Rules of Cricket?

Filan

Just wondering if there is any site which gives a clear explanation of the rules of cricket? Ideally with illustrations? Would make the World Cup more interesting if I could understand it!

RuggieBear

have you had a look at the sticky's at the top

DMC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket would be a decent place, lots of info there...

Also... http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/239758.html

And the Laws of Cricket.
http://www.lords.org/laws-and-spirit/laws-of-cricket/

HTH..

Wishbone Ash

Filan wrote:

rules of cricket?

Laws my dear boy, Laws.

mikeruurds

Filan wrote:

Just wondering if there is any site which gives a clear explanation of the rules of cricket? Ideally with illustrations? Would make the World Cup more interesting if I could understand it!

Use DMC's link to the wikipedia article for a brief introduction. In my opinion leave the Lords cricket laws site alone for the meantime... it's great for people who are familiar with the game and need to nitpick a particular umpire decision or settle an argument, but I think that they are too detailed for you as a 'beginner'.

The best thing would be to ask questions here while you're watching a game. You'll pick up the basics quickly

Cheers!
Mike

P.S. The Lords link is a brilliant resource BTW!

Zaph

Not really to do with the rules, sorry laws, of cricket, but there are a couple of things I've always wondered about that someone may enlighten me about. First, why is it that when the 12th man plays they only ever appear on scorecards as "sub", rather than giving their name? And second, when a fielder makes a catch, even close to the wicket, why is the ball passed to half the team before the bowler gets it back, rather than it just being thrown straight to him?

JacksonHeightsOwn

zaph wrote:

Not really to do with the rules, sorry laws, of cricket, but there are a couple of things I've always wondered about that someone may enlighten me about. First, why is it that when the 12th man plays they only ever appear on scorecards as "sub", rather than giving their name? And second, when a fielder makes a catch, even close to the wicket, why is the ball passed to half the team before the bowler gets it back, rather than it just being thrown straight to him?

im not sure about the 12th man

but id imagien the lads just throw the ball around to get a feel of it, nothing strange of exciting, sorry about that

Royale with Cheese

zaph wrote:

And second, when a fielder makes a catch, even close to the wicket, why is the ball passed to half the team before the bowler gets it back, rather than it just being thrown straight to him?

It's to try and keep the team on their toes, give them something to do etc. If you've ever played cricket you'll know it can get very boring in the outfield when fielding.

Zaph

Cheers lads, I suspected it might have been something on those lines but wasn't sure.

DMC

Royale with Cheese wrote:

It's to try and keep the team on their toes, give them something to do etc. If you've ever played cricket you'll know it can get very boring in the outfield when fielding.

And especially with the red ball, it gives someone the opportunity to shine the ball, try to exert some swing from it.

From Wikipedia

Because a single ball is used for an extended period of play, its surface wears down and becomes rough. The bowlers will polish it whenever they can - usually by rubbing it on their trousers, producing the characteristic red stain that can often be seen there. However, they will usually only polish one side of the ball, in order to create 'swing' as it travels through the air. They may apply natural substances (i.e. saliva or sweat) to the ball as they polish it, but any other material is illegal.

To half answer Zaph's first question, I would leave to someone up in the art of scoring as to why they are still called "sub". 12th man I find is the nominated drinks-waiter, but it seems anyone in the squad could be a substitute fielder, not just the 12th man.

Zaph

Does the white ball not need polishing like the red one?

DMC

zaph wrote:

Does the white ball not need polishing like the red one?

No, it loses its lacquer a lot quicker than the red, hence you often see the ball changed around the 40 over mark, for one that is less scuffed (and brighter!) A batsman can request a change if he feels the ball is not white enough.

Gyalist

Because it is easier to lob the ball to the bowler from mid-off or mid-on than toss it all the way from 1st slip.