Cricket Terminology Reference Table - LBW, Overs & Wickets

Learn the terms by following a match

11 players per side
T20 about 3 hours, ODI about 8, Test up to 5 days
Pitch 22 yards (20.12 m), boundary about 60–80 m out

Meet cricket

This figure is the whole ground seen from above: the long strip of bare earth in the middle is the pitch, the dashed ring around it is the 30-yard circle, and the outermost line is the boundary; the two darker players at the ends of the pitch are the batters of the batting side, the 11 lighter players spread around are the fielding side, and the bowler bowls from left to right.

Cricket is played by two teams of 11, who take turns batting and fielding. The fielding side's bowler bowls the ball at the stumps (three wooden posts) behind the batter, and the batter uses a flat bat to protect the stumps and hit the ball away.

The batting side has two batters in at a time, one at each end of the pitch; after a hit the two swap ends, and each time they cross and reach the other end they score 1 run.

Each team bats once (an innings; in Test matches, twice) and the higher total wins. The next four pages look, in order, at how runs are scored, overs and innings, how batters get out, and umpires and reviews.

How the three formats differ:

LengthTests last up to five days, two innings each; ODIs and T20s finish in a day.

Overs50 overs a side in ODIs, 20 in T20s; Tests have no limit.

PowerplayODIs and T20s open with at most two fielders outside the circle; Tests do not.

All Categories

Term	Abbreviation	Description	Usage & Notes
Cover Drive		Classical front-foot stroke played through the cover region with the bat presented full face.
Straight Drive		Vertical-bat drive struck straight past the bowler down the ground with minimal across movement.
On Drive		Front-foot drive eased through mid-on or straight mid-wicket on the leg side.
Off Drive		Controlled drive on the off side threading the gap between extra-cover and mid-off.
Square Cut		Back-foot cut struck square on the off side, usually to point or backward point.
Late Cut		Delayed cut shot gliding the ball late past slip toward third man.
Pull Shot		Horizontal-bat pull to the leg side against a short-pitched ball, usually toward mid-wicket.
Hook Shot		Aggressive pull to a bouncer that sends the ball high toward fine leg or deep square.
Sweep Shot		Kneeling cross-batted sweep along the leg side to a spinning or full delivery.
Reverse Sweep		Cross-batted sweep played with reversed grip to send the ball into the off-side behind square.
Paddle Sweep		Fine sweep using soft wrists to deflect the ball past short fine leg.
Switch Hit		Shot where the batter switches stance to the opposite hand before impact to target the vacant side.
Slog		Heaved, cross-batted strike swinging across the line in search of maximum power.
Lofted Drive		Airborne drive that lifts the ball over the infield toward long-off or long-on.
Forward Defence		Forward press with a dead bat to smother a good-length ball and keep it near the feet.
Back Foot Defence		Backward step and vertical bat to block rising deliveries and drop them defensively.
Leg Glance		Deflection off the pads that uses the ball's pace to guide it toward fine leg.
Upper Cut		Late cut taken above shoulder height that steers a short ball over slip cordon.
Ramp Shot		Flicked deflection that lets the ball ride up the bat face and ramp over the keeper.
Helicopter Shot		Wristy power hit finishing with a helicopter follow-through to whip yorkers into the leg side.
Soft Hands		Technique of cushioning the ball into the turf so edges carry softly to the cordon.
Strike Farming		Manipulating singles and strike rotation so the stronger batter faces most deliveries, especially with tailenders.
Century 100	100	A score of 100 or more runs by one batter in a single innings.	Batters raise the bat and helmet to the crowd on reaching a century; 50 is a half-century.
Duck 0	0	A batter dismissed without scoring a run; out first ball is a golden duck.	The name comes from the zero looking like a duck’s egg.
Yorker		Full-length delivery targeting the base of the stumps or batter's toes to deny elevation.
Bouncer		Short-pitched ball that rises toward the batter's chest or head to push them back.
Inswinger		Swinging delivery that curves late into a right-hander's pads from outside off.
Outswinger		Seam position and release that make the ball move away from a right-hander toward slip.
Reverse Swing		Late movement generated with an old ball that swings opposite to conventional direction.
Leg Break		Leg-spin delivery that turns sharply from leg stump toward off side for a right-hander.
Off Break		Off-spin ball that breaks from off stump back into a right-hander's pads.
Googly		Deceptive leg-spinner bowled with a googly grip so it spins the opposite way to a leg-break.
Doosra		Off-spinner's surprise ball that turns away from a right-hander despite the standard action.
Carrom Ball		Finger-flicked delivery released from the front of the hand so it skids or drifts unpredictably.
Top Spinner		Over-spun delivery that dips sharply and kicks higher after pitching.
Arm Ball		Quicker ball from an off-spinner that goes straight on with the arm and skids.
Flipper		Back-of-the-hand leg-spin variation squeezed to keep low after pitching.
Slider		Leg-spinner delivered with sidespin and seam angled to skid straight on.
Knuckle Ball		Pace bowler's slower delivery released off the fingertips with little seam to deceive pace.
Slower Ball		Any pace variation disguised to arrive slower than the batter expects.
Off Cutter		Seam cutter that rolls fingers across the ball so it grips and moves from off toward leg.
Leg Cutter		Seam variation that drifts from leg stump toward off after pitching.
Good Length		Length that lands between fuller and short, forcing indecision over front or back foot.
Full Toss		Delivery that reaches the batter without bouncing, often waist high or lower.
Slower Bouncer		Short ball rolled off the fingers to arrive slower yet still climb toward the batter.
Cross-Seam		Grip with fingers across the seam to encourage variable bounce and seam movement.
Seam Up		Seam held upright with fingers behind the ball so it swings or seams conventionally.
Maiden Over M	M	An over in which the bowler concedes no runs; byes and leg byes do not count against the bowler.	Bowling figures list maidens: "10-2-35-3" means 10 overs, 2 maidens, 35 runs, 3 wickets.
Silly Point		Extremely close catching station on the off side beside the striker's crease, usually helmeted for reflex chances.
First Slip		Primary slip fielder positioned next to the wicket-keeper to intercept edged drives.
Gully		Slip cordon fielder stationed between point and slips to catch squarer edges.
Point		Square off-side position on the cut line guarding hard square hits.
Cover		Off-side mid-distance station between point and mid-off patrolling the cover region.
Extra Cover		Deeper off-side sweeper stationed wider than cover to plug aerial drives.
Mid-Off		Straight off-side infielder guarding the bowler's follow-through channel.
Mid-On		Straight leg-side infielder mirroring mid-off to cut off on-drives.
Midwicket		Leg-side station between mid-on and square leg covering the staple pull region.
Square Leg		Leg-side fielder set square to the batter to intercept sweeps and pulls.
Fine Leg		Leg-side boundary fielder behind square covering glances and leg glides.
Third Man		Deep off-side boundary fielder behind the slips guarding late cuts and edges.
Long Off		Straight off-side boundary rider protecting lofted drives down the ground.
Long On		Straight leg-side boundary fielder mirroring long-off for on-side lofted hits.
Deep Cover		Sweeper patrolling the deep cover boundary to stop powerful square off-side shots.
Deep Midwicket		Boundary rider on the leg side between square leg and cow corner for big pulls.
Short Leg		Helmeted close-in leg-side catcher stationed a few paces from the batter's pad.
Leg Slip		Slip position on the leg side to take gloved deflections down the leg channel.
Cover Sweeper		Roaming outfielder on the cover boundary tasked with cutting off hard-hit drives.
Long Stop		Rare backstop placed behind the wicket-keeper to block wild takes or deflections.
Bowled		Batter is out when a legal delivery hits the stumps and removes a bail without any fielder touching it first.
Caught		Dismissal where a fielder legally catches the ball on the full after the bat or glove before it touches the ground.
Caught and Bowled		Special caught dismissal where the bowler completes the catch from their own delivery.
Leg Before Wicket LBW	LBW	Leg before wicket applies when a legal ball that would hit the stumps is intercepted by the batter's body in line.
Run Out		Batter is run out if a fielder breaks the stumps with the ball while the striker or non-striker is short of the crease during a run.
Stumped		Wicket-keeper completes a run-out style dismissal when the batter overbalances out of the crease without attempting a run.
Hit Wicket		Batter is out if they dislodge the bails with bat, body, or equipment while the ball is in play and completing the stroke.
Obstructing the Field		Rare dismissal when a batter wilfully impedes a fielder's chance to take a catch or effect a run-out.
Hit the Ball Twice		Batter is out if they intentionally strike the ball twice other than to protect their wicket from a fair delivery.
Timed Out		Dismissal when the incoming batter is not ready within the prescribed time after a wicket or retirement.	MCC Law 40 uses 3 minutes by default; ICC playing conditions shorten this to 2 minutes in Tests and ODIs, and 1 minute 30 seconds in T20Is.
Retired Out		Batter who leaves the field for reasons other than injury and does not resume the innings is recorded as retired out.
Non-Striker Run Out		Law 38.3 run out where the bowler breaks the non-striker’s wicket before the point at which the bowling arm would normally release the ball.	The cutoff is when the bowler’s arm reaches the highest point of the normal delivery swing; if the non-striker is dismissed and the ball is not delivered, the ball does not count in the over.
Strike Rotation		Batting tactic focused on collecting ones and twos so both batters stay active and bowlers lose rhythm.	Vital on slow surfaces or during rebuilding phases when boundary risk is high.
Death Bowling		Specialist plan for final overs using yorkers, slower balls, and wide lines to deny big hits.	Executed by designated finishers with stacked leg-side fields and fine-leg protection.
Left-Right Combination		Batting tactic that keeps a left-hander and right-hander together to force line adjustments each ball.	Common during chases to disrupt fields and exploit powerplay gaps.
Bowling Dry-Up		Fielding tactic aiming to deliver consecutive dot balls through tight lines and defensive fields.	Sets up wickets by building scoreboard pressure and forcing rash strokes.
Powerplay Surge		Batting strategy maximizing scoring during mandatory fielding restrictions with calculated risks.	Involves pinch hitters, lofted drives, and targeting vacant outfield channels.
All-Rounder		Player contributing significantly with both bat and ball, providing squad balance.
Top-Order Batter		Specialist occupying positions one to three, tasked with negotiating new-ball conditions.
Middle-Order Batter		Batter positioned four to six, stabilizing innings and transitioning to acceleration.
Finisher		Explosive middle or lower-order batter trusted to close innings with rapid scoring.
Anchor		Batter tasked with batting deep, rotating strike, and allowing others to attack around them.
Strike Bowler		Lead bowler expected to take wickets with aggressive lines and swing or pace.
Death Bowler		Bowler specializing in final overs, mixing yorkers, slower balls, and wide lines.
Spinner		Bowler imparting revolutions to turn the ball sharply off the pitch.
Seamer		Bowler hitting the seam at pace to create movement off the pitch.
Wicketkeeper WK	WK	Specialist behind the stumps responsible for catches, stumpings, and on-field communication.
Captain C	C	On-field leader who sets tactics, manages bowling changes, and represents the team.
Coach		Manager overseeing preparation, game plans, and player development.
Pinch Hitter		Batter promoted to exploit fielding restrictions with aggressive stroke play.
Wicketkeeper-Batter		Keeper who is also selected for batting strength, vital in limited-overs balance.
Strike Rate SR	SR	Runs scored per 100 balls faced, measuring batting speed.
Batting Average Ave	Ave	Runs scored divided by times dismissed, indicating consistency.
Bowling Average Ave	Ave	Runs conceded per wicket taken, reflecting wicket-taking value.
Economy Rate Econ	Econ	Runs conceded per over bowled, measuring run containment.
Net Run Rate NRR	NRR	Team's average runs scored per over minus average runs conceded per over across a tournament.
Required Run Rate RRR	RRR	Runs needed per over for a chasing team to reach the target.
Dot Ball Percentage		Percentage of deliveries that yield no runs, highlighting pressure exerted.
Partnership Runs		Total runs added by a batting pair before a wicket falls.
Wagon Wheel		Radial chart illustrating where a batter has scored runs across the field.
Test Cricket		Traditional international format played over up to five days, with each team able to bat two innings.	ICC describes Test cricket as the pinnacle long format because conditions, endurance, technique, and temperament are tested over multiple days.
First-Class FC	FC	Domestic long-form cricket of three or four days recognized with first-class status.	Serves as proving ground for Test selection and red-ball skill development.
One Day International ODI	ODI	International limited-overs format of 50 overs per side, played with a white ball and innings-based fielding restrictions.	Current ICC ODIs use two new balls in alternate overs through over 34; after that the fielding team chooses one ball for the rest of the innings.
List A		Domestic limited-overs competitions of 40 to 60 overs granted List A status.	Mirrors ODI tempo, developing white-ball tactics and death-overs planning.
Twenty20 T20	T20	Shortest ICC international format, with each side normally batting 20 overs in a match designed to finish in about three hours.	T20I emphasizes power hitting, specialist finishers, matchup bowling, and rapid tactical decisions under tight fielding windows.
T10 T10	T10	Franchise format with 10 overs per side producing condensed entertainment.	Rewards improvisation, boundary hitting, and flexible bowling changes.
The Hundred		ECB competition in which each innings lasts 100 balls, the fielding side changes ends after 10 balls, and bowlers deliver five or 10 consecutive balls.	Each bowler may deliver a maximum of 20 balls, each bowling side has one strategic timeout of up to 90 seconds, and the powerplay lasts 25 balls.
Day-Night Test		Test match scheduled across afternoon and evening sessions using a pink ball.	Alters batting visibility at twilight and demands bowlers exploit evening conditions.
Franchise T20 League		Domestic T20 competitions featuring city-based franchises and international players.	Pioneers innovations in match-ups, analytics, and fan engagement experiences.
Powerplay		Limited-overs phase that restricts how many fielders may stand outside the 30-yard fielding circle.	Current ICC ODIs use 2 outside fielders in overs 1-10, 4 in overs 11-40, and 5 in overs 41-50; T20Is allow 2 outside during the powerplay and 5 after it, while The Hundred uses a 25-ball powerplay.
No Ball		Illegal delivery that immediately awards one extra run and does not count as one of the six valid balls in the over.	Under MCC Law 21, batters cannot be out from a No ball except Hit the Ball Twice, Obstructing the Field, or Run out; ICC limited-overs playing conditions also make the next delivery a Free Hit.
Wide Ball		Delivery judged too wide or high for the batter to reach, awarding an extra run.
Free Hit		Protected delivery following any No ball in ICC limited-overs cricket, with the batter dismissible only by the same limited modes as a No ball.	If the Free Hit delivery is not legitimate because it is another No ball or a Wide, the Free Hit carries over until a legal delivery is bowled.
Leg Bye LB	LB	Runs scored when the ball hits the batter's body (not the bat) and a run is completed with umpire approval.
Byes B	B	Runs scored when the ball passes the batter without contact and the wicketkeeper fails to stop it.
Short Run		Occurs when a batter turns for another run without making good their crease, reducing the total by one.
Dead Ball		State when play is paused and no runs or dismissals can occur until the umpire calls play.
Umpire's Call		DRS category where the on-field decision stands because ball-tracking returns a marginal result for impact or whether the ball would hit the wicket.	If a player review remains unchanged solely because of Umpire’s Call, ICC playing conditions classify it as unchanged and it does not count toward the innings review limit.
Boundary Catch		Catch or save near the rope governed by whether a fielder is grounded inside or beyond the boundary when touching the ball.	The 2025 ICC playing-condition change requires a fielder who makes airborne contact beyond the boundary to land and remain wholly within the boundary, even if another fielder completes the play.
Stop Clock		ICC over-rate mechanism requiring the fielding side to be ready to bowl the first ball of the next over within 60 seconds.	After two warnings in an innings, a third stop-clock breach brings a five-run penalty; ICC extended the white-ball mechanism to Tests in the 2025 playing-condition update.
Run R	R	The basic unit of scoring: each time the two batters cross and reach the opposite crease, one run is added.	Batters can run one, two or three after a shot; boundaries add four or six without running.
Boundary		The edge of the playing area, usually marked by a rope; a ball reaching it scores four, or six if it clears it on the full.	In international cricket the boundary must be between 65 and 90 yards from the centre of the pitch.
Four 4	4	Four runs scored when the ball touches the ground and then reaches or crosses the boundary.	The umpire signals a four by waving an arm across the chest.
Six 6	6	Six runs scored when the ball clears the boundary without touching the ground.	The umpire raises both arms above the head; in T20 sixes are counted as a headline statistic.
Over ov	ov	A set of six legal deliveries bowled by one bowler from one end; afterwards a different bowler bowls from the other end.	Wides and no-balls must be bowled again, so an over can contain more than six balls.
Wicket W	W	The set of three stumps and two bails at each end of the pitch; also each dismissal of a batter, so a side is all out after ten wickets.	Scores are read as runs for wickets: "250 for 4" means 250 runs with four batters out.
Pitch		The prepared strip in the middle of the ground, 22 yards (20.12 m) between the stumps and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide, where the ball is bowled.	Commentators read the pitch before play: a green pitch helps seam bowlers, a dry cracked one helps spinners.
Popping Crease		The line 4 feet (1.22 m) in front of the stumps; a batter is safe only with bat or body grounded behind it, and the bowler’s front foot must land with some part behind it.	Run outs and stumpings are decided by whether the batter was behind this line when the bails came off.
Appeal		The fielding side asking the umpire whether a batter is out, traditionally by calling "How’s that?"; umpires do not give a batter out without an appeal.	If the umpire says not out, an international side can still challenge with DRS.
Decision Review System DRS	DRS	The system in international cricket that lets each side ask the third umpire to check an on-field decision with replays, ball tracking and edge detection; each side has a limited number of unsuccessful reviews.	A player signals a review with a T shape; if the result is umpire’s call, the original decision stands and the review is kept.
Wide Signal		Both arms extended horizontally indicating a delivery judged too wide.
No-Ball Signal		Right arm extended horizontally with palm downward to indicate a no-ball.
Bye Signal		One arm raised straight above the head to indicate byes.
Leg Bye Signal		Raising a hand and tapping the raised knee to confirm leg byes.
Out Signal		Index finger raised vertically to declare a batter dismissed.
Four Signal		Umpire waves one arm back and forth at chest height to award four runs.
Six Signal		Both arms lifted straight above the head to confirm six runs.
Review Signal		Making a square gesture with both hands to request third-umpire review.
Sight Screen		Large plain backdrop placed behind the bowler's arm to provide a clear sighting background for the batter.
Cricket Bat		Willow blade with cane handle used by batters to strike and defend deliveries.
Cricket Ball		Hard cork and string core encased in stitched leather halves forming the standard cricket ball.
Stumps		Set of three vertical wooden posts forming the wicket that the bowler aims to hit.
Bails		Two small wooden pieces balanced atop the stumps that must be dislodged to effect most dismissals.
Batting Pads		Protective leg guards worn by batters to shield shins and knees from impact.
Batting Gloves		Padded gloves with finger splits that cushion the hands while gripping the bat.
Helmet		Head protector with hard shell and grill that shields batters and close fielders from high-speed impacts.
Abdominal Guard		Molded cup worn inside the trousers to protect the groin area from direct strikes.
Thigh Guard		Curved foam pad strapped around the upper leg to absorb blows on the front thigh.
Arm Guard		Lightweight guard strapped to the forearm to shield against rising deliveries striking the arm.
Chest Guard		Foam and plastic panel worn under the shirt to protect the rib cage and chest against short-pitched blows.
Wicketkeeping Gloves		Specialized gloves with webbing and deep padding that help the keeper catch fast or erratic balls.
Wicketkeeping Pads		Lighter, more flexible pads tailored for keepers to move freely while protecting shins behind the stumps.
Helmet Grill		Detachable metal faceguard attached to helmets to shield the face without restricting vision.
Scoreboard		Display structure showing runs, wickets, overs, and match information for players and spectators.
Practice Net		Enclosed netted lane that allows players to train batting or bowling safely without retrieving the ball far.
Nightwatchman		Lower-order batter sent near stumps to shield top-order players from difficult late conditions.	Common in Tests when light fades or the ball reverses sharply at day's end.
Follow-on		Option in a two-innings match for the side that batted first and leads by the required margin to make the opposition bat again immediately.	MCC Law 14 sets the lead at 200 runs in matches of 5 days or more, 150 in 3- or 4-day matches, 100 in 2-day matches, and 75 in 1-day matches; once notified, the decision cannot be changed.
DLS Method DLS	DLS	ICC-adopted method used to fairly calculate revised targets and winners in limited-overs matches interrupted by inclement weather or lost time.	DLS recalculates totals from resources such as overs remaining and wickets lost, producing a revised target or par score after interruptions.
Declaration		When a captain voluntarily ends a team's innings to pursue a result in multi-day cricket.	Strategic timing considers lead size, remaining time, pitch wear, and weather forecasts.
Innings Break		Official interval between innings allowing teams to rest, strategize, and switch roles.	In limited-overs cricket often lasts 10 minutes; in Tests includes lunch and tea intervals.
Drinks Break		Short scheduled pause during sessions for hydration and tactical conversations.	Occurs midway through limited-overs innings and once per session in Tests under hot conditions.
Batting Collapse		Rapid fall of multiple wickets causing a team's innings to unravel.	Often triggered by swing spells, spin bursts, or scoreboard pressure in chases.
Partnership		Runs added by two batters together between dismissals, reflecting control of the innings.	Measured by commentators to highlight rebuilding phases or decisive stands.
Innings inns	inns	A side’s turn to bat; it ends when ten batters are out, the overs run out or the captain declares. Limited-overs matches give each side one innings, Tests up to two.	The word is the same in singular and plural: "the first innings", "both innings".
Toss		The coin toss before the match: the home captain tosses, the visiting captain calls, and the winner chooses whether to bat or bowl first.	Pitch and weather drive the choice: dew in night matches often pushes captains to bowl first.

About Cricket Terminology Reference Table

Terms from laws, formats, and broadcast language

The dataset groups cricket entries from batting, bowling, fielding, dismissals, match formats, umpire signals, and analytics. It is built for lookup while watching Test, ODI, T20, or The Hundred coverage, not for calculating live match state.

Search by term, abbreviation, or category

Use the search box for English terms, localized labels, abbreviations, aliases, or keywords. Category filters narrow the table to shots, bowling variations, rules, signals, or match context, and deep links can point directly at a matched entry.

Not an official scorer or umpire

This page summarizes maintained reference data and source notes, but tournament playing conditions can differ by format and season. For disputes, scoring, eligibility, fantasy scoring, or professional use, confirm the current MCC, ICC, competition, or broadcaster rules.

FAQ

Common questions and answers about this topic.

How can I learn the basics and find a cricket term?

Start with the basics lesson to learn scoring, overs, dismissals and umpiring. Follow a match scene or select a numbered ground marker to connect the explanation with relevant terms. You can also search English or translated names, abbreviations such as LBW and ODI, and listed aliases, then filter by category. Deep links open specific entries for sharing.

What do over and wicket mean in cricket?

An Over contains 6 valid deliveries by a bowler from one end; the next over is bowled by a different bowler from the other end. Wides and no-balls do not count toward those 6. An overs figure of 12.4 means 12 completed overs plus 4 valid balls, not a decimal. Wicket means the 3 stumps with 2 bails, or a batter's dismissal. In standard 11-player cricket, losing 10 wickets ends the side's innings.

What does LBW mean, and is every ball that hits a leg out?

LBW means Leg Before Wicket. Hitting a leg alone is not enough. The ball must not be a no-ball, must not have touched the bat first, and must be judged to have hit the wicket without the body blocking it. Where it pitches and hits the body also matters, including whether the batter genuinely tried to play it. Check MCC Law 36 for the full conditions.

How do Test, ODI and T20 cricket differ?

Test Cricket is the long format, generally played over up to five days with up to two innings per side. One Day International (ODI) normally allows 50 overs per side, while Twenty20 (T20) normally allows 20. ODI and T20 each have one innings per side. Shorter Test variants and weather-reduced matches exist, so check the competition's playing conditions for the actual limits.

What is the difference between batting strike rate and bowling economy rate?

Batting Strike Rate (SR) measures runs scored per 100 balls faced. Bowling Economy Rate (Econ) measures runs charged to the bowler per over bowled. Higher batting SR means faster scoring; lower bowling economy means fewer runs conceded per over. These describe different roles, so their values cannot be compared directly. See the statistics entries for each definition.

Can this table decide an umpiring call or calculate an official score?

This is a terminology reference, not an official umpiring or scoring tool. It explains terms rather than calculating live scores, DRS outcomes or fantasy points. For disputes or formal use, check the current MCC Laws, ICC playing conditions and the relevant competition or broadcaster rules. Rules can differ by format and season.

Data Sources

This tool's data is compiled from the authoritative sources below.

Data last maintained 2026-06-19

Learn the terms by following a match

11 players per side

T20 about 3 hours, ODI about 8, Test up to 5 days

Pitch 22 yards (20.12 m), boundary about 60–80 m out

Meet cricket

The batting side has two batters in at a time, one at each end of the pitch; after a hit the two swap ends, and each time they cross and reach the other end they score 1 run.

How the three formats differ:

LengthTests last up to five days, two innings each; ODIs and T20s finish in a day.

Overs50 overs a side in ODIs, 20 in T20s; Tests have no limit.

PowerplayODIs and T20s open with at most two fielders outside the circle; Tests do not.

All Categories

Term	Abbreviation	Description	Usage & Notes
Cover Drive		Classical front-foot stroke played through the cover region with the bat presented full face.
Straight Drive		Vertical-bat drive struck straight past the bowler down the ground with minimal across movement.
On Drive		Front-foot drive eased through mid-on or straight mid-wicket on the leg side.
Off Drive		Controlled drive on the off side threading the gap between extra-cover and mid-off.
Square Cut		Back-foot cut struck square on the off side, usually to point or backward point.
Late Cut		Delayed cut shot gliding the ball late past slip toward third man.
Pull Shot		Horizontal-bat pull to the leg side against a short-pitched ball, usually toward mid-wicket.
Hook Shot		Aggressive pull to a bouncer that sends the ball high toward fine leg or deep square.
Sweep Shot		Kneeling cross-batted sweep along the leg side to a spinning or full delivery.
Reverse Sweep		Cross-batted sweep played with reversed grip to send the ball into the off-side behind square.
Paddle Sweep		Fine sweep using soft wrists to deflect the ball past short fine leg.
Switch Hit		Shot where the batter switches stance to the opposite hand before impact to target the vacant side.
Slog		Heaved, cross-batted strike swinging across the line in search of maximum power.
Lofted Drive		Airborne drive that lifts the ball over the infield toward long-off or long-on.
Forward Defence		Forward press with a dead bat to smother a good-length ball and keep it near the feet.
Back Foot Defence		Backward step and vertical bat to block rising deliveries and drop them defensively.
Leg Glance		Deflection off the pads that uses the ball's pace to guide it toward fine leg.
Upper Cut		Late cut taken above shoulder height that steers a short ball over slip cordon.
Ramp Shot		Flicked deflection that lets the ball ride up the bat face and ramp over the keeper.
Helicopter Shot		Wristy power hit finishing with a helicopter follow-through to whip yorkers into the leg side.
Soft Hands		Technique of cushioning the ball into the turf so edges carry softly to the cordon.
Strike Farming		Manipulating singles and strike rotation so the stronger batter faces most deliveries, especially with tailenders.
Century 100	100	A score of 100 or more runs by one batter in a single innings.	Batters raise the bat and helmet to the crowd on reaching a century; 50 is a half-century.
Duck 0	0	A batter dismissed without scoring a run; out first ball is a golden duck.	The name comes from the zero looking like a duck’s egg.
Yorker		Full-length delivery targeting the base of the stumps or batter's toes to deny elevation.
Bouncer		Short-pitched ball that rises toward the batter's chest or head to push them back.
Inswinger		Swinging delivery that curves late into a right-hander's pads from outside off.
Outswinger		Seam position and release that make the ball move away from a right-hander toward slip.
Reverse Swing		Late movement generated with an old ball that swings opposite to conventional direction.
Leg Break		Leg-spin delivery that turns sharply from leg stump toward off side for a right-hander.
Off Break		Off-spin ball that breaks from off stump back into a right-hander's pads.
Googly		Deceptive leg-spinner bowled with a googly grip so it spins the opposite way to a leg-break.
Doosra		Off-spinner's surprise ball that turns away from a right-hander despite the standard action.
Carrom Ball		Finger-flicked delivery released from the front of the hand so it skids or drifts unpredictably.
Top Spinner		Over-spun delivery that dips sharply and kicks higher after pitching.
Arm Ball		Quicker ball from an off-spinner that goes straight on with the arm and skids.
Flipper		Back-of-the-hand leg-spin variation squeezed to keep low after pitching.
Slider		Leg-spinner delivered with sidespin and seam angled to skid straight on.
Knuckle Ball		Pace bowler's slower delivery released off the fingertips with little seam to deceive pace.
Slower Ball		Any pace variation disguised to arrive slower than the batter expects.
Off Cutter		Seam cutter that rolls fingers across the ball so it grips and moves from off toward leg.
Leg Cutter		Seam variation that drifts from leg stump toward off after pitching.
Good Length		Length that lands between fuller and short, forcing indecision over front or back foot.
Full Toss		Delivery that reaches the batter without bouncing, often waist high or lower.
Slower Bouncer		Short ball rolled off the fingers to arrive slower yet still climb toward the batter.
Cross-Seam		Grip with fingers across the seam to encourage variable bounce and seam movement.
Seam Up		Seam held upright with fingers behind the ball so it swings or seams conventionally.
Maiden Over M	M	An over in which the bowler concedes no runs; byes and leg byes do not count against the bowler.	Bowling figures list maidens: "10-2-35-3" means 10 overs, 2 maidens, 35 runs, 3 wickets.
Silly Point		Extremely close catching station on the off side beside the striker's crease, usually helmeted for reflex chances.
First Slip		Primary slip fielder positioned next to the wicket-keeper to intercept edged drives.
Gully		Slip cordon fielder stationed between point and slips to catch squarer edges.
Point		Square off-side position on the cut line guarding hard square hits.
Cover		Off-side mid-distance station between point and mid-off patrolling the cover region.
Extra Cover		Deeper off-side sweeper stationed wider than cover to plug aerial drives.
Mid-Off		Straight off-side infielder guarding the bowler's follow-through channel.
Mid-On		Straight leg-side infielder mirroring mid-off to cut off on-drives.
Midwicket		Leg-side station between mid-on and square leg covering the staple pull region.
Square Leg		Leg-side fielder set square to the batter to intercept sweeps and pulls.
Fine Leg		Leg-side boundary fielder behind square covering glances and leg glides.
Third Man		Deep off-side boundary fielder behind the slips guarding late cuts and edges.
Long Off		Straight off-side boundary rider protecting lofted drives down the ground.
Long On		Straight leg-side boundary fielder mirroring long-off for on-side lofted hits.
Deep Cover		Sweeper patrolling the deep cover boundary to stop powerful square off-side shots.
Deep Midwicket		Boundary rider on the leg side between square leg and cow corner for big pulls.
Short Leg		Helmeted close-in leg-side catcher stationed a few paces from the batter's pad.
Leg Slip		Slip position on the leg side to take gloved deflections down the leg channel.
Cover Sweeper		Roaming outfielder on the cover boundary tasked with cutting off hard-hit drives.
Long Stop		Rare backstop placed behind the wicket-keeper to block wild takes or deflections.
Bowled		Batter is out when a legal delivery hits the stumps and removes a bail without any fielder touching it first.
Caught		Dismissal where a fielder legally catches the ball on the full after the bat or glove before it touches the ground.
Caught and Bowled		Special caught dismissal where the bowler completes the catch from their own delivery.
Leg Before Wicket LBW	LBW	Leg before wicket applies when a legal ball that would hit the stumps is intercepted by the batter's body in line.
Run Out		Batter is run out if a fielder breaks the stumps with the ball while the striker or non-striker is short of the crease during a run.
Stumped		Wicket-keeper completes a run-out style dismissal when the batter overbalances out of the crease without attempting a run.
Hit Wicket		Batter is out if they dislodge the bails with bat, body, or equipment while the ball is in play and completing the stroke.
Obstructing the Field		Rare dismissal when a batter wilfully impedes a fielder's chance to take a catch or effect a run-out.
Hit the Ball Twice		Batter is out if they intentionally strike the ball twice other than to protect their wicket from a fair delivery.
Timed Out		Dismissal when the incoming batter is not ready within the prescribed time after a wicket or retirement.	MCC Law 40 uses 3 minutes by default; ICC playing conditions shorten this to 2 minutes in Tests and ODIs, and 1 minute 30 seconds in T20Is.
Retired Out		Batter who leaves the field for reasons other than injury and does not resume the innings is recorded as retired out.
Non-Striker Run Out		Law 38.3 run out where the bowler breaks the non-striker’s wicket before the point at which the bowling arm would normally release the ball.	The cutoff is when the bowler’s arm reaches the highest point of the normal delivery swing; if the non-striker is dismissed and the ball is not delivered, the ball does not count in the over.
Strike Rotation		Batting tactic focused on collecting ones and twos so both batters stay active and bowlers lose rhythm.	Vital on slow surfaces or during rebuilding phases when boundary risk is high.
Death Bowling		Specialist plan for final overs using yorkers, slower balls, and wide lines to deny big hits.	Executed by designated finishers with stacked leg-side fields and fine-leg protection.
Left-Right Combination		Batting tactic that keeps a left-hander and right-hander together to force line adjustments each ball.	Common during chases to disrupt fields and exploit powerplay gaps.
Bowling Dry-Up		Fielding tactic aiming to deliver consecutive dot balls through tight lines and defensive fields.	Sets up wickets by building scoreboard pressure and forcing rash strokes.
Powerplay Surge		Batting strategy maximizing scoring during mandatory fielding restrictions with calculated risks.	Involves pinch hitters, lofted drives, and targeting vacant outfield channels.
All-Rounder		Player contributing significantly with both bat and ball, providing squad balance.
Top-Order Batter		Specialist occupying positions one to three, tasked with negotiating new-ball conditions.
Middle-Order Batter		Batter positioned four to six, stabilizing innings and transitioning to acceleration.
Finisher		Explosive middle or lower-order batter trusted to close innings with rapid scoring.
Anchor		Batter tasked with batting deep, rotating strike, and allowing others to attack around them.
Strike Bowler		Lead bowler expected to take wickets with aggressive lines and swing or pace.
Death Bowler		Bowler specializing in final overs, mixing yorkers, slower balls, and wide lines.
Spinner		Bowler imparting revolutions to turn the ball sharply off the pitch.
Seamer		Bowler hitting the seam at pace to create movement off the pitch.
Wicketkeeper WK	WK	Specialist behind the stumps responsible for catches, stumpings, and on-field communication.
Captain C	C	On-field leader who sets tactics, manages bowling changes, and represents the team.
Coach		Manager overseeing preparation, game plans, and player development.
Pinch Hitter		Batter promoted to exploit fielding restrictions with aggressive stroke play.
Wicketkeeper-Batter		Keeper who is also selected for batting strength, vital in limited-overs balance.
Strike Rate SR	SR	Runs scored per 100 balls faced, measuring batting speed.
Batting Average Ave	Ave	Runs scored divided by times dismissed, indicating consistency.
Bowling Average Ave	Ave	Runs conceded per wicket taken, reflecting wicket-taking value.
Economy Rate Econ	Econ	Runs conceded per over bowled, measuring run containment.
Net Run Rate NRR	NRR	Team's average runs scored per over minus average runs conceded per over across a tournament.
Required Run Rate RRR	RRR	Runs needed per over for a chasing team to reach the target.
Dot Ball Percentage		Percentage of deliveries that yield no runs, highlighting pressure exerted.
Partnership Runs		Total runs added by a batting pair before a wicket falls.
Wagon Wheel		Radial chart illustrating where a batter has scored runs across the field.
Test Cricket		Traditional international format played over up to five days, with each team able to bat two innings.	ICC describes Test cricket as the pinnacle long format because conditions, endurance, technique, and temperament are tested over multiple days.
First-Class FC	FC	Domestic long-form cricket of three or four days recognized with first-class status.	Serves as proving ground for Test selection and red-ball skill development.
One Day International ODI	ODI	International limited-overs format of 50 overs per side, played with a white ball and innings-based fielding restrictions.	Current ICC ODIs use two new balls in alternate overs through over 34; after that the fielding team chooses one ball for the rest of the innings.
List A		Domestic limited-overs competitions of 40 to 60 overs granted List A status.	Mirrors ODI tempo, developing white-ball tactics and death-overs planning.
Twenty20 T20	T20	Shortest ICC international format, with each side normally batting 20 overs in a match designed to finish in about three hours.	T20I emphasizes power hitting, specialist finishers, matchup bowling, and rapid tactical decisions under tight fielding windows.
T10 T10	T10	Franchise format with 10 overs per side producing condensed entertainment.	Rewards improvisation, boundary hitting, and flexible bowling changes.
The Hundred		ECB competition in which each innings lasts 100 balls, the fielding side changes ends after 10 balls, and bowlers deliver five or 10 consecutive balls.	Each bowler may deliver a maximum of 20 balls, each bowling side has one strategic timeout of up to 90 seconds, and the powerplay lasts 25 balls.
Day-Night Test		Test match scheduled across afternoon and evening sessions using a pink ball.	Alters batting visibility at twilight and demands bowlers exploit evening conditions.
Franchise T20 League		Domestic T20 competitions featuring city-based franchises and international players.	Pioneers innovations in match-ups, analytics, and fan engagement experiences.
Powerplay		Limited-overs phase that restricts how many fielders may stand outside the 30-yard fielding circle.	Current ICC ODIs use 2 outside fielders in overs 1-10, 4 in overs 11-40, and 5 in overs 41-50; T20Is allow 2 outside during the powerplay and 5 after it, while The Hundred uses a 25-ball powerplay.
No Ball		Illegal delivery that immediately awards one extra run and does not count as one of the six valid balls in the over.	Under MCC Law 21, batters cannot be out from a No ball except Hit the Ball Twice, Obstructing the Field, or Run out; ICC limited-overs playing conditions also make the next delivery a Free Hit.
Wide Ball		Delivery judged too wide or high for the batter to reach, awarding an extra run.
Free Hit		Protected delivery following any No ball in ICC limited-overs cricket, with the batter dismissible only by the same limited modes as a No ball.	If the Free Hit delivery is not legitimate because it is another No ball or a Wide, the Free Hit carries over until a legal delivery is bowled.
Leg Bye LB	LB	Runs scored when the ball hits the batter's body (not the bat) and a run is completed with umpire approval.
Byes B	B	Runs scored when the ball passes the batter without contact and the wicketkeeper fails to stop it.
Short Run		Occurs when a batter turns for another run without making good their crease, reducing the total by one.
Dead Ball		State when play is paused and no runs or dismissals can occur until the umpire calls play.
Umpire's Call		DRS category where the on-field decision stands because ball-tracking returns a marginal result for impact or whether the ball would hit the wicket.	If a player review remains unchanged solely because of Umpire’s Call, ICC playing conditions classify it as unchanged and it does not count toward the innings review limit.
Boundary Catch		Catch or save near the rope governed by whether a fielder is grounded inside or beyond the boundary when touching the ball.	The 2025 ICC playing-condition change requires a fielder who makes airborne contact beyond the boundary to land and remain wholly within the boundary, even if another fielder completes the play.
Stop Clock		ICC over-rate mechanism requiring the fielding side to be ready to bowl the first ball of the next over within 60 seconds.	After two warnings in an innings, a third stop-clock breach brings a five-run penalty; ICC extended the white-ball mechanism to Tests in the 2025 playing-condition update.
Run R	R	The basic unit of scoring: each time the two batters cross and reach the opposite crease, one run is added.	Batters can run one, two or three after a shot; boundaries add four or six without running.
Boundary		The edge of the playing area, usually marked by a rope; a ball reaching it scores four, or six if it clears it on the full.	In international cricket the boundary must be between 65 and 90 yards from the centre of the pitch.
Four 4	4	Four runs scored when the ball touches the ground and then reaches or crosses the boundary.	The umpire signals a four by waving an arm across the chest.
Six 6	6	Six runs scored when the ball clears the boundary without touching the ground.	The umpire raises both arms above the head; in T20 sixes are counted as a headline statistic.
Over ov	ov	A set of six legal deliveries bowled by one bowler from one end; afterwards a different bowler bowls from the other end.	Wides and no-balls must be bowled again, so an over can contain more than six balls.
Wicket W	W	The set of three stumps and two bails at each end of the pitch; also each dismissal of a batter, so a side is all out after ten wickets.	Scores are read as runs for wickets: "250 for 4" means 250 runs with four batters out.
Pitch		The prepared strip in the middle of the ground, 22 yards (20.12 m) between the stumps and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide, where the ball is bowled.	Commentators read the pitch before play: a green pitch helps seam bowlers, a dry cracked one helps spinners.
Popping Crease		The line 4 feet (1.22 m) in front of the stumps; a batter is safe only with bat or body grounded behind it, and the bowler’s front foot must land with some part behind it.	Run outs and stumpings are decided by whether the batter was behind this line when the bails came off.
Appeal		The fielding side asking the umpire whether a batter is out, traditionally by calling "How’s that?"; umpires do not give a batter out without an appeal.	If the umpire says not out, an international side can still challenge with DRS.
Decision Review System DRS	DRS	The system in international cricket that lets each side ask the third umpire to check an on-field decision with replays, ball tracking and edge detection; each side has a limited number of unsuccessful reviews.	A player signals a review with a T shape; if the result is umpire’s call, the original decision stands and the review is kept.
Wide Signal		Both arms extended horizontally indicating a delivery judged too wide.
No-Ball Signal		Right arm extended horizontally with palm downward to indicate a no-ball.
Bye Signal		One arm raised straight above the head to indicate byes.
Leg Bye Signal		Raising a hand and tapping the raised knee to confirm leg byes.
Out Signal		Index finger raised vertically to declare a batter dismissed.
Four Signal		Umpire waves one arm back and forth at chest height to award four runs.
Six Signal		Both arms lifted straight above the head to confirm six runs.
Review Signal		Making a square gesture with both hands to request third-umpire review.
Sight Screen		Large plain backdrop placed behind the bowler's arm to provide a clear sighting background for the batter.
Cricket Bat		Willow blade with cane handle used by batters to strike and defend deliveries.
Cricket Ball		Hard cork and string core encased in stitched leather halves forming the standard cricket ball.
Stumps		Set of three vertical wooden posts forming the wicket that the bowler aims to hit.
Bails		Two small wooden pieces balanced atop the stumps that must be dislodged to effect most dismissals.
Batting Pads		Protective leg guards worn by batters to shield shins and knees from impact.
Batting Gloves		Padded gloves with finger splits that cushion the hands while gripping the bat.
Helmet		Head protector with hard shell and grill that shields batters and close fielders from high-speed impacts.
Abdominal Guard		Molded cup worn inside the trousers to protect the groin area from direct strikes.
Thigh Guard		Curved foam pad strapped around the upper leg to absorb blows on the front thigh.
Arm Guard		Lightweight guard strapped to the forearm to shield against rising deliveries striking the arm.
Chest Guard		Foam and plastic panel worn under the shirt to protect the rib cage and chest against short-pitched blows.
Wicketkeeping Gloves		Specialized gloves with webbing and deep padding that help the keeper catch fast or erratic balls.
Wicketkeeping Pads		Lighter, more flexible pads tailored for keepers to move freely while protecting shins behind the stumps.
Helmet Grill		Detachable metal faceguard attached to helmets to shield the face without restricting vision.
Scoreboard		Display structure showing runs, wickets, overs, and match information for players and spectators.
Practice Net		Enclosed netted lane that allows players to train batting or bowling safely without retrieving the ball far.
Nightwatchman		Lower-order batter sent near stumps to shield top-order players from difficult late conditions.	Common in Tests when light fades or the ball reverses sharply at day's end.
Follow-on		Option in a two-innings match for the side that batted first and leads by the required margin to make the opposition bat again immediately.	MCC Law 14 sets the lead at 200 runs in matches of 5 days or more, 150 in 3- or 4-day matches, 100 in 2-day matches, and 75 in 1-day matches; once notified, the decision cannot be changed.
DLS Method DLS	DLS	ICC-adopted method used to fairly calculate revised targets and winners in limited-overs matches interrupted by inclement weather or lost time.	DLS recalculates totals from resources such as overs remaining and wickets lost, producing a revised target or par score after interruptions.
Declaration		When a captain voluntarily ends a team's innings to pursue a result in multi-day cricket.	Strategic timing considers lead size, remaining time, pitch wear, and weather forecasts.
Innings Break		Official interval between innings allowing teams to rest, strategize, and switch roles.	In limited-overs cricket often lasts 10 minutes; in Tests includes lunch and tea intervals.
Drinks Break		Short scheduled pause during sessions for hydration and tactical conversations.	Occurs midway through limited-overs innings and once per session in Tests under hot conditions.
Batting Collapse		Rapid fall of multiple wickets causing a team's innings to unravel.	Often triggered by swing spells, spin bursts, or scoreboard pressure in chases.
Partnership		Runs added by two batters together between dismissals, reflecting control of the innings.	Measured by commentators to highlight rebuilding phases or decisive stands.
Innings inns	inns	A side’s turn to bat; it ends when ten batters are out, the overs run out or the captain declares. Limited-overs matches give each side one innings, Tests up to two.	The word is the same in singular and plural: "the first innings", "both innings".
Toss		The coin toss before the match: the home captain tosses, the visiting captain calls, and the winner chooses whether to bat or bowl first.	Pitch and weather drive the choice: dew in night matches often pushes captains to bowl first.

About Cricket Terminology Reference Table

Terms from laws, formats, and broadcast language

Search by term, abbreviation, or category

Not an official scorer or umpire

FAQ

Common questions and answers about this topic.

How can I learn the basics and find a cricket term?

What do over and wicket mean in cricket?

What does LBW mean, and is every ball that hits a leg out?

How do Test, ODI and T20 cricket differ?

What is the difference between batting strike rate and bowling economy rate?

Can this table decide an umpiring call or calculate an official score?