Cricket terminology creates barriers for new learners. Words like googly, silly mid-off, and yorker have no obvious meaning.
Commentators use these terms without explanation. Beginners cannot follow match discussions or understand rule decisions.
This reference manual solves that problem. It presents cricket terms a to Z in alphabetical order.
Each term receives a clear definition and usage context.
The handbook format makes information retrieval quick for students and first-time readers.
Cricket Terms A to Z
Cricket terms a to z: Full List with Examples
This manual divides cricket terminology into alphabetical sections. Each letter contains 10 commonly used terms from match play.
Definitions stay factual and brief. Real match examples show how each term applies during games.
Tables organize information for fast scanning on mobile devices.
Why Understanding Cricket Terminology Matters?
Cricket vocabulary knowledge provides several learning benefits:
- Enables accurate interpretation of match commentary
- Allows proper reading of scorecards and statistics
- Helps understand umpire decisions and game rules
- Supports meaningful discussion with other cricket followers
- Accelerates overall understanding of cricket mechanics
Basic term knowledge removes confusion during live matches.
Top 20 Common Terms for Beginners
| Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wicket | Three stumps or dismissal event |
| Over | Six legal deliveries |
| Run | Single scoring unit |
| LBW | Leg Before Wicket method of dismissal |
| Boundary | Edge of field or four/six runs |
| Six | Ball crosses boundary without bouncing |
| Four | Ball reaches boundary after bounce |
| Catch | Fielder holds ball before ground contact |
| Innings | One team’s complete batting turn |
| Pitch | Playing surface between wickets |
| Crease | Line marking run completion point |
| Spin Bowling | Delivery using finger or wrist rotation |
| Fast Bowling | High-speed delivery above 130 km/h |
| All-rounder | Player skilled in batting and bowling |
| Partnership | Combined runs by two batters |
| Duck | Dismissal without scoring |
| Powerplay | Overs with fielding restrictions |
| Review | Technology-based decision challenge |
| No-ball | Rule-breaking delivery |
| Free Hit | Protected delivery after no-ball |
A–Z Cricket Terminology Glossary
A Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Across the Line | Bat movement perpendicular to ball direction | Batter swings across line, bowled |
| Action | Bowler’s complete delivery movement | Smooth action aids accuracy |
| Agricultural Shot | Forceful hit lacking technical form | Struck towards cow corner region |
| Air | Additional flight height on delivery | Flight deceived batter’s judgment |
| All Out | Team dismissed completely | Pakistan all out for 198 |
| All-Rounder | Dual batting-bowling capability | Stokes contributed in both disciplines |
| Appeal | Dismissal request to umpire | Bowler appeals for LBW decision |
| Arm Ball | Spinner’s non-turning delivery | Arm ball trapped batter LBW |
| Around the Wicket | Bowling from non-dominant side | Switched around wicket for angle |
| Asking Rate | Required runs per over target | Asking rate climbed to 9.2 |
B Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Back Foot | Rear foot during batting stance | Played defensively off back foot |
| Backlift | Upward bat movement before shot | High backlift generated power |
| Bad Light | Insufficient visibility conditions | Umpires offered bad light option |
| Bail | Small wooden piece atop stumps | Bail dislodged by delivery |
| Ball Tampering | Illegal ball condition alteration | Player sanctioned for ball tampering |
| Bat-Pad | Close leg-side catching position | Caught at short leg bat-pad |
| Beamer | Full toss above waist height | Bowler warned for beamer delivery |
| Beat the Bat | Ball passes bat without contact | Seamer beat bat five times |
| Boundary | Field perimeter or scoring shot | Ball crossed boundary rope |
| Bouncer | Short delivery at body height | Bowler delivered aggressive bouncer |
C Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Call | Verbal communication between batters | Clear call prevented run out |
| Captain | Team leader and decision maker | Captain set attacking field |
| Carrom Ball | Finger-flicked spin variation | Carrom ball spun sharply |
| Catch | Ball secured before ground contact | Regulation catch at mid-off |
| Caught Behind | Dismissal by wicketkeeper catch | Edged to keeper, caught behind |
| Century | 100 runs in single innings | Williamson completed 25th century |
| Cherry | Cricket ball reference | New cherry swung considerably |
| Chinaman | Left-arm unorthodox spin | Chinaman delivery spun past bat |
| Clean Bowled | Direct dismissal hitting stumps | Middle stump knocked back |
| Collapse | Multiple rapid dismissals | Team collapsed from 120/2 to 145 all out |
D Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Dead Ball | Ball removed from active play | Umpire signaled dead ball |
| Dead Bat | Soft defensive technique | Played with dead bat defense |
| Death Overs | Final innings phase | Scored 58 runs in death overs |
| Declaration | Voluntary innings termination | England declared at 425/6 |
| Deep | Fielding position near boundary | Stationed at deep mid-wicket |
| Delivery | Single ball bowled | Opening delivery swung late |
| Dismissal | Batter removal from innings | Fifth dismissal was stumping |
| Dolly | Simple catching opportunity | Dropped regulation dolly catch |
| Doosra | Off-spinner’s reverse-turning ball | Doosra confused right-hander |
| Dot Ball | Delivery yielding zero runs | Bowled four consecutive dot balls |
E Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Rate | Bowler’s runs conceded per over | Maintained economy rate of 5.2 |
| Edge | Ball contact with bat side | Thick edge flew to slips |
| Eleven | Standard team player count | Selected playing eleven announced |
| End | Bowling delivery location | Operated from pavilion end |
| Extras | Runs not scored by bat | Team conceded 22 extras |
F Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Fall of Wicket | Dismissal occurrence point | First wicket fell at 42 runs |
| Fast Bowler | High-velocity delivery specialist | Fast bowler reached 148 km/h |
| Feather | Minimal bat edge contact | Feathered edge to gully |
| Fielder | Non-batting defensive player | Fielder prevented boundary |
| Fielding Circle | 30-yard restriction marking | Only two outside fielding circle |
| Fifty | 50-run scoring milestone | Bairstow reached fifty in 32 balls |
| Fifer | Five-wicket innings achievement | Ashwin claimed fifer |
| Fine Leg | Behind-wicket leg-side position | Ball collected at fine leg |
| Flight | High trajectory delivery arc | Used flight to deceive batter |
| Follow-On | Immediate second innings requirement | India enforced follow-on |
G Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Gardening | Pitch surface maintenance by batter | Batter gardening between deliveries |
| Glance | Deflective leg-side stroke | Glanced fine for two runs |
| Googly | Leg-spinner’s reverse-turning delivery | Googly dismissed top-order batter |
| Good Length | Optimal bounce position | Maintained good length consistently |
| Guard | Batter’s stump alignment position | Took middle-stump guard |
| Gully | Slip-point intermediate position | Sharp catch at gully position |
H Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Half Century | 50-99 run achievement | Reached half century milestone |
| Half Volley | Full-length driving opportunity | Drove half volley through covers |
| Hat-Trick | Three consecutive wicket deliveries | Malinga achieved hat-trick |
| Hawk-Eye | Ball trajectory technology | Hawk-Eye confirmed LBW decision |
| Heavy Ball | Delivery feeling faster than speed | Heavy ball hurried batter |
| Helmet | Cranial protective equipment | Helmet absorbed bouncer impact |
| Hit Wicket | Self-inflicted stump contact dismissal | Out hit wicket stepping back |
| Hook Shot | Leg-side bouncer response | Hooked bouncer for six |
| Hot Spot | Thermal contact detection technology | Hot Spot detected faint edge |
I Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Infield | Area within 30-yard circle | Infield positioned for pressure |
| In-Swinger | Inward-curving delivery | In-swinger trapped LBW |
| Inside Edge | Internal bat surface contact | Inside edge saved from LBW |
| Innings | Team’s batting period | First innings lasted 85 overs |
| Intent | Aggressive scoring approach | Batters showed positive intent |
J Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Jaffa | Exceptional unplayable delivery | Unplayable jaffa beat defense |
| Jag Back | Sharp inward pitch movement | Ball jagged back onto stumps |
K Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Keeper | Wicketkeeper abbreviation | Keeper took diving catch |
| King Pair | First-ball dismissals both innings | Suffered embarrassing king pair |
| Knock | Batting performance | Match-winning 87-run knock |
| Knuckle Ball | Knuckle-gripped slower delivery | Knuckle ball removed set batter |
L Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Late Cut | Delayed cutting stroke | Late cut bisected slip and gully |
| LBW | Leg Before Wicket dismissal | Umpire raised finger for LBW |
| Leg Break | Leg-to-off turning delivery | Leg break spun sharply outside off |
| Leg Bye | Run from body contact | Scampered two leg byes |
| Length | Ball’s bounce location | Varied length effectively |
| Line and Length | Delivery accuracy standard | Tight line and length applied pressure |
| Long Hop | Short weak delivery | Long hop dispatched for boundary |
| Long On/Off | Deep straight fielding positions | Caught at long-on boundary |
M Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Maiden Over | Zero-run over | Bowled three consecutive maidens |
| Mankad | Non-striker run-out method | Controversial mankad dismissal |
| Middle Order | Batting positions 4-7 | Middle order steadied innings |
| Misfield | Fielding error | Misfield cost four runs |
N Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Nets | Training practice facility | Batters practiced in nets |
| Nightwatchman | Protective lower-order batter | Sent nightwatchman before stumps |
| No-Ball | Rule-violating delivery | Overstepped for no-ball call |
| Nurdle | Soft scoring deflection | Nurdled singles regularly |
O Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Off Break | Off-to-leg spinning delivery | Off break turned significantly |
| Off Drive | Cover-region driving shot | Classical off drive for four |
| On Drive | Mid-on direction drive | Straight on drive bisected fielders |
| Opener | First batting pair | Openers added 87 runs |
| Outfield | Boundary-adjacent area | Quick outfield aided scoring |
| Outswinger | Outward-swinging delivery | Outswinger found outside edge |
| Over | Six-ball delivery unit | Final over required 15 runs |
| Overthrows | Misfield-enabled extra runs | Poor throw yielded four overthrows |
P Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Pad | Leg protective equipment | Ball struck pad first |
| Pair | Zero-run dismissals both innings | Recorded unfortunate pair |
| Partnership | Dual-batter run accumulation | 142-run partnership stabilized innings |
| Pavilion | Player facility building | Dismissed batter returned to pavilion |
| Pitch | Central playing strip | Turning pitch assisted spinners |
| Point | Square off-side position | Fielding at backward point |
| Powerplay | Fielding restriction phase | Maximized powerplay overs |
| Pull Shot | Horizontal short-ball stroke | Pulled short ball for six |
Q Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Single | Rapid single-run attempt | Excellent quick single taken |
R Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | Weak lower-order batter | Typical rabbit dismissed quickly |
| Reverse Sweep | Opposite-direction sweep shot | Reverse swept for four runs |
| Reverse Swing | Aged-ball opposite swing | Reverse swing produced wickets |
| Run Out | Running dismissal method | Direct-hit run out |
| Run Rate | Runs-per-over average | Current run rate 6.8 |
S Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Seam | Ball’s stitched ridge | Landed on seam consistently |
| Short Leg | Close leg-side position | Positioned at short leg |
| Silly Point | Very close off-side position | Silly point caught deflection |
| Single | One-run scoring | Rotated strike with singles |
| Six | Over-boundary aerial hit | Massive six cleared stadium |
| Slip | Behind-keeper catching position | Second slip held catch |
| Slower Ball | Reduced-pace variation | Slower ball deceived timing |
| Spin | Ball rotation technique | Generated substantial spin |
| Square Leg | Side-on leg position | Umpire stationed at square leg |
| Strike Rate | Runs per 100 balls | Strike rate of 138 |
| Stump | Vertical wicket post | Ball clipped leg stump |
| Stumping | Keeper’s dismissal method | Dhoni completed stumping |
| Sweep | Horizontal leg-side stroke | Swept fine to boundary |
T Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Tailender | Lower-order specialist bowler | Tailenders added 25 runs |
| Target | Required winning score | Target set at 289 runs |
| Tea Break | Mid-afternoon interval | Play resumed after tea |
| Third Man | Deep off-side rear position | Ball raced to third man |
| Third Umpire | Television replay official | Decision referred to third umpire |
| Tie | Equal-score match result | Match ended in rare tie |
| Timing | Bat-ball contact quality | Perfect timing on stroke |
| Top Edge | Upper bat surface contact | Top edge ballooned up |
| Toss | Pre-match coin decision | Won toss, elected to field |
| Twenty20 | 20-over match format | T20 format encourages aggression |
U Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Umpire | Match officiating authority | Umpire signaled four runs |
| Umpire’s Call | Marginal DRS outcome | Remained umpire’s call |
| Upper Cut | Over-slip aerial stroke | Upper cut sailed for six |
V Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| V | Mid-off to mid-on scoring zone | Drove through V region |
| Variation | Alternative delivery type | Bowled clever variation |
W Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Wagon Wheel | Run distribution graphic | Wagon wheel showed leg-side bias |
| Wicket | Stumps, dismissal, or pitch | Lost three quick wickets |
| Wicketkeeper | Behind-stumps specialist | Keeper standing up to stumps |
| Wide | Out-of-reach delivery | Called wide down leg side |
| Yorker | Toe-targeted full delivery | Perfect yorker uprooted stumps |
X Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Xtra Cover | Cover-mid-off intermediate position | Fielding at extra cover |
Y Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Yorker | Block-hole delivery | Yorker crashed into base |
Z Terms
| Term | Definition | Match Context |
|---|---|---|
| Zing Bails | LED-illuminated bails | Zing bails flashed on contact |
| Zone | Peak performance state | Batter clearly in the zone |
Field Positions with Diagrams
Cricket field positions follow specific naming conventions based on location relative to the batter.
- Close-in Fielders: Silly point, silly mid-off, short leg, leg slip, boot hill. These positions catch deflections and edges within 5 yards of the batter.
- Inner Ring Positions: Point, cover, mid-off, mid-on, square leg, mid-wicket. These fielders stop drives and prevent easy singles within the 30-yard circle.
- Boundary Positions: Third man, fine leg, deep square leg, deep mid-wicket, long-on, long-off, deep cover, deep point. These positions prevent boundaries and take high catches.
Field placement adjusts based on batter handedness, bowling type, and match situation. Right-handed batters face different setups than left-handers.
Batting Terminology
- Cover Drive: Front-foot stroke through the cover region
- Straight Drive: Shot hit past the bowler down the ground
- Pull Shot: Horizontal bat stroke to short delivery
- Sweep Shot: Low horizontal stroke on leg side
- Reverse Sweep: Sweep played in the opposite direction
- Cut Shot: Back-foot square stroke off side
- Hook Shot: Aggressive pull to bouncer height
- Lofted Shot: Elevated stroke clearing the infield
Bowling Terminology
- Yorker: Delivery pitched at batter’s toes
- Bouncer: Short-pitched ball at chest/head
- Off Break: Right-arm finger spin into batter
- Leg Break: Right-arm wrist spin away from batter
- Googly: Leg-spin turning opposite direction
- In-Swinger: Delivery curving toward batter
- Outswinger: Delivery curving away from batter
- Slower Ball: Reduced-pace deceptive delivery
Dismissal Types
- Bowled: Ball directly hits stumps
- Caught: Fielder secures ball before bounce
- LBW: Pad contact, projected stump impact
- Run Out: Stumps broken during run attempt
- Stumped: Keeper breaks stumps, batter outside crease
- Hit Wicket: Batter breaks own stumps
- Caught and Bowled: Bowler catches return hit
- Obstructing Field: Deliberate fielding interference
- Handled Ball: Illegal hand contact with the ball
- Timed Out: Excessive arrival delay at crease
Scoring and Match Progress
- Run Rate: Average runs scored per over
- Strike Rate: Batter’s runs per 100 deliveries faced
- Economy Rate: Bowler’s runs conceded per over
- Net Run Rate: Tournament ranking calculation metric
- Partnership: Combined runs by batting pair
- Powerplay: Restricted fielding placement phase
- Death Overs: Final innings overs
- Maiden Over: Overproducing zero runs
Equipment Terms
- Bat: Primary batting implement
- Ball: Bowled object, leather-covered
- Pads: Leg protection gear
- Gloves: Hand protection equipment
- Helmet: Head and face protection
- Box: Groin area protection
- Stumps: Three vertical wicket posts
- Bails: Horizontal pieces atop stumps
- Sight Screen: Background viewing aid
Match Formats and Rules
- Test Cricket: Five-day format, two innings per team
- ODI: 50-over limited format
- T20: 20-over shortened format
- The Hundred: 100-ball per-side format
- DLS Method: Rain-interruption target adjustment system
Cricket Slang & Commentary Lingo
Common broadcast terminology includes these phrases. The Cricket Terms Explained section covers both formal and informal language used during match coverage.
- Golden Duck: First-ball dismissal without scoring
- King Pair: First-ball dismissals in both innings
- Jaffa: Exceptional, unplayable delivery
- Dolly: Simple catching opportunity
- Bunny: Batter frequently dismissed bya specific bowler
- Nightwatchman: Lower-order protective batter
- Sledging: Verbal pressure tactics
- Chin Music: Bouncer deliveries at head height
- Cherry: New red cricket ball
- Meat of the Bat: Central striking area
Regional Variations in Cricket Terminology
- England: Traditional terminology like “spinner,” “pavilion,” and “county system.”
- Australia: “Baggy green” Test cap, “sandpaper gate,” casual player nicknames
- India: “Doosra,” “carrom ball” popularized by subcontinent spinners. Cricket terms a to z in hindi often translates directly from English technical terms.
- West Indies: “Calypso cricket” style descriptor
- South Africa: “Proteas” national team designation
- Pakistan: “Reverse swing” technique mastery, Urdu commentary integration
Different regions emphasize terminology based on playing conditions and cricket culture. The Full Cricket A to Z Glossary accommodates international variations.
History and Origins of Key Terms
- Googly: Invented by Bernard Bosanquet in the late 1800s. Named for the confused reaction batters displayed.
- Yorker: The Term originated from Yorkshire bowlers who perfected this toe-crushing delivery in the 1800s.
- Hat-Trick: Began in 1858 when HH Stephenson received a hat for taking three consecutive wickets.
- Ashes: Started in 1882 after Australia defeated England at The Oval. Satirical newspaper obituary claimed English cricket died and “body cremated, ashes taken to Australia.”
- Sticky Wicket: Originated from the uncovered pitch era. Rain-affected drying surfaces created extremely difficult batting conditions.
- Mankad: Named after Indian all-rounder Vinoo Mankad, who ran out Bill Brown backing up in the 1947-48 series.
FAQs
- What does LBW mean?
Leg Before Wicket. Dismissal occurs when ball hits pad and would have struck stumps based on trajectory.
- How many dismissal methods exist?
Ten official dismissal types appear in cricket laws.
- What distinguishes Test from T20 cricket?
Tests last five days with unlimited overs. T20 completes in three hours with 20 overs per side.
- Why is zero called a duck?
Zero resembles duck egg shape. Scoring zero results in duck dismissal.
- What is economy rate?
Bowler’s average runs conceded per over. Lower values indicate better bowling performance.
- How does yorker work?
Ball pitches at batter’s toes in block-hole area. Difficult to defend or score from.
- What is powerplay purpose?
First 10 ODI overs restrict fielders outside 30-yard circle. Creates boundary-scoring opportunities.
- How does DRS function?
Decision Review System uses video replay and ball-tracking technology to verify umpire decisions.
- Why do batters take guard?
Aligns batter with stumps. Common guards are leg, middle, middle-and-leg.
- What makes a batting pitch?
Hard flat surface with consistent bounce. Ball comes onto bat cleanly for shot-making.
Conclusion:
Cricket vocabulary mastery improves match comprehension for learners and students.
This Cricket Glossary A to Z provides structured reference material for cricket terms a to z with definitions and match contexts.
Manual sections include:
- Alphabetical term organization
- Field position classifications
- Batting and bowling categories
- Dismissal method explanations
- Match format distinctions
- Regional terminology differences
- Historical term origins
Table formats enable quick information scanning. Short definitions suit beginner learning requirements.
This cricket terms a to z pdf download equivalent serves as permanent reference material.
Students seeking cricket terms a to z with meaning find complete explanations here.
The cricket terms a to z in english format uses simple language accessible to international learners.
Cricket words list coverage includes technical, informal, and cricket slang terms from all formats.
Those requiring cricket terms a to z with pictures can supplement this text with field diagrams and position charts.
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