams Available | Keyboad & Mouse | Management | No | – | 759KB |
1. Ashes Cricket (2017)
The Ashes Cricket game requirements for PC:
- Memory: 8 GB.
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon R9 390X.
- CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 970.
- File Size: 12 GB.
- OS: Windows 7 (x64) or higher.
The titanic battle between England and Australia is laid down in this 2017 release. The Ashes is the oldest trophy in test cricket and this game sets out to replicate all the thrills and drama that comes with it.
From BigAnt Studios, the aim of the game is to take part in the stiffest challenge in the game – test match cricket. The full experience is replicated from start to finish as you choose your team and do battle.
There are a number of reasons why I’ve put this at number one on the list. The atmosphere is perfect with dramatic opening music that could really make you feel part of the Ashes series. The graphics are also excellent with strong likenesses of individual players.
What I didn’t know is that you can actually choose to play with other international sides and perhaps this could be made clearer.
2. Cricket Captain 2021
While I do like the player games, on most occasions the titles that require strategy are my favourites. I’ve been playing Cricket Captain for years and the upgrades on the 2021 version are really impressive.
The graphics have improved since I started playing this years and years ago and the stats available to the captains are also much better. What has stayed the same is Jonathan Agnew’s commentary and I’m pleased that that’s the case.
Updates include the option to play 100 ball cricket – the newest format of the game. You can still recreate actual matches from cricket’s past and switch to play mode if you’ve had enough of the strategies from the sidelines.
Maybe the graphics are a little basic when compared to some other titles on this list but I still think this is the best cricket strategy game around.
3. Don Bradman Cricket 17
Don Bradman Cricket 17 System Requirements (Minimum for PC)
- CPU: Intel Core i3-3210 / AMD Athlon II X4 555.
- RAM: 4 GB.
- OS: Windows 7 (x64) or higher.
- VIDEO CARD: Radeon HD 6670 or NVIDIA Geforce GT710 with Min 1GB Memory.
- PIXEL SHADER: 5.0.
- VERTEX SHADER: 5.0.
- FREE DISK SPACE: 11 GB.
The great Sir Don Bradman was a legend of the game in the first half of the 20th century and it’s fascinating to see that his legend endures in modern cricket. The Don gives his name to this title which is a production from the developers at BigAnt Studios.
This is matchplay cricket where the players alternate to take on the roles of batsmen and bowlers. One day cricket is the main focus with the simple task of trying to score more runs than your opponent in order to win the game.
I like a lot of things about this title: The gameplay is very clear and easy to follow. The game looks to cover the many facets of a cricket match and the amount of options for a bowler’s deliveries is particularly impressive.
As a slight downside, the graphics may not be as sharp as they are with some other releases.
4. Cricket 19
Cricket 19 requirements for PC:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system.
- OS: Windows 10 (x64)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4200 / AMD Phenom II X4 970.
- Memory: 8 GB RAM.
- Graphics: AMD Radeon R9 390X or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 with minimum 2GB Memory.
- DirectX: Version 11.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection.
- Storage: 25 GB available space.
It’s a simple title and one that is intended to give you all you need to know about this release. Cricket 19 covers the sport in all of the forms that were available in 2019 – Test Match, ODIs and T20.
It’s also very comprehensive in its gameplay with many different teams to choose from. Once again. You can also recreate some classic encounters from cricket’s past so this really is a great all-rounder.
The graphics are good but, in trying to replicate the features of the game’s best cricketers, they aren’t quite as sharp as The Ashes. It would also be good to see The Hundred format added to the schedules in future editions but Cricket 19 is an entertaining and lifelike game.
5. Big Bash Boom
The System requirements for PC for Big Bash Boom are:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system.
- OS: Windows 7 (x64) or higher.
- Processor: Intel Core i3-3210 / AMD Athlon II X4 555.
- Memory: 4 GB RAM.
- Graphics: Radeon HD 6670 or NVIDIA Geforce GT710 with Min 2GB Memory.
- DirectX: Version 11.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection.
Based on Australia’s most successful T20 domestic competition, Big Bash Boom is a faithful replica of gameplay. It looks to replicate the tournament with the option to take on any of the sides that take part in the competition.
You can also play at any of the grounds that host those teams while a click of a button can see you switch to the WBBL – the women’s version of the game.
Big Bash Boom is great fun: It’s fast and entertaining but it’s maybe aimed at a younger market.
I do like the graphics in general but the big heads on the players distract me a little. Also, I’ve yet to change the ball from a standard cricket ball to a potato, a pie, a golf ball or any of the other options as they seem pointless.
I’ve also refrained from setting the pitch on fire to stop the batsmen from running but, for pure fun for the kids, I’d say this is the perfect title.
6. Cricket Revolution
Cricket Revolution seeks to replicate the fun and fast gameplay of limited overs cricket. These are the formats that have introduced legions of new fans into the sport and it’s no surprise that many titles like to focus on T20 and ODI cricket.
The other bonuses include the fact that you can play as a single player or you can easily switch to the multiplayer mode. While it’s mostly about hitting big sixes and taking wickets, one of the best aspects of Cricket Revolution is that the more intricate areas of the sport are covered.
Umpire and player reviews plus the use of Hawkeye are implemented into gameplay.
I would say that this is an entry level title: The graphics are pretty basic but it’s a great option if you’re just interested in entertainment and the sheer fun that limited overs cricket produces.
7. Cricket Coach 2014
Another game that covers the strategy of cricket, there are many differences between Cricket Coach 2014 and the Cricket Captain series. I think there is room for both titles on your shelf as this game goes much deeper into the world of cricket.
Along with the top test playing nations, you can develop your coaching skills at a much lower level by taking charge of one of the associate countries such as Bermuda or Germany. You can then build up your career until you get noticed and are comfortable with a tougher challenge.
The unique strategies needed to succeed are here in this title but it’s far more complex than similar coaching games and that’s why many prefer Cricket Coach 2014.
It’s hard to find any dislikes with this game but perhaps a chance to switch to a player mode would lead to more sales.
8. Tabletop Cricket
As the name suggests, this is a game meant to replicate the table top cricket games that I liked to play in my youth. The action actually takes place on a table and, when the players hit sixes out of the ground, you can even see food packaging and other paraphernalia located in the family kitchen.
You can pick lots of international teams in this game including associate nations such as the USA.
Serious gamers will dismiss Tabletop Cricket as being a bit silly but I think this is great fun. Remember, it can be played as a free download so that’s a big plus in an age where some titles are stretching people’s budgets.
For me and others, this is a perfect way in which to while away a few minutes of downtime, maybe in your lunch hour. It can also transfer easily to mobile and can help to pass the time when you’re stuck on the train.
I’d agree that the gameplay is basic and the graphics and the bouncing crowd fit that type of theme but it’s not meant to be taken too seriously. Just suspend belief for a moment or two and look to hit a huge six into the cereal box.
9. International Test Cricket
International Test Cricket is another strategy game but this one focuses entirely on the longest format. It’s another release that goes very deep in terms of analysis as it looks to mirror all the challenges that a real life international coach would typically face.
I would say that it succeeds in its aims and I particularly like the fact that delaying a decision can seriously affect your team’s chances. Timing is such a key factor in coaching and this is a definite plus point.
There’s a lot to like here: The graphics are good and you need to have patience as the full test match plays out. One or two other players have commented that they can’t really see the ball and I’d agree that this is a small improvement that needs to be made.
Alternatives to PC Cricket Games
If you want a break from the screen, there are some old-school cricket games you could try. Table top cricket using 3D figures was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and while digital options subsequently took over, they have been making a comeback.
Subbuteo sold in the biggest numbers and is arguably the most realistic of the 3D cricket games. It’s fun to play, but the only issue is that the brand has become highly collectible. If you want a Subbuteo cricket set now, you may have to pay in excess of £50 for one in good condition.
Another option is ‘Owzthat.’ It’s labelled as a dice game, but the dice are actually two barrels. There are six sides to each barrel. One is used for determining runs and the other makes decisions on dismissals.
Owzthat has been around for decades, and the early sets fetch high sums, but you can buy a more modern version for less than £10.
Closing Thoughts
Cricket games come in many different forms, but there’s no doubt that the computer versions are the most popular right now. They are so much more realistic and I can understand why they sell in such high numbers.
I enjoy these games myself and I hope that the suggestions in this article give you some ideas. They may all receive upgrades by the time you read this, but I personally prefer the older versions and have kept faith with them.