Cricket Terms Decoded: A Global Tour of the Sport’s Unique Language

Last updated on September 6th, 2024 at 05:03 pm

Cricket, a sport with a lineage that stretches back centuries, isn’t just a game of bat and ball. To truly appreciate it, brush up on cricket’s vocabulary—from common terms to unusual jargon.

At Remitly, we celebrate the love that many of our customers have for the sport of cricket. Join us as we delve into the fascinating facts, terms, and memorable moments of global cricket.

Cricket 101: Key Terms and Positions

1. Batsman: A player whose role is to score runs by hitting the ball with a bat.
2. Bowler: The player who delivers the ball to the batsman with an aim to dismiss him.
3. Fielder: A player on the fielding side who isn’t the bowler or the wicketkeeper. Their primary job? Stop the batting side from scoring runs.
4. Wicketkeeper: The player who stands behind the stumps, aiming to catch the ball if the batsman misses it.
5. Third Man. A fielding position behind the batsman on the off side. It’s not about the third person in a drama, but an essential spot in the field.
6. Fielding Position: Specific spots where players (other than the bowler and wicketkeeper) stand to catch, stop, or throw the ball.
7. Cow Corner: A region on the field, typically between deep mid-wicket and wide long-on. It’s often where less orthodox shots are played.
8. Fielding Side: The team that is not currently batting and is trying to dismiss the batting side.
9. Batting Side: The team that is currently at the crease, trying to score runs.
10. Umpire: The official who enforces the game’s rules. When players shout “Howzat?”, they’re directing the question to the umpire.
11. All-rounder: A player skilled in both batting and bowling. Their versatility is crucial to the team’s balance.

10 Basic Cricket Concepts

1. Delivery/Ball: Each single attempt the bowler makes to get the batsman out or prevent him from scoring.
2. Over: A set of six deliveries bowled by the same bowler.
3. Stumps: Three vertical posts supporting two bails, forming the wicket, which the bowler aims to hit.
4. Dismissal: The manner in which a batsman is declared out.
5. Run: The basic unit of scoring, achieved by batsmen running between the wickets after hitting the ball.
6. Spin: A type of bowling where the ball turns (or spins) as it moves towards the batsman, often deceiving in trajectory.
7. Shot: The act of the batsman hitting the ball with the bat.
8. Innings: Refers to the period in which a team bats. In some formats, teams have two innings, while in others, just one.
9. End of the Pitch: Refers to the two termination points of the 22-yard long pitch – where the stumps are placed.
10. Wicket. Often referred to both as the stumps behind the batsman and a dismissal in the game. Confusing to newcomers, but fundamental to cricket!

With these terms, cricket’s intricate dance between the bowler, batsman, and fielder becomes clearer. Each shout of “Howzat” or a ball darting towards “Cow Corner” holds a story, and now, you’re equipped to be part of it.

As we explore further, the terminology expands, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of regions where cricket isn’t just a sport, but a way of life. Let’s dive in!

11 Cricket Slang Terms Global Fans Know

The language of cricket is rich, colorful, and often puzzling to those outside the cricketing world. But each term carries a weight of history, strategy, and cultural significance.

Whether you’re tuning into a match or joining a cricket-loving friend for a game, these terms will definitely enhance your experience and appreciation of this global sport.

1. Googly.
   A deceptive ball delivered by a leg-spin bowler that turns unexpectedly. It’s the bowler’s secret weapon to outfox the batsman.
2. Bouncer.
   A short-pitched ball that rises sharply after bouncing, aiming to reach the batsman’s head. It’s both a strategy and a statement.
3. Yorker.
   A delivery aimed to bounce on or near the batsman’s feet. When executed perfectly, it’s a sight to behold.
4. Maiden Over.
   An over in which no runs are scored off the bowler. A testament to the bowler’s precision and dominance.
5. Silly Point.
   A close fielding position, just off the bat. It’s as daring as it sounds, given the risk of a hard-hit ball.
6. Leg Before Wicket (LBW).
   A mode of dismissal, where if the ball would’ve hit the stumps but for any part of the batsman’s body (excluding the hand), the batsman is out.
7. Cover Drive.
   A classic cricket shot played towards the cover fielding position. Known for its elegance, it’s a crowd favorite.
8. Duck.
   When a batsman gets out without scoring any runs. Not a term batsmen are fond of, but it’s part of the game.
9. Golden Duck.
   Even worse than a duck! It’s when a batsman is out on the very first ball they face.
10. Nets.
    Not the ones you catch fish with! This refers to practice sessions where batsmen and bowlers refine their skills within enclosed areas.
11. Doosra.
    Originating from the Urdu word for ‘second’ or ‘other’, this is the off-spinner’s equivalent of the googly. It spins in the opposite direction to their stock ball.

Additional Glossary: Celebrating Cricket’s Global Lexicon

Various cultures and regions have adopted and adapted cricket, each adding their unique touch to the game.

Here are regional terms from different parts of the cricket-playing world:

Australian Cricket Slang

Australia has one of the world’s most enthusiastic fan bases for cricket.

1. Baggy Green: The iconic green cap awarded to Australian tTest cricketers. It’s more than just headwear; it’s a symbol of national pride.
2. Sledge: Verbal jabs or taunts aimed at the opposition, often to distract or demoralize. Australians are often said to have mastered the art of ‘sledging’.

South African Cricket Words

Long considered Africa’s top team, South Africa is a powerhouse.

1. Castle: Referring to the stumps, named after a popular beer brand in South Africa.
2. Kolpak: Refers to players who sign contracts in English county cricket, giving up their right to play for South Africa. Named after a legal ruling involving Slovak handball player Maroš Kolpak.
3. Dop: A term meaning “drink” in Afrikaans, often referring to the beverage shared after the match.

New Zealand Cricket Terms

The Kiwi team isn’t to be counted out during major cricket matches.

1. Beige Brigade: Refers to the passionate fans of the New Zealand cricket team, who wear beige as a throwback to the team’s uniforms in the 1980s.

English Cricket Slang

As the birthplace of the sport, England is home to many unusual cricket terms.

1. Corridor of Uncertainty: A term for a delivery that lands in a spot where the batsman is unsure whether to play or leave the ball.
2. Village: A derogatory term to describe something as amateurish or unsophisticated, implying that it belongs to a lower, often local, level of cricket.
3. Dibbly Dobbly: Describes bowlers who don’t have a lot of pace or spin but rely on subtle variations.

South Asian Cricket Words

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have embraced the sport of cricket with passion and pride.

1. Dilscoop.
   Named after a Sri Lankan batsman, it’s a risky shot played by hitting the ball directly over the wicketkeeper’s head.
2. Jaffa.
   A term often used in the subcontinent to describe an exceptionally well-bowled delivery, one that’s almost unplayable.
3. Doosra.
   Though mentioned before, it’s worth noting its origins. From the Urdu word for ‘second’, it describes an off-spinner’s ball that spins the other way.
4. Taptaan.
   A Punjabi term for the captain of the team. Leadership in cricket, especially in South Asia, comes with immense pressure and responsibility.

Caribbean Cricket Terms

Last but not least, many Caribbean nations have a rich cricket history.

1. Windies.
   An affectionate nickname for the West Indies cricket team, a blend of islands that unite for the love of the sport.
2. Calypso Cricket.
   A term encapsulating the free-spirited, entertaining, and rhythmic style of West Indian cricket, drawing parallels with Calypso music.
3. Chin Music.
   Not exclusive to the Caribbean but popularized there, it refers to a series of short-pitched balls aimed at the batsman’s head, much like a bouncer.
4. Marauder.
   In Caribbean cricket, it often describes a batsman who scores quickly and aggressively, leaving devastation in their wake.
5. Rally ’round the West Indies.
   More than just a term, it’s the anthem of West Indian cricket and a call for unity and support.

The Bottom Line

Cricket, in all its forms and expressions across the world, remains a fascinating reflection of regional culture. These terms, a blend of strategy, humor, and history, add layers of richness to the sport, making it an ever-evolving and captivating spectacle.

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