This is a general glossary of the terminology used in the sport of cricket. Where words in a sentence are also defined elsewhere in this article, they appear in italics. Certain aspects of cricket terminology are explained in more detail in cricket statistics and the naming of fielding positions is explained at fielding (cricket).

Cricket is known for its rich terminology.^[1][2][3] Some terms are often thought to be arcane and humorous by those not familiar with the game.^[4]

A

Across the line

A shot which is played with the bat moving lateral to the direction of motion of the ball. Used when the batter is aiming square or behind square, but requires excellent timing. Considered risky, as mistiming the shot can result in a leading edge, being strangled, or missing the ball entirely and being out bowled or leg before wicket.^{[citation needed]}

Action

See bowling action^[5]

Agricultural shot

A powerful slog shot across the line (resembling a scything motion), played with little technique or footwork, particularly one that damages the pitch with the bat. May result in the ball going to cow corner.^[6][7]

Air

A delivery by a spin bowler on a higher trajectory than usual, typically phrased as 'giving it some air'. The term flight is a near synonym.^[5] Can be combined with top spin or back spin to deceive the batter on the length of the delivery, or with off spin or leg spin to give the ball more time to drift.

All out

An innings which has ended due to the batting side running out of wickets, usually because ten of the eleven batters have been dismissed. It also applies when, through a combination of ten dismissals and players who have retired or are absent hurt, the team has only one able batter remaining. The term is a slight misnomer, as there is always one batter left not out.^[5]

All-rounder

Traditionally, a player adept at both batting and bowling.^[8] Some recent sources regard a wicket-keeper/batter as another type of all-rounder, but this usage is not universal.^[5]

Amateur

1.  A cricketer who plays for pleasure, not pay. A non-professional.^[5]

2.  A former official distinction between players of differing social class, important in 18th and 19th century England. Amateurs (also known as gentlemen) were upper class, had usually been to private school and/or Oxbridge, and could claim expenses but not receive any other payment. Professionals (also known as players) were working class, paid wages, and relied on cricket as their primary source of income. Most county cricket teams consisted of a mix of amateurs and professionals; the captain was always an amateur. The annual Gentlemen vs Players match pitched the two classes against each other. The distinction became obsolete in the early 20th century and was finally abolished in 1962.^[5]

Analysis

See bowling analysis^[5]

Anchor

A batter who remains in for a long time, scoring at a moderate strike rate whilst preserving their wicket by avoiding risky shots. A less defensive and more flexible version of a blocker. Top- or middle-order batters may adopt an anchor role if the other batters experience a batting collapse.^[9]

Appeal

A bowler or fielder asking the umpire to dismiss the batter, usually by shouting 'howzat' (how's that?). Variations include 'howzee' (how's he?), or simply turning to the umpire and cheering.^[8] The umpire cannot give a batter out unless the fielding side appeals, even if the criteria for a dismissal have otherwise been met.^[5] Batters who are obviously out (e.g. bowled or indisputably caught) will normally walk from the field without waiting for an appeal.

Approach

1.  The motion of the bowler before bowling the ball; also known as the run-up.^[5]

2.  The ground a bowler runs on during their run up; e.g.: "Play was delayed because the bowler's approaches were slippery."^{[citation needed]}

Arm ball

A variation bowled by a finger spinner, which appears to be their stock ball but does not spin. Such a delivery does not turn when bouncing but travels straight on i.e. following the line of the bowler's arm, hence the name. An arm ball might also swing.^[1]

Around the wicket

(or round the wicket)

A right-handed bowler passing to the right of the non-striker's stumps in their run-up, and vice versa for a left-handed bowler. The opposite of over the wicket.^[10]

The Ashes

The trophy for the England v Australia Test match series.^[5] The Ashes originated as a result of a satirical obituary published in a British newspaper, The Sporting Times, in 1882 after a match at The Oval in which Australia beat England on an English ground for the first time. The obituary stated that English cricket had died, and the body would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia. The English press dubbed the next English tour to Australia (1882–83) as the quest to regain The Ashes. During that tour a small terracotta urn was presented to England captain Ivo Bligh by a group of Melbourne women. The urn is reputed to contain the ashes of one or two bails.^[5]

Asking rate

See required run rate

Attacking field

A fielding configuration in which more fielders are close in to the pitch so as to take catches more readily, at the risk of allowing more runs to be scored.^[5]

Attacking shot

An aggressive or strong hit by the batter designed to score runs.^[11]

Audi

Two consecutive pairs, or four consecutive ducks. The term alludes to Audi, a German car manufacturer, whose logo is four linked rings.^[12][13]

Average

1.  see batting average

2.  see bowling average

Away swing

See outswing^[11]

B

Back foot

1.  When batting, the foot that is closest to the stumps. For a right-hand batter's stance, the back foot is the right foot; for a left-hand batter it is the left foot.^[5]

2.  When bowling, the foot which contacts the ground before the front foot i.e. the back foot is the second contact before the ball is released. Usually the back foot is also the bowling foot, unless the bowler's action is off the wrong foot.^[11]

Back foot contact

The point in a bowling action when the back foot lands on the ground, just before release of the ball.

Back foot shot

A shot played with the batter's weight on their back foot.^[8] Most commonly used when aiming behind square.

Back spin

(Also under-spin.) A delivery with a backward spin, so that after pitching the ball immediately slows down, or bounces lower and skids on to the batter.^[8]

Backing up

1.  The non-striking batter leaving their crease during the bowler's action, before the ball is released. This shortens the distance the non-striker will need to cover to score a run, if the striker completes a shot. Backing up too far or too early risks a run out, either by one of the fielders, or by the bowler in a mankad.^[11]

2.  A fielder placing themselves on the far side of the wicket from a team-mate who is throwing the ball at the stumps to attempt a run out. The fielder who is backing up can then recover the ball if the throw misses the stumps, thereby preventing overthrows.^[11]

Backlift

Lifting the bat in preparation to hitting the ball.^[11]

Badger

A particularly enthusiastic cricketer, someone with an extreme love of the game.^[14]

bad light

In a match played during the day, "bad light" refers to the umpires taking the players from the field because the ambient light has dimmed to the point that the ball has become difficult to see. Done for both fairness and the safety of the batters.^[15] Often shortened simply to light. See also offer the light.

Baggy green

A cricket cap of myrtle green colour, which has been worn by Australian Test cricketers since around 1900. The cap is a symbol of Australian cricket, and the term is strongly associated with national cricketing pride.

Bail

One of the two small pieces of wood that lie on top of the stumps to form the wicket.^[2]

Ball

1.  The spherical object which the bowler propels towards the batter, who may attempt to hit it with the bat. Constructed of leather stitched around a cork core. A red ball is used in timed matches (or a pink ball for day/night cricket), whilst a white ball is used in limited overs cricket.

2.  A single delivery. Each over contains six (legal) balls.^[1]

Ball tampering

Illegally modifying the condition of the ball, usually by a fielder to facilitate swing bowling. Ball tampering is a form of cheating, so accusations are often controversial.

Ball tracking

A computer vision system that determines the location of the ball, tracks its motion, and predicts its future trajectory. Used by the third umpire in the decision review system to assess LBW appeals, and by coaches or commentators to analyse player performances.^[1] Common brands include Hawk-Eye and Eagle-Eye,^[16] which are sometimes used as genericised trademarks for the concept.

Bang (it) in

To bowl a delivery on a shorter length with additional speed and force. The bowler is said to be "bending their back" when banging it in.

Bat

The wooden implement which the batter uses to hit the ball. Usually constructed in two pieces, the rectangular-sectioned blade and cylindrical handle, which are joined at the splice.^[11]

Bat-pad

A fielder placed close to the batter on the leg side to catch the ball if it hits the bat and pad (in either order), and rises to a catchable height. Also a defence against being given out lbw, that the ball may have hit the bat first, however indiscernible.^[1]

Batter

(m. batsman, f. batswoman, or batting player for either)

A player on the batting side, or one of the two members of the batting side who are currently at the crease, or (in the context of a player's career) a player whose speciality is batting.^[1] The term 'batsman' was used for most of the game's history, regardless of the player's gender, but the more gender neutral term 'batter' began to be adopted in the 2010s and was made official in the Laws in 2021.^[17][18]

Batting

The act and skill of defending one's wicket and scoring runs.^[1]

Batting average

The average number of runs scored per innings by a batter, calculated by dividing the batter's total runs scored by the number of times the batter was out.^[11]

Batting collapse

When several batters are dismissed in rapid succession for very few runs. The terms top order collapse or middle order collapse may refer to batting collapses in a specific part of the batting order.

Batting for a draw

Defensive batting in a timed match by a team with little chance of victory, who are instead attempting to salvage a draw. The batters seek to survive as many balls as possible before losing their wicket, without attempting to score many runs and avoiding aggressive shots. Sometimes regarded as boring to watch, and sometimes as producing tense finishes.^[19][20]

Batting order

The order in which the batters bat, from the openers, through the top order and middle order to the lower order.^[11]

Beach cricket

An informal form of the game played on beaches, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and cricket-playing Caribbean countries.^[21]

Beamer

A delivery that reaches the batter above waist height without bouncing. This is illegal and an automatic no-ball.^[1] Further sanctions are applied to repeat offences, though the exact rules have changed several times. Since 2019, if the umpire believes that the beamer was dangerous and risked injury to the batter, they issue a first and final warning to the bowler; a second dangerous delivery results in the bowler being banned from bowling for the remainder of that innings.^[22]

Beat the bat

When a batter narrowly avoids touching the ball with the edge of their bat, through good fortune rather than skill. Considered a moral victory for the bowler. The batter is said to have been beaten. In some cases, this may be expanded to "beaten all ends up".^[23]

Beehive

A diagram showing where a number of balls, usually from a particular bowler, have passed the batter.^[24] Compare pitch map.

Beer match

In club cricket, where the scheduled game ends early, a friendly match concocted to fill in time, originally where licensing hours would have prevented the teams from retiring to the pub, but also for love of the game. Often played with an unusual format, such as "reverse batting order", "every outfielder must bowl", or "bats retire at 25".

Belter

A belter of a pitch is a pitch offering advantage to the batter.^[1]

Bend the back

Of a pace bowler, to put in extra effort to extract extra speed or bounce.^[1]

Benefit season

A series of fundraising events to reward a long-serving player, typically those who have played over a decade for a single county cricket team, shortly before the player retires. Similar in concept to testimonial matches played in other sports.

Best bowling

The bowling analysis with the most wickets taken in an innings; the fewest runs conceded are used as a tie-breaker. This can be used to compare different bowlers within a single match, or to highlight the best performance by an individual over an extended period, such as a season or their whole career. The equivalent for batters is the high score.

Biffer

slang term for an attacking batter. A biffer is the opposite of a blocker, being a defending player. In earlier times (particularly pre-World War II) cricketers were either amateur (Gentlemen) or professional (Players). Typically, but not universally, amateurs would be "biffers" and professionals "blockers". The word derives from the slightly archaic transitive verb, "biff" which means "hit". Today, biffers tend to be known as big hitters.

Bite

the turn a spin bowler is able to produce on a pitch.^[3]

Block

A defensive shot, intending to stop the ball safely without attempting to score runs. The most common form of block is the forward defensive.^[23]

Blocker

slang term for a defensive or slow-scoring batter, the opposite of biffer. In earlier times (particularly pre-World War II) cricketers were either professional or amateur. Typically, but not universally, amateurs would be "biffers" and professionals "blockers". The word derives from the natural tendency of such batters to "block" each delivery, rather than try to score runs. Such players tend to have low strike rates, but in many cases high averages due to their lack of aggressive shots giving bowlers less chances to dismiss them. They are typically less effective in limited overs cricket where quick scoring is often needed, though some are able to adapt their game to score quicker in the shorter formats of the game.

Block hole

the gap between the bottom of the bat and the batter's toes. This area is the target for a yorker, as it is difficult to block unless the batter is expecting it.^[23]

Blob

See duck

Bodyline (or fast leg theory)

a historical tactic involving fast bowling aimed at the batter's body with numerous close fielders placed on the leg side. Bodyline was developed in the early 1930s and used by England (who called it "fast leg theory") during the 1932–33 Ashes Tour. The tactic was highly controversial, leading to accusations of unsporting behaviour and deliberately attempting to injure or intimidate the batters. Changes to the rules were brought it to outlaw dangerous deliveries and to limit the number of leg-side fielders and bouncers, making bodyline obsolete.^[1]

Boot Hill

Another term for short leg, the least liked and most dangerous of the fielding positions. The term is derived from this potential for getting hit by the ball, being a reference to the Boot Hills of the American West, graveyards for those who "died with their boots on". Due to its unpopularity the position has traditionally been taken by the junior professional, although this is no longer necessarily the case. According to former England fielding coach Richard Halsall, a good short leg has to be physically brave, an outstanding catcher, and preferably a good reader of the batter, and are indeed normally batters themselves.^[25][26]

Bosie or bosey

See googly^[1]

Bottom hand

The hand of the batter that is closest to the blade of the bat. Shots played with the bottom hand often are hit in the air.^[23]

Bouncer

a fast short pitched delivery that rises up near the batter's head.^[1][3]

Bounce out

to get a batter out with the aid of bounce, often by getting them caught out^[27]

Boundary

1.  the perimeter of the field^[23]

2.  a rope that demarcates that perimeter^[2]

3.  a shot which reaches (or passes over) the boundary rope. If the ball touches the ground before reaching the boundary, the shot scores four runs. If it does not touch the ground before reaching the rope, the shot scores six runs.^[23]

Bowled

a mode of a batter's dismissal. Occurs when a delivery hits the stumps and removes at least one bail.^[28]

Bowled around the legs

out bowled by a delivery which passes the batter on the leg side before hitting the wicket. The term implies that the batter has moved too far over to their off side.

Bowled out

1.  see all out.

2.  Sometimes incorrectly used in place of bowled.

Bowler

1.  The player who is currently bowling.

2.  A player who specialises in bowling.

Bowling

the act of delivering the cricket ball to the batter.^[23]

Bowl-out

A method for breaking a tie which was used in some limited overs matches in the late 20th and early 21st centuries; most competitions have replaced it with the super over. Five players from each team bowled at an undefended wicket, with the team with the most hits winning. Sudden death was used if the number was equal. The concept was analogous to the penalty shootout used in other sports.^[29]

Bowling action or action

The set of movements a bowler goes through in a delivery.^[5]

Bowling analysis or bowling figures

A statistical summary of a bowler's performance. Two formats are common: either the numbers of overs–maidens–runs conceded–wickets, or the shorter numbers of wickets/runs e.g. 12-2-46-3 or 3/46, pronounced 'three for forty-six'.^[23]

Bowling at the death

See death overs^[1]

Bowling average

The number of runs conceded by a bowler, divided by the number of wickets they have taken. One of several statistics used to compare the performances of bowlers over extended periods; lower is better.^[5]

Box

a protective item shaped like a half-shell and inserted into the front pouch of a jockstrap with cup pocket worn underneath a player's (particularly a batter's) trousers to protect their genitalia from the hard cricket ball. Also known as an abdominal protector, Hector protector, ball box, protector, athletic cup, protective cup or cup.^[23]

Brace

two wickets taken off two consecutive deliveries.

Break

a suffix denoting the ball changing direction after pitching caused by the bowler's spin or cut. For example, a leg spinner will deliver leg breaks (moving from leg to off).^[8]

Buffet bowling

see cafeteria bowling.

Bump ball

A ball played off the bat immediately into the ground and then caught by a fielder. Often this has the appearance of being a clean catch directly off the bat.^[1]

Bumper

old-fashioned name for a bouncer.^[1]

Bunny

see rabbit.^[1]

Bunsen

A pitch on which spin bowlers can turn the ball prodigiously. From the rhyming slang: 'Bunsen Burner' meaning 'Turner'.^[1]

Buzzer

see overthrows

Bye

extras scored in the same way as normal runs when the ball does not make contact with any part of the batter (bat, protective gear, body parts).^[1]

C

Cafeteria bowling

(also buffet bowling)

Poor quality bowling which is easy to hit, allowing the batters to help themselves to runs, analogous to a self-service cafeteria or buffet. Occasionally employed deliberately as declaration bowling.

Call

1.  A shouted announcement by a fielder while the ball is in the air, usually the word "mine", indicating that they are about to attempt a catch. Considered good practice, to avoid two fielders colliding if both attempt to take the same catch.

2.  A shouted, normally single word, instruction from a batter to their partner, indicating whether to attempt a run. Only one batter makes a call, to avoid confusion that could lead to a run out. Responsibility for making the call is held by whichever batter has the better view of the ball and can see whether any fielders are close to it. This is most often the striker for a shot in front of square, and the non-striker for a shot behind square. Common possible calls include yes, no, wait, push, one, two or three.

Two examples of cricket caps: the blue cap of England and the baggy green of Australia

Cap

1.  A type of soft material hat, traditionally worn by fielders.

2.  An appearance for a national team.

Captain

(or skipper)

The player who has been appointed leader of their team. The captain decides which bowler will deliver each over, the placement of the fielders, the batting order, when to use the decision review system, whether and when to declare, and many other aspects of the game. The captain's tactical abilities can have a major impact on the outcome of a match. The captain often has substantial responsibilities between games as well, such as in team selection or representing the team in the media.

Carrom ball

a style of slow bowling delivery in which the ball is released by flicking the ball between the thumb and a bent middle finger in order to impart spin

Carry

1.  A shot has carried if the ball is hit in the air and reaches a fielder without touching the ground (regardless of whether the fielder then successfully takes a catch). If the ball touches the ground before reaching the fielder, it has not carried.^[30] Slow-motion television replays are sometimes required to determine whether the ball carried or bounced a few inches in front of the fielder.

2.  The distance which a delivery bounces through to the wicketkeeper if the batter does not play a shot. The wicketkeeper must position themselves at an appropriate distance behind the stumps for the carry, which depends on the hardness of the pitch, height of the bowler, the length they are bowling etc.

Carry the bat

(or carry their bat)

An opener batting through an entire innings, remaining not out at the conclusion. The rest of the team must be all out (not any other end of innings scenario). Regarded as an excellent performance by the opening batter.^[1]

Cartwheel

The motion of a stump when hit by a delivery hard enough that it rips out of the ground and flips end-over-end before landing, like a gymnastic cartwheel.^{[citation needed]}

Castled

Clean bowled usually by a yorker or a full length ball.

Catch

A fielder gaining complete control of the ball, in one or both hands, before it touches the ground. The wicketkeeper may use gloves, but no other fielder may use any other equipment or clothing to assist in taking the catch. A fair catch leads to the batter being caught.

Caught

a method of dismissal in which one of the fielders, including the bowler, catches the ball before it touches the ground after the batter hits it (with either the bat or a glove that is in contact with the bat).^[31] This is the most common method of getting a batter out in professional cricket.

Caught and bowled

Dismissed by a catch taken by the bowler. The term originates from the way such dismissals are recorded on a scorecard (c & b); the alternative "bowled and caught", referring to the sequence of events in the strict chronological order, is almost never used.

Caught behind

Dismissed by a catch taken by the wicket-keeper. Usually from an edge or glove, but sometimes from a skier.

Centurion

A player who has scored a century.

Century

1.  A score of at least 100 runs by a single batter; considered a substantial personal achievement.^[30]

2.  (rare) An ironic term for a bowler who has conceded over 100 runs in an innings.^[30]

Chance

An opportunity to dismiss a batter that isn't taken by the fielding side. Common examples include a shot that carries to a fielder who then drops the catch; a possible run out in which the fielder's throw misses the stumps; or a fumble by a wicketkeeper during an attempted stumping.^[32] If a batter does not provide any chances to the opponent, it is referred to as a "chanceless innings" or "chanceless knock".^[33] Some commentators refer to a very difficult opportunity as a "half chance".^[34]

Charge

A batter moving quickly towards to the bowler while the delivery is in flight, to gain momentum for a powerful shot (often a slog).^[1] A more aggressive version of a dance down, with even higher risk, so usually only attempted in the death overs.

Check upstairs

Invoke the Umpire Decision Review System, especially by the umpires themselves. The third umpire is usually sat high in the stadium, and replays are often displayed on elevated screens, hence the expression.

Cherry

1.  Slang term for a red ball, especially in Australia.

2.  A red mark left on a bat by the impact of a red ball, most commonly a new ball (which has fresh red dye on its surface).

Chest on

(also front on or square on)

1.  A bowler whose chest and hips are aligned towards the batter at the instant of back foot contact.^[1]

2.  A batter whose hips and shoulders face towards the bowler at the moment of release.^[1]

Chin music

The use of a series of bouncers from pace bowlers to intimidate a batter. Term taken from baseball.^[1]

Chinaman

see left-arm unorthodox spin

Chinese cut

see French cut

Chop on

to be bowled by the ball deflecting off the inside or bottom edge of the bat and onto the stumps while playing a shot

Chuck

of a bowler, to throw the ball by bending the elbow instead of bowling it with a straight arm; also chucker: a bowler who chucks; and chucking: such an illegal bowling action. All are considered offensive terms as they imply cheating.^[1]

Circle

a painted circle (or ellipse), centred in the middle of the pitch, of radius 30-yard (27 m) marked on the field. The circle separates the infield from the outfield, used in policing the fielding regulations in certain one-day versions of the game. The exact nature of the restrictions vary depending on the type of game: see limited overs cricket, Twenty20 and powerplay (cricket).

Clean bowled

bowled, without the ball first hitting the bat or pad.^[2]

Club

1.  A group of cricketers, from which one or more teams are formed.

2.  To strike the ball gracelessly, but with great force. A weaker form of slog.

Club cricket

(grade cricket in Australia)

Formally organised cricket played by skilled amateurs. Considered a higher standard of play than purely recreational village cricket, but still lower than professional forms of the sport.

Collapse

see batting collapse

Come to the crease

A phrase used to indicate a batter walking onto the playing arena and arriving at the cricket pitch in the middle of the ground to begin batting.

Competitive Women's Cricket

The official designation given to the female equivalents to First-class, List A and T20 cricket.^[35]

Compulsory close (cc)

When a team's innings is closed and completed by a means other than being all out or declaring. This particularly applies in grade cricket competitions where each innings of a two-innings match is also subject to a time or overs limit. The letters (cc) appear in the team's score to reflect this; e.g. 266–7(cc).^[36]

Conventional swing

see swing

Contrived circumstances

Unusual tactics which are intended to achieve a legitimate outcome, but result in wild statistical abnormalities; for example, deliberately bowling extremely poorly to encourage a quick declaration. Wisden excludes records set in contrived circumstances from its official lists.^[37]

Cordon

(or slips cordon)

Collective term for multiple fielders in the slips. Sometimes also includes gully.

Corridor of uncertainty

a good line. The corridor of uncertainty is a notional narrow area on and just outside a batter's off stump. If a delivery is in the corridor, it is difficult for a batter to decide whether to leave the ball, or play at it defensively, or play an attacking shot. The term was popularised by former England batter and latterly commentator, Geoffrey Boycott.^[1]

County cricket

the highest level of domestic cricket in England and Wales.^[38]

Cover

(or the covers)

1.  A fielding position on the off side, forward of point and squarer than mid-off.^[38] A cover fielder situated closer to point than usual is known as cover point, whilst one which is closer to mid-off is known as extra cover. The plural term 'the covers' refers to all these variants collectively.

2.  A waterproof assembly or tarpaulin used by the ground staff to protect parts of the field from rain (usually the pitch, square and run ups).^[38]

Cow corner

the area of the field (roughly) between deep mid-wicket and wide long-on. So called because few 'legitimate' shots are deliberately aimed to this part of the field, so fielders are rarely placed there – leading to the concept that cows could happily graze undisturbed in that area.^[1]

Cow shot

a hard shot, usually in the air, across the line of a full-pitched ball, aiming to hit the ball over the boundary at cow corner, with very little regard to proper accepted technique. A type of slog.^[1]

Crease

a straight whitewash line painted on the pitch near the stumps. At each end of the pitch there are four creases: the 'popping crease', 'bowling crease' and two 'return creases'. The word 'crease' without further qualification refers either to the popping crease or to the region beyond it. The creases are used to adjudge whether a run has been completed, a batter is run out, the delivery is a no-ball or wide etc.^[2]

Cricketer

a person who plays cricket.^[39]

Cross-bat shot

a conventional shot played with the bat parallel with the ground, such as a cut or a pull. Also known as a horizontal-bat shot, it is generally considered a potentially risky option for batters.^[1]

Cross the rope

To cross over the boundary rope. Often said of batters who are beginning or resuming an innings,^[40] players entering or exiting the field to begin a session of play,^[41] fielders attempting catches,^[42] and the ball when the batter scores a boundary

Cut

a shot played square on the off side to a short-pitched delivery wide of off stump. So called because the batter makes a "cutting" motion as they play the shot.^[38]

Cutter

a break delivery bowled by a fast or medium-pace bowler with similar action to a spin bowler, but at a faster pace. It is usually used in an effort to surprise the batter, although some medium-pace bowlers use the cutter as their stock (main) delivery.^[8]

D

Daddy hundred

Informal term for a batter's individual score that is substantially higher than a century. Some coaches set a requirement of at least 150 runs, but that value is not universal.^[43]

Daisy cutter

1.  A low-trajectory delivery in which the ball bounces twice, or rolls along the ground, before reaching the batter.^[44] A type of no ball.

2.  A shot in which the ball travels on a low trajectory, bouncing just above the grass.^[44][45] This retains more speed than a rolling ball, while being very difficult to catch.

Dance down (the pitch)

A batter using footwork to move closer to the bowler while the delivery is in flight, typically with a skipping motion, changing the effective length. A near-synonym of charge, but less aggressive. Considered risky, because if the batter misses their shot they are likely to be stumped or run out.

Day/night cricket

a cricket match scheduled to begin during day time and end after sunset, using floodlights. Used in some one day internationals since 1979, and Test matches since 2015.

DB

see dot ball

Dead ball

1.  the state of play between deliveries, during which batters may not score runs or be given out.^[1] There are numerous situations where play becomes dead, see dead ball.

2.  a signal given by the umpire to indicate a state of dead ball. Used only if the state is not obvious to the players.

Dead bat

A defensive shot with the bat held in a loose grip and/or angled towards the ground. If the ball strikes the bat it loses momentum and falls quickly to the ground. Used to reduce the chance of being caught off an edge.^[46][5]

Dead rubber

A match played in a series after one side has gained an unassailable lead, e.g. has already won 3 matches in a 5-match series, or in a tournament if both teams have already qualified (or failed to qualify) for the subsequent rounds. The term is used disparagingly to imply that the match is of lesser importance, but some regard the concept as outdated.^[47]

Death bowler

A bowler who specialises in delivering the death overs at the end of a limited overs match. Because batters usually play very aggressively in this period, a death bowler must be particularly skilled at variations which are difficult to score from and/or unexpected by the batter, such as yorkers and slower balls.^[48]

Death overs

(or slog overs)

The final few overs of an innings in a limited overs match. Because only runs matter in determining the result, a batting side with wickets in hand will bat very aggressively in this period, seeking to hit every delivery for a boundary, even if it risks a dismissal. Typically the batting strike rate is highest in this period, and the bowler's economy is poorest.^[48]

Death rattle

The sound of the ball breaking the wicket when a batter is out bowled.^[5]

Debenture

a certificate of loan agreement, used by some professional clubs to raise funding. Typically, investors loan money to the club for a fixed period in return for guaranteed free (or reduced price) match tickets during that period.

Decision review system (DRS)

see Umpire Decision Review System.

Declaration

the act of a captain voluntarily bringing their side's innings to a close, in the belief that their score is now great enough to prevent defeat. Occurs almost exclusively in timed forms of cricket where a draw is a possible result (such as first-class cricket), in order that the side declaring have enough time to bowl the opposition out and therefore win.^[1]

Declaration bowling

deliberately poor bowling (specifically Full tosses and Long hops) from the fielding team with the intention of allowing the batters to score runs quickly and thus encourage the opposing captain to declare, thereby giving both teams a reasonable chance of winning in a timed match which would otherwise have been inevitably drawn. Non-specialist bowlers will often be used in this context, largely to preserve dignity (and the bowling averages) of the specialist bowlers. This may occasionally be seen in domestic first-class cricket, where the points systems used often show little penalty between a draw and a loss; but it would very seldom be seen in Test cricket where the consequence of a loss in the context of a series is greater. Cf. Cafeteria bowling.

Deep

(of a fielding position) further away from the batter and closer to the boundary.

Defensive field

A fielding configuration in which fielders are spread around the field so as to more readily stop hit balls and reduce the number of runs (particularly boundaries) being scored by batters, at the cost of fewer opportunities to take catches and dismiss batters.

Delivery

the act of bowling the ball;^[8] also, the quality of the way in which a ball is bowled, in either intent or effect.

Devil's number

(or dreaded number)

a score of 87, regarded as unlucky in Australian cricket. Superstition holds that batters are more likely to be dismissed for 87, because it is 13 runs short of a century (see triskaidekaphobia).

Diamond duck

regional usage varies, but either a dismissal (usually run out) without facing a delivery,^[49] or a dismissal (for zero) off the first ball of a team's innings (the less common term platinum duck is used interchangeably).

Dibbly dobbly

(or dibbly dobbler)

1.  a medium pace delivery, neither fast nor slow, with no special variation.

2.  a bowler who uses this type of delivery as their stock ball.

3.  a delivery that is easy to hit, but difficult to score quickly from.^[1]

Dilscoop

see paddle scoop

Dink

a deliberately gentle shot played by a batter, without attempted power, in order to guide the ball into an unguarded area of the field, largely using the ball's own momentum from the delivery. Often effective against fast bowlers.

Dinner

the second of the two intervals taken during a full day's play specifically during a day/night test.

Dipper

a delivery bowled which curves into or away from the batter before pitching.

Dismissal

Take the wicket of one of the batters, so they must cease batting for the remainder of the innings. A batter who has been dismissed is referred to as out; if ten members of the batting side are dismissed (or retire), the team are all out. There are ten possible methods, but the vast majority of dismissals are one of five types: caught, bowled, leg before wicket, run out and stumped.

Direct hit

a throw from a fieldsman that directly strikes and puts down a wicket (without first being caught by a fieldsman standing at the stumps). Occurs when attempting a run out.

D/L

see Duckworth-Lewis method

DLS

see Duckworth-Lewis method

Dobbing

a synonym for Mankad, specifically used in Lancashire and some neighbouring counties^{[citation needed]}

Doctored pitch

a cricket pitch which has been intentionally prepared in a specific manner in order to gain a competitive advantage for the home team, such as creating a dry, crumbly surface that particularly favours the home team's spin bowlers, or a firm, grassy surface which would favour fast bowlers, or any surface which exacerbates perceived weaknesses in the visiting team's batting. Whilst widely considered unsporting, the practice is comparatively common and is (within reason) legal, but the term is always used pejoratively.^[50]

Dolly

a very easy catch.^[1]

Donkey drop

A ball with a very high trajectory prior to bouncing.^[8]

Doosra

A delivery by a finger spin bowler which turns in the opposite direction to the stock delivery. The word is Hindi/Urdu (Hindustani) for 'second' or 'other'.^[1] Some bowlers can perform the required bowling action legally, whilst others cannot do so without throwing, which is often ascribed to physiological differences.

Dorothy

rhyming slang for six, referring to the author Dorothy Dix.^{[citation needed]}

Dot ball (DB)

a delivery bowled without any runs scored off it, so called because it is recorded in the score book with a single dot.

Double

normally the scoring of a 1000 runs and the taking of 100 wickets in the same season.

Down the pitch

(also down the wicket)

referring to the motion of a batter towards the bowler prior to or during the delivery, made in the hope of turning a good length ball into a half-volley.

Drag

before the current "front foot rule" was introduced, bowlers had to release the ball with the rear foot behind the bowling crease; there were instances of bowlers (especially Gordon Rorke) managing to "drag" the rear foot forward before release and not being no-balled.

Draw

1.  a result in timed matches where the team batting last are not all out, but fail to exceed their opponent's total. Not to be confused with a tie, in which the side batting last is all out or run out of overs with the scores level.

2.  an antiquated stroke that has fallen into disuse, it was originally a deliberate shot that resembled the French cut – the ball being played between one's own legs.^[10]

Draw stumps

Declare the game, or a day's play, over; a reference to withdrawing the stumps from the ground by the umpire.

Drift

the slight lateral curved-path movement that a spinner extracts while the ball is in flight. Considered very good bowling as it increases the difficulty for a batter to correctly judge the precise movement and path of the ball .^[1]

Drinks

an agreed short break in play, generally taken in the middle of a session, when refreshments are brought out to the players and umpires by the twelfth men of each side. Drinks breaks do not always need to take place, but they are usual in test matches, particularly in hot countries.

Drinks waiter

a jocular term for the twelfth man, referring to his job of bringing out drinks.

Drive

a shot played with a straight bat on the front foot, aiming anywhere between point on the off side and mid-wicket on the leg side. The drive is the most common shot for scoring runs, and often considered the most aesthetically pleasing. Several sub-types are recognised depending on direction, including the square drive, cover drive, off drive, straight drive and on drive.

Drop

1.  the accidental "dropping" of a ball that was initially caught by a fielder, thus denying the dismissal of the batter; when such an event occurs, the batter is said to have been "dropped".

2.  the number of dismissals which occur in a team's innings before a given batter goes in to bat; a batter batting at 'first drop' is batting at number three in the batting order, going in after one wicket has fallen.

3.  the act of excluding a player from selection in a squad even when they were included in the most recent prior selection.

Dropper

Obsolete term for a delivery by lob bowling, or a bowler who employed this style. Common in the 19th century, this form of bowling is now usually illegal.

Drop-in pitch

a temporary pitch that is cultivated off-site from the field which also allows other sports to share the use of the field with less chance of injury to the players.

DRS

see Umpire Decision Review System

Duck

a batter's score of nought (zero) dismissed, as in "he was out for a duck." It can refer to a score of nought not out during an innings, as in "she hasn't got off her duck yet", but never refers to a completed innings score of nought not out. Originally called a "duck's egg" because of the "0" shape in the scorebook.^[1][3] ( see Golden, Diamond, and Platinum duck )

Duck under delivery

a short pitched delivery that appears to be a bouncer, making the striker duck to avoid from being hit; but instead of bouncing high, it has a low bounce which causes the batter to be dismissed LBW, or occasionally bowled.

Duckworth-Lewis method (D/L)

(or Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, DLS)

a rain rule used if a limited overs match is curtailed by bad weather. If the match cannot be completed, the Duckworth-Lewis method determines the winner, or if the match can be continued but needs to be shortened, it calculates a revised target for the team batting second. The mathematical formula is based on analysis of past completed matches. Used in all international matches since 1999, and in most domestic leagues.^[1]

Dugout

term taken from association football, a sheltered place just outside the boundary ropes where a team's non-active players and staff sit. Dugouts are a common feature of Twenty20 matches, but pavilions are usually used for any longer forms of the game.

E

Eagle-Eye

see ball tracking

Economical

A bowler who concedes very few runs from their over(s), i.e. has a low economy rate. The opposite of expensive.

Economy rate

The average number of runs conceded per over delivered by an individual bowler. Lower values are better.^[1]

Edge (or snick or nick)

A slight deviation of the ball off the edge of the bat. Top, bottom, inside and outside edges denote the four edges of the bat. The notional four edges are due to the bat being either vertical (inside/outside edge), or horizontal (top/bottom edge). See also leading edge.^[51]

Eleven

another name for one cricket team, which is made of eleven players.^[51]

End

An area of the ground directly behind one of the stumps, used to designate what end a bowler is bowling from (e.g. the pavilion end).^[51] The bowlers take turns delivering alternating overs from the two ends of the pitch.

End of an innings

The batting side's innings ends when a wicket falls or a batter retires and the batting side has no further not out batters able to bat, or when the batting side's captain declares.

Expensive

a bowler who concedes a large number of runs from their over(s), i.e. has a high economy rate.^[51] The opposite of economical.

Express pace

Fast bowling at speeds above 150 km/h^[52]

Extra

(called a sundry in Australia)

A run awarded to the batting team that is not credited to a specific batter. These are recorded separately on the scorecard. There are five types: byes, leg byes, wides, no-balls and penalties. Wides and no-balls are also recorded as runs conceded in the bowling analysis, the others are not attributed to the bowler.^[1]

Extra cover

see cover

F

Fall

a verb used to indicate the dismissal of a batter, e.g "The fourth wicket fell for the addition of only three runs".

Fall of wicket

the batting team's score at which a batter gets out. Often abbreviated to "FOW" in scorecards.^[51]

Farm the strike (also shepherd the strike or farm the bowling)

of a batter, contrive to receive the majority of the balls bowled,^[51] usually because they are the more skilled of the two batters in facing the bowling style of the bowler. This usually results in the batter contriving to make an even number of runs (for example, by waiting until certain of hitting a 4 or 6, or by running only 2 when they could have run 3) so that they will again face the bowler. For the same reason, they will try to score a single from the last ball of the over, whereas their weaker partner would not attempt to score from it.

Fast bowling

a style of bowling in which the ball is delivered at high speeds, typically over 90 mph (145 km/h). Fast bowlers also use swing.^[51]

Fast leg theory

see bodyline

Feather

a faint edge.^[3]

Featherbed

A soft, slow pitch of predictable bounce. Such pitches are considered to be good for batting on, offering little, if any, help for a bowler.^[1]

Fence

The boundary. Sometimes used in the phrase 'find(s) the fence', which is said of a ball that is hit to the boundary.

-fer

a suffix to any number, meaning the number of wickets taken by a team or bowler. (See also fifer/five-fer)

Ferret

see rabbit.^[1]

Field

1.  (noun) a large grass turf area on which the sport is played, forming part of the wider ground. Typically oval, but a wide variety of other shapes are permitted provided they are at least 130 yards (120 m) in diameter. At (or near) the centre of the field is the pitch, and the edge of the field is the boundary, marked by a boundary rope.

2.  (verb) the act of fielding.

Fielder (also, more traditionally, fieldsman)

a player on the fielding side who is neither the bowler nor the wicket-keeper, in particular one who has just fielded the ball.

Fielding

Recovering the ball after each delivery. One of the three major skills of cricket (the others being batting and bowling), all members of the team take part in the fielding. If the batter has hit the ball in the air, the fielders can attempt a catch, to dismiss the batter. Otherwise they attempt to prevent the ball crossing the boundary, bring it under control, then return it to the vicinity of the stumps. This is done as quickly as possible, to either stop the batters from scoring runs or to effect a run out.

Fill-up game

when a match finished early a further game was sometimes started to fill in the available time and to entertain the paying spectators.

Find the gap(s)

to play a shot or series of shots along the ground, in the gaps between fielders. The least risky way of scoring runs quickly, but it requires good technique to be able to do consistently. The opposite, finding the man , is often used when the ball is hit straight to a fielder through the air and is caught.

Fine

of a position on the field behind the batter, closer to the line of the pitch (wicket-to-wicket); the opposite of square.^[51]

Finger spin

a form of spin bowling in which the ball is made rotate by the action of the bowler's fingers (contrast with wrist spin). For a right-handed bowler this produces off spin, whereas the same technique by a left-handed bowler produces left arm orthodox spin.

First-class cricket

the senior form of the game; usually county, state or international. First-class matches consist of two innings per side and are usually played over three or more days.^[10]

First change

the third bowler used in an innings. As the first bowler to replace either of the opening pair this bowler is the first change that the captain makes to the attack.

First eleven

the best team of (eleven) players at a club, who will be chosen by the selector for the most important or high-profile games. Other players are used if members of the first eleven are unavailable or in less important fixtures. Some large clubs have enough players to operate a hierarchy of teams, in which case the others are known as the second eleven, third eleven etc.

First innings points

In two-innings competitions with a league table to determine standings, in addition to points awarded for winning or tieing a match, a team is also awarded points for taking a first innings lead, i.e. scoring more than their opponents in the first innings.

Fishing

being tempted into throwing the bat at a wider delivery outside off-stump and missing, reaching for a wide delivery and missing. See also waft.

Five-wicket haul (also five-for, five-fer, fifer, shortened to 5WI or FWI, or colloquially a Michelle, in honour of the actress Michelle Pfeiffer.)

five or more wickets taken by a bowler in an innings, considered a very good performance. The term five-for is an abbreviation of the usual form of writing bowling statistics, e.g., a bowler who takes 5 wickets and concedes 117 runs is said to have figures of "5 for 117" or "5–117". A five-wicket haul is traditionally regarded as a special moment for a bowler, just like a century for a batter.

Flamingo shot

A type of shot whereby a batter flicks deliveries from outside off-stump through mid-wicket. It is done when the opposition plays a heavy off-side field and then bowl outside off. This shot was originally invented by Kevin Pietersen. It is also played by James Taylor and by New Zealand tailender Trent Boult

Flash

to wield the bat aggressively, often hitting good line and length deliveries indiscriminately.

Flat pitch

a pitch which is advantageous to the batters and offers little or no help to the bowlers, due to predictable bounce. Also known as a "flat deck"^[53]

Flat hit

an aerial shot hit with significant power by the batter which travels fast enough to make the ballistic trajectory of the ball appear flat

Flat throw

a ball thrown by the fielder which is almost parallel to the ground. Considered to be a hallmark of good fielding if the throw is also accurate because flat throws travel at a fast pace.

Flat-track bully

a batter high in the batting order who is very good only when the pitch is not giving the bowlers much help. 'Track' is Australian slang for the pitch. When the 'track' is said to be 'flat' it is at its easiest for the batter, but these are the only conditions under which some players can dominate. When conditions are tough, or when it really counts – they do not.

Flick

a gentle movement of the wrist to move the bat, often associated with shots on the leg side.

Flight

a delivery which is thrown up at a more arched trajectory by a spinner. Considered to be good bowling. Also loop.

Flipper

a leg spin delivery with under-spin, so it bounces lower than normal, invented by Clarrie Grimmett.^[1][3]

Floater

a delivery bowled by a spinner that travels in a highly arched path appearing to 'float' in the air.^[1]

Fly slip

a position deeper than the conventional slips, between the slips and third man.^[8]

Follow on

a team which bats first in the second innings, after having batted second in the first innings, is said to have followed on. The captain of the team batting first in the first innings may direct the team batting second to follow on if it leads by a certain margin after the first innings; this margin is currently 200 runs in a five-day game, and 150 runs in a three- or four-day game.^[8]

Follow through

a bowler's body actions after the release of the ball to stabilise their body.^[8]

Footmarks

On a grass pitch, the bowler creates a rough patch where they lands their foot and follow through after delivering the ball. The rough patch can become cratered and becomes more abrasive as the match continues and more players step on it. The abrasive surface means that the ball will increasingly grip more if it lands in the footmarks. Bowlers, particularly spinners, will aim the ball there as it will turn more sharply, and is more likely to get irregular bounce from such areas, making it more difficult for the opposition batters.

Footwork

the necessary feet movements that a batter has to take so as to be at a comfortable distance from where the ball has pitched, just right to hit the ball anywhere they desire, negating any spin or swing that a bowler attempts to extract after bouncing.

Form

The quality of a player's recent performances. A player who is 'in form' has played well in recent games, so is likely to do so again. Those that are 'out of form' have struggled recently. A run of poor form may result in the player being dropped from the team.^[54]

Forty-Five (on the one)

An uncommon fielding position akin to a short third-man, roughly halfway between the pitch and the boundary. Also used for a short backward square leg (at 45° behind square defending a single).

Forward defence (or forward defensive)

A common defensive shot, played with the batter's weight on the front foot and a straight bat held stationary close to the pad. The bat is angled downwards to deflect the ball into the ground in front of the batter, preventing a catch. Considered a safe way of defending against a delivery which threatens to hit the stumps, but is unlikely to score any runs.

Four

a shot that reaches the boundary after touching the ground, which scores four runs to the batting side.

Four wickets (also 4WI)

Also four-for four or more wickets taken by a bowler in an innings, considered a good performance. Mostly used in One Day Internationals and it is a rarer feat in T20 Cricket.

Fourth stump

a position or line one stump's width outside the off stump, i.e. where the wicket's fourth stump would be positioned if it existed. Generally refers to the line or pitch of a delivery. A fourth stump line is roughly synonymous with the corridor of uncertainty.^[55]

Free hit

a penalty given in some forms of cricket when a bowler bowls a 'no-ball'. The bowler must bowl another delivery, and the batter cannot be dismissed by the bowler from that delivery. Between the no-ball and the free hit, the fielders may not change positions (unless the batters changed ends on the no-ball).

French cricket

an informal form of the game, typically played by children. The term "playing French Cricket" can imply that a batter has not attempted to move their feet and looks ungainly because of this.

French Cut (also referred to as a Chinese Cut, Surrey Cut, or Harrow Drive)

term for an unintentionally poorly executed shot which results in an inside edge where the ball narrowly misses hitting the stumps.^[30]

Such unintentional shots can frequently fool the wicket keeper and may often fortunately result in runs.

Fritz

To be out stumped following a rebound from the wicketkeeper's pads on to the stumps.^{[citation needed]}

Front foot

all opposites of back foot

1.  (of a batter) in the batting stance, the foot that is closest to the bowler and furthest from the stumps.

2.  (of a shot) played with the batter's weight primarily on that foot.

3.  (of a bowler) during the bowling action, the last foot to contact the ground before the ball is released.

Front foot contact

during the bowling action, the position of the bowler when their front foot lands on the ground.

Fruit Salad

when a bowler delivers a different type of delivery each time, rather than bowling a constant speed, length and angle. Fruit salad bowling is used most commonly in Twenty20 to prevent batters from getting comfortable.

(Full) face of the bat

references the front, or flat side, of the bat, particularly where the manufacturer's insignia is written. A batter is said to have given a bowler or a delivery faced the full face of the bat if they have middled the ball and driven it straight down the wicket, such that the bowler clearly sees the manufacturer's insignia.

Full length

a delivery that pitches closer to the batter than a ball pitching on a good length, but further away than a half-volley.

Full pint

when a stump is knocked completely out of the ground by a delivery.

Full toss (also full bunger in Australia)

a delivery that reaches the batter on the full, i.e. without bouncing. Usually considered a bad delivery to bowl as the batter has a lot of time to see the ball and play an attacking shot. Also, it does not have a chance to change direction off the ground, making it the ultimate crime for a spin or seam bowler.^[1][3]

Furniture

another term for the stumps.

G

Gardening

a batter prodding at the pitch with their bat between deliveries, ostensibly to flatten a bump in the pitch. May be used to inspect features of a deteriorating pitch (e.g. footmarks), or to calm the batter's nerves. Sometimes considered to be time-wasting.^[1][3]

Gate

see through the gate

Genuine number 11

a consistently poor batter, rightfully relegated to the bottom of the batting order.^{[citation needed]}

Getting one's eye in

a batter playing low-risk defensive shots when first in, while they assess the conditions and bowlers, before attempting riskier scoring shots.

Give (it) the treatment

of a batter, to hit a poorly bowled ball well, often for a boundary.^[56]

Given man

a skilled player given by the stronger team in a match to the weaker team, with the intention of producing teams with approximately equal strength. This was historically used as a form of handicapping, particularly in Gentlemen v Players matches, to balance the odds for gambling. The practice is now banned at professional level to prevent match fixing, but is occasionally seen in village cricket.^[57]

Glance

a shot that goes fine on the leg side. Typically played by flicking a ball which is heading for the batter's hips or thigh.^[10]

Glove

1.  (noun) Batting gloves, hand protection worn by a batter as part of their kit. Padding is mostly on the outside, to defend against impacts by the ball while gripping the handle of the bat.

2.  (noun) Wicket-keeper's gloves, webbed catching gloves worn by a wicket-keeper. The padding is on the inside, to absorb the impact of a caught ball. No other member of the fielding team is allowed to use gloves.

3.  (verb) Touch the ball with a batting glove while the glove is in contact with the bat. In that circumstance, the rules consider the glove to be part of the bat, so the batter can score runs or be caught if they glove the ball.

Glovemanship (also glovework)

the skills of wicketkeeping, used when either praising or criticising a performance

Golden duck

a dismissal for nought (zero), from the first ball faced in a batter's innings. ( cf Duck, Diamond duck, Platinum duck )

Golden pair (also King pair)

a dismissal for nought (zero) runs off the first ball faced in each of a batter's two innings of a two-innings match (see this list of Pairs in test and first-class cricket).

Good length

the ideal place for a stock delivery to pitch in its trajectory from the bowler to the batter. It makes the batter uncertain whether to play a front-foot or back-foot shot. A good length differs from bowler to bowler, based on the type, height and speed of the bowler. The "good length" is not necessarily the best length to bowl, as a bowler may wish to bowl short or full to exploit a batter's weaknesses.^[1]

Googly (also wrong'un or bosie)

a deceptive spinning delivery by a wrist spin bowler which spins the opposite direction to the stock delivery. For a right-hander bowler and a right-handed batter, a googly will turn from the off side to the leg side. Developed by Bosanquet around 1900.^[1][3]

Gouging

causing intentional damage to the pitch or ball.

Gozza

term in Australian cricket meaning a batter who is out on the first ball they receive. See also Golden duck.^{[citation needed]}

Grafting

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