The Team

Cricket is played between two teams, each with 11 players. Whether batting or fielding, the team as a whole relies on a highly specialized mix of individual skills and qualities that combine to give the game its unique character and appeal.

Opening batter

Generally defensive, technically correct players who ‘take the shine off the ball’.

Middle order

‘All-rounder’s’ who can both bowl and bat with skill, and batters who specialize in playing against slow bowlers.

Top order

The most adept batters and the biggest scorers in the team.

Lower order

The least able at batting (usually specialist bowlers), who can sometimes make quick runs.

Opening bowlers

Players who bowl quickly with the new ball using its shine and prominent seam to extract swing, bounce and movement off the pitch.

Finger spinners

Bowlers who give a spinning action on the ball (either off or leg-spin) using their fingers

Wicket-keeper

Positioned behind the batter, the keeper’s main role is to stop balls missed or left by the batter. They are the only member of the fielding team allowed to wear gloves

Outfielders

Are generally quick runners with strong throwing arms who often seek to prevent the ball crossing the boundary, which registers four runs. They are also skilled at catching big, lofted shots. They are generally upper order bowlers. Outfield positions include deep midwicket, long-on, long-off, extra cover, third man or fine leg.

Seamers

Bowlers who can vary pace, line, length, swing and seam to confound the batter.

Wrist spinners

Bowlers who give a spinning action on the ball (either off or leg-spin) using their wrists. Wrist spinners generally turn the ball more dramatically than finger spinners but are less accurate. Shane Warne is a rare exception.

Infielders

Apply pressure to the batters by preventing runs and taking reflex catches. They are generally small in physique with quick reactions and are often upper order batters. Infield positions include the slips, short-leg, bat-pad, silly mid-off or silly mid-on.

Equipment

Cricket players have different equipment depending on what position they are playing. Players that are battling usually wear a helmet, leg pads, protectors (often known as a ‘hector protector’). Most players also have special shoes, which include sharp spikes on the bottom for greater grip on the wicket and on the field. Over the years, the technology and craftsmanship of cricket equipment has changed. On the left are some comparisons of old equipment to that used today.

Did you know?

1,208,815 – The number of kilometers travelled by current Australian cricket captain, Ricky Ponting, from 15 February 1995 till 24 July 2010. This is the largest amount of kilometers travelled by a professional cricketer. Ponting has played a total of 514 matches.*

585 – The number of matches the Indian Captain Sachin Tendulkar has played. The highest number of matches played by an individual. *

*As of June 30, 2010. Distance is calculated along Great Circles between successive venues. Statistics courtesy of Cricket Stats Worldwide