Spinner (38 page)
ADDENDUM
I came into possession of this manuscript while helping my mother order my father's affairs, following his death in 2008. It would appear that the manuscript was sent to my father following my Uncle Michael's death in 1986. It is characteristic of David Donald that he did not mention it to the other members of his family. I'm not even certain that he read it. He was never a great reader, nor a great talker for that matter. He was a wonderful father.
I have been persuaded to share these writings with a wider public. It is, after all, a very different version of matters, but one I think of which my father would have approved, most certainly in the abundant mischief of the thing.
I have not changed any of the text, but I have added some accompaniments that should help readers who, like myself, are not particularly deep students of cricket.
The diagram depicting fielding positions is courtesy of
Learning Cricket: Rules and Strategy
by J.M. Lawler and R.S. Trumper (Oxford: Olive Press, 1984) and is provided in an effort to explicate some of the fielding changes and positions mentioned in the manuscript.
I have also provided a very brief glossary of cricketing terms courtesy of
www.action8cricket.com,
added to and amended by Tom Hampton, who is the son of bowler Paul and a personal friend. Again, this is aimed at the non-cricketer and therefore quite likely not to be nuanced or complex.
Finally, and perhaps most controversially, I have written the briefest of biographical lists. There seemed to me on my first readings of the manuscript to be such a profusion of historical and minor figures with such a varied use of surname, first name, nickname and position that some kind of guide would be useful, much like the ones provided in recent printings of the Russian novels of the Napoleonic era (and contemporary television fan websites for that matter).
However, I did not want to spoil the immediacy of the time and events my uncle conjures. Therefore I have not used the fuller biographies currently available in the many fine extant cricket and general historical works. I have attempted to provide biographical sketches of the participants as at the time depicted. In this regard, I have chosen to âfreeze' or snapshot the participants at the time of the Adelaide Test, as this is the moment that David Donald emerged upon an unsuspecting world.
So, for instance, the captain of the time is not the sage and urbane silver fox who became the well-known television cricket commentator of the eighties, Sir John Richardson. Rather, he is described as he was at the time, as lean and athletic, a neat batsman with a growing flair for leadership and risk taking.
I am sure my choices in the biographical area will be contested. Please accept the apologies of an academic playing well out of her area of specialisation. I mean no offence.
Dr Bronwyn Elliott (nee Donald), 2010
THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM
(Batting order for Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney Tests)
Terry Johnson
(Chalkie) New South Wales. Right-handed, opening batsman. Good defence. Slow to start, then fast scorer. Mathematics teacher. Thirty-two years old. Fifty-five Tests for Australia.
(Chalkie) New South Wales. Right-handed, opening batsman. Good defence. Slow to start, then fast scorer. Mathematics teacher. Thirty-two years old. Fifty-five Tests for Australia.
Andrew Bardsley
(Beardie) Victoria. Left-handed, opening bat. Free scoring. Sales assistant. Twenty-one years old. Debuted in the first Melbourne Test.
(Beardie) Victoria. Left-handed, opening bat. Free scoring. Sales assistant. Twenty-one years old. Debuted in the first Melbourne Test.
John Richardson
(Richo, Skip, Gov, Cap) New South Wales. Right-handed batsman. Dashing. Australian Captain. Bank manager. Thirty years old. Fifty-one Tests.
(Richo, Skip, Gov, Cap) New South Wales. Right-handed batsman. Dashing. Australian Captain. Bank manager. Thirty years old. Fifty-one Tests.
Jack Tanner
(Two Bob) Western Australia. Right-handed batsman. Big hitter. Farm machinery salesman. Twenty-five years old. Debuted in Adelaide Test match.
(Two Bob) Western Australia. Right-handed batsman. Big hitter. Farm machinery salesman. Twenty-five years old. Debuted in Adelaide Test match.
Ken Hall
(Ned) Queensland. Left-handed batsman. Bludgeoning hitter. Excellent fieldsman. Refrigeration mechanic. Twenty-five years old. Twenty-two Tests.
(Ned) Queensland. Left-handed batsman. Bludgeoning hitter. Excellent fieldsman. Refrigeration mechanic. Twenty-five years old. Twenty-two Tests.
George Jackson
Victoria. Left-handed batsman. Worker of the ball. Professional cricketer. Thirty-four. Five Test matches. Recalled to the Australian team after three years away.
Victoria. Left-handed batsman. Worker of the ball. Professional cricketer. Thirty-four. Five Test matches. Recalled to the Australian team after three years away.
Maud McLeod
(Mopsey) South Australia. All-rounder. Medium-fast swing bowler. Right-handed batsman. Good close infieldsman. Farm labourer. Twenty-two years old. Ten Test matches.
(Mopsey) South Australia. All-rounder. Medium-fast swing bowler. Right-handed batsman. Good close infieldsman. Farm labourer. Twenty-two years old. Ten Test matches.
Bill Baker
(Tinker) New South Wales. Wicketkeeper. Right-handed batsman. Primary school teacher. Thirty years old. Eighty-seven Test matches.
(Tinker) New South Wales. Wicketkeeper. Right-handed batsman. Primary school teacher. Thirty years old. Eighty-seven Test matches.
Geoffrey Calligan
(Legal) Melbourne. Fast bowler. Tight line and length bowler. Lawyer. Twenty-seven years old. Twenty-seven Tests.
(Legal) Melbourne. Fast bowler. Tight line and length bowler. Lawyer. Twenty-seven years old. Twenty-seven Tests.
Paul Hampton
(Ten Ton) New South Wales. Fast bowler. Very fast. Brewery worker. Twenty-four years old. Fifteen Tests.
(Ten Ton) New South Wales. Fast bowler. Very fast. Brewery worker. Twenty-four years old. Fifteen Tests.
David Donald
(Old Man, Billy, Kid, Nipper, Babe, The Kid) Western Australia. Spin bowler (wrist and finger). School student. Twelve years old. Debuted in Adelaide Test match.
(Old Man, Billy, Kid, Nipper, Babe, The Kid) Western Australia. Spin bowler (wrist and finger). School student. Twelve years old. Debuted in Adelaide Test match.
Dan Bidman
South Australia (born in NSW). Right-handed batsman. Promising. Nineteen years old. Twelfth man in Adelaide.
South Australia (born in NSW). Right-handed batsman. Promising. Nineteen years old. Twelfth man in Adelaide.
AUSTRALIAN CRICKET BOARD
(I have not included the whole board, but merely those two members who were instrumental in the events of the time.)
Sir Bartholomew Livingston
Chairman of the Australian Cricket Board. Chairman of a number of industries. Knighted for services to industry. Played grade cricket at university. Also played rugby for NSW in his youth.
Chairman of the Australian Cricket Board. Chairman of a number of industries. Knighted for services to industry. Played grade cricket at university. Also played rugby for NSW in his youth.
Steven Biggins
Treasurer of the ACB. Lawyer. Member of the Liberal Party of Australia. Engaged to Lucinda Pucker, daughter of newspaper publisher Robert.
Treasurer of the ACB. Lawyer. Member of the Liberal Party of Australia. Engaged to Lucinda Pucker, daughter of newspaper publisher Robert.
THE ENGLISH TEAM
(Although the batting order was to change, and the team for Sydney, I have used the Adelaide order.)
Anthony Dorrington
Kent. Left-handed opening bat. Free scoring. Professional cricketer. Twenty-eight years. Sixty Tests.
Kent. Left-handed opening bat. Free scoring. Professional cricketer. Twenty-eight years. Sixty Tests.
William O'Malley
Middlesex. Right-handed opening bat. Tight defence. Slow scoring. Soldier. Thirty-two years old. Seventy-two Tests.
Middlesex. Right-handed opening bat. Tight defence. Slow scoring. Soldier. Thirty-two years old. Seventy-two Tests.
Edward Windsor
Somerset. Right-handed batsman. Front-foot and elegant player. Fast scorer. Landholder. Twenty-five years. Forty-two Tests.
Somerset. Right-handed batsman. Front-foot and elegant player. Fast scorer. Landholder. Twenty-five years. Forty-two Tests.
Henry Longford
Surrey. Right-handed batsman. Elegant back-foot player. Tight defence. English Captain. Banker. Thirty years old. Sixty-four Tests.
Surrey. Right-handed batsman. Elegant back-foot player. Tight defence. English Captain. Banker. Thirty years old. Sixty-four Tests.
Timothy Bishop
Somerset. Right-handed bat. Reportedly a dasher. University student. Twenty-two years old. Two Tests. Debuted in the Brisbane Test.
Somerset. Right-handed bat. Reportedly a dasher. University student. Twenty-two years old. Two Tests. Debuted in the Brisbane Test.
Peter Ostler
Surrey. Bowling all-rounder. Fast-medium. Big hitter. Professional cricketer. Twenty-four years old. Thirty-eight Tests.
Surrey. Bowling all-rounder. Fast-medium. Big hitter. Professional cricketer. Twenty-four years old. Thirty-eight Tests.
Earnest Morgan
Yorkshire. Wicketkeeper. Left-handed batsman, although not a prolific scorer. Professional cricketer. Thiry-five years old. Eighty-nine Test matches.
Yorkshire. Wicketkeeper. Left-handed batsman, although not a prolific scorer. Professional cricketer. Thiry-five years old. Eighty-nine Test matches.
Lesley Darby
Kent. Spin bowler. Poor batsman. Groundsman. Twenty-nine years old. Fifty-two Test matches.
Kent. Spin bowler. Poor batsman. Groundsman. Twenty-nine years old. Fifty-two Test matches.
Albert Dwyer
Worcestershire. Medium-paced swing bowler. Devastating in damp conditions. Professional cricketer. Twenty-six years old. Thirty-five Tests.
Worcestershire. Medium-paced swing bowler. Devastating in damp conditions. Professional cricketer. Twenty-six years old. Thirty-five Tests.
Douglas Tudor
Somerset. Fast bowler. Great speed but also exceptional bounce off the pitch. Accurate. Accountant. Twenty-three years old. Twenty Tests.
Somerset. Fast bowler. Great speed but also exceptional bounce off the pitch. Accurate. Accountant. Twenty-three years old. Twenty Tests.
Hugh Proctor
Hampshire. Fast bowler. Very fast. Farm worker. Twenty-six years old. Thirty-eight Test matches.
Hampshire. Fast bowler. Very fast. Farm worker. Twenty-six years old. Thirty-eight Test matches.
Source: Learning Cricket: Rules and Strategy by J.M. Lawler and R.S. Trumper (Oxford: Olive Press, 1984).
GLOSSARY OF CRICKET TERMS
This is an edited and amended version of the glossary provided online by
action8cricket.com.
Additional definitions and amendments have been kindly added by Tom Hampton.
action8cricket.com.
Additional definitions and amendments have been kindly added by Tom Hampton.
Agricultural shot
A batting stroke that is anything and everything other than standard or copybook. Inelegant.
A batting stroke that is anything and everything other than standard or copybook. Inelegant.
All-rounder
A player who is good at both batting and bowling.
A player who is good at both batting and bowling.
Appeal
A request made to the umpire by the fielding side that a batsman be adjudicated out. This request is sometimes loud.
A request made to the umpire by the fielding side that a batsman be adjudicated out. This request is sometimes loud.
Arm ball
A ball delivered by an off-spin or left-arm spin bowler which does not have much turn. The arm rather than the fingers plays the larger role. It drifts a little more in the air and skids rather than spins.
A ball delivered by an off-spin or left-arm spin bowler which does not have much turn. The arm rather than the fingers plays the larger role. It drifts a little more in the air and skids rather than spins.
Attack
Refers to the variety of available bowlers at the disposal of the fielding captain. It also refers to an approach to scoring and to preserving one's wicket, as opposed to defence.
Refers to the variety of available bowlers at the disposal of the fielding captain. It also refers to an approach to scoring and to preserving one's wicket, as opposed to defence.
Average
The total figure reached by computation of a batsman's run-scoring performance measured against the number of times dismissed, or a bowler's performance measured by the number of runs conceded when compared to the number of wickets taken.
The total figure reached by computation of a batsman's run-scoring performance measured against the number of times dismissed, or a bowler's performance measured by the number of runs conceded when compared to the number of wickets taken.
Away swinger
Also known as the outswinger. A ball moving from the line of the stumps at the bowler's end, towards the slips area, but through the air.
Also known as the outswinger. A ball moving from the line of the stumps at the bowler's end, towards the slips area, but through the air.
Bad light
The umpires can suspend play for the day or for a period of time if it is adjudged that the light is too dim for the batsman to fairly see the ball or it may endanger the batsman. Rain can also cause a delay or suspension of play.
The umpires can suspend play for the day or for a period of time if it is adjudged that the light is too dim for the batsman to fairly see the ball or it may endanger the batsman. Rain can also cause a delay or suspension of play.
Back foot
Refers to the movement of the batsman who has placed his centre of gravity onto the back foot. Generally a defensive batting technique, but occasionally used to attack the ball in shots such as the cut, pull or hook shot. (There is a back-foot drive.)
Refers to the movement of the batsman who has placed his centre of gravity onto the back foot. Generally a defensive batting technique, but occasionally used to attack the ball in shots such as the cut, pull or hook shot. (There is a back-foot drive.)
Back up
Refers to the batsman at the bowling end who leaves his crease after the bowler has released the ball in preparation for making a run.
Refers to the batsman at the bowling end who leaves his crease after the bowler has released the ball in preparation for making a run.
Bails
The two small pieces of moulded timber which sit atop the stumps. Their placement is an aid in determining more precisely when the stumps have been disturbed. Stumps are often disturbed and never serene, even though they can be untouched, unmoved and unaffected.
The two small pieces of moulded timber which sit atop the stumps. Their placement is an aid in determining more precisely when the stumps have been disturbed. Stumps are often disturbed and never serene, even though they can be untouched, unmoved and unaffected.
Bat
The âhandle' is the thin end of the bat held by the batsman. The âshoulder' is the point at which the bat widens. Bats are sometimes referred to as âthe willow' after the wood they were traditionally made from. The very bottom edge of the bat is the âtoe.'
The âhandle' is the thin end of the bat held by the batsman. The âshoulder' is the point at which the bat widens. Bats are sometimes referred to as âthe willow' after the wood they were traditionally made from. The very bottom edge of the bat is the âtoe.'
Bat pad
Refers to a close infieldsman placed for a catch for a ball that, after striking the edge of the bat, goes on to strike the pad and rise into the air. A very specific position.
Refers to a close infieldsman placed for a catch for a ball that, after striking the edge of the bat, goes on to strike the pad and rise into the air. A very specific position.
Batsman
A player who uses a bat to hit, edge, snick or guide the ball after it has been bowled, usually with the intent of scoring runs or defending his wicket during a match or game, but often also to practise the art and skills of batting.
A player who uses a bat to hit, edge, snick or guide the ball after it has been bowled, usually with the intent of scoring runs or defending his wicket during a match or game, but often also to practise the art and skills of batting.
Batting
The process of using a cricket bat for the making of runs or defending the wicket.
The process of using a cricket bat for the making of runs or defending the wicket.
Beamer
A bowling delivery aimed at the head of the batsman. If not a mistake, then poor form.
A bowling delivery aimed at the head of the batsman. If not a mistake, then poor form.
Beaten
When a batsman attempts to strike the ball with the bat and fails to make contact. He is said to have been âbeaten' by either the pace or skill of the delivery.
When a batsman attempts to strike the ball with the bat and fails to make contact. He is said to have been âbeaten' by either the pace or skill of the delivery.
Bite
The amount of turn a spin bowler can obtain from the surface of the pitch.
The amount of turn a spin bowler can obtain from the surface of the pitch.
Block
A defensive batting stroke in which the ball is hit only a little way and usually not in the air. A block suggests no intent to score a run, but rather to concentrate on defence.
A defensive batting stroke in which the ball is hit only a little way and usually not in the air. A block suggests no intent to score a run, but rather to concentrate on defence.
Bouncer
A bowling delivery of fast pace and pitched short with the purpose of rising to around chest height when arriving at the batsman. Difficult to play most attacking and front-foot shots to this kind of delivery.
A bowling delivery of fast pace and pitched short with the purpose of rising to around chest height when arriving at the batsman. Difficult to play most attacking and front-foot shots to this kind of delivery.
Boundary
Indicates the outer limit of the playing area. Also used to describe a stroke by the batsman that immediately results in four (over the boundary along the ground or after bouncing) or six (all the way in the air) runs. See fielding diagram.
Indicates the outer limit of the playing area. Also used to describe a stroke by the batsman that immediately results in four (over the boundary along the ground or after bouncing) or six (all the way in the air) runs. See fielding diagram.
Bowl
To deliver the ball in a manner determined to be legal by the umpire interpreting the rules of cricket.
To deliver the ball in a manner determined to be legal by the umpire interpreting the rules of cricket.
Bowler
Refers to a player who primarily excels at delivering a ball to a batsman or a player in the process of delivering the ball.
Refers to a player who primarily excels at delivering a ball to a batsman or a player in the process of delivering the ball.
Bowler's mark
The bowler makes a mark at the âtop' or start of their run-up for bowling each ball. The bowler's mark allows the bowler to keep the same stride each time they run in to bowl. A fast bowler's mark is necessarily further away than a spin bowler's because they use a longer run-up in order to help generate their speed.
The bowler makes a mark at the âtop' or start of their run-up for bowling each ball. The bowler's mark allows the bowler to keep the same stride each time they run in to bowl. A fast bowler's mark is necessarily further away than a spin bowler's because they use a longer run-up in order to help generate their speed.
Break
A delivery that spins to either side of the pitch after leaving the surface. Also used to denote a short halt in play. There is a lunch break and a tea break. There are also a number of drinks breaks. There are also breaks for weather and injury.
A delivery that spins to either side of the pitch after leaving the surface. Also used to denote a short halt in play. There is a lunch break and a tea break. There are also a number of drinks breaks. There are also breaks for weather and injury.
Bump ball
A ball that hits the ground immediately after leaving the bat and, to the appearance of some fieldsmen and spectators, looks to have come directly off the bat. Once the ball touches the ground after being hit, it should not be given out, caught, and it is up to the umpire to decide whether it was a catch or merely a bump ball.
A ball that hits the ground immediately after leaving the bat and, to the appearance of some fieldsmen and spectators, looks to have come directly off the bat. Once the ball touches the ground after being hit, it should not be given out, caught, and it is up to the umpire to decide whether it was a catch or merely a bump ball.
Bye
A run scored through any means other than being struck by the bat.
A run scored through any means other than being struck by the bat.
Call
Either a confirmation or refusal that a run should be taken by a batsman in order to alert his partner. Usually shouted as a âYes,' âNo' or âWait.' Shouting âRun' is not generally used as a call beyond the junior levels. Calling correctly and the consequent understanding between batsmen is one of the skills of batting in cricket. Judging the run entails judging the fieldsman involved as well as the abilities of the paired batsman. It often also involves estimates on the bowling and the state of the game.
Either a confirmation or refusal that a run should be taken by a batsman in order to alert his partner. Usually shouted as a âYes,' âNo' or âWait.' Shouting âRun' is not generally used as a call beyond the junior levels. Calling correctly and the consequent understanding between batsmen is one of the skills of batting in cricket. Judging the run entails judging the fieldsman involved as well as the abilities of the paired batsman. It often also involves estimates on the bowling and the state of the game.
Cap
The peaked headdress normally worn by a team member and showing the colours and/or team logo.
The peaked headdress normally worn by a team member and showing the colours and/or team logo.
Caught behind
A ball caught by the wicketkeeper after being struck by the batsman.
A ball caught by the wicketkeeper after being struck by the batsman.
Cherry
Refers to a new ball because of its bright red, cherry-coloured appearance.
Refers to a new ball because of its bright red, cherry-coloured appearance.
Clean bowled
When a batsman is beaten by a ball and subsequently dismissed through the stumps being disturbed or broken (hit by the bowled ball).
When a batsman is beaten by a ball and subsequently dismissed through the stumps being disturbed or broken (hit by the bowled ball).
Close
Refers to a declaration by the batting team of a closure to an innings or the end of the day's play.
Refers to a declaration by the batting team of a closure to an innings or the end of the day's play.
Cover drive
An attacking batting stroke, usually off the front foot, directed towards the covers area between mid-off and point.
An attacking batting stroke, usually off the front foot, directed towards the covers area between mid-off and point.
Crease
The lines drawn across the wicket to denote the âsafe' area for a batsman. The batsmen usually play in and run between the two crease lines drawn approximately a yard in front of each wicket. If the bat is not grounded after a shot and the batsman is out of his crease he can be stumped. If the bat is not grounded and he is âout of his ground' while attempting a run, he will be run out. The bowler must bowl the ball from behind the bowling crease.
The lines drawn across the wicket to denote the âsafe' area for a batsman. The batsmen usually play in and run between the two crease lines drawn approximately a yard in front of each wicket. If the bat is not grounded after a shot and the batsman is out of his crease he can be stumped. If the bat is not grounded and he is âout of his ground' while attempting a run, he will be run out. The bowler must bowl the ball from behind the bowling crease.
Crumble
Refers to the state of the pitch, usually late in a game after experiencing considerable wear but also because the green grass dries. A crumbling pitch is often favoured by a spin bowler, as it will allow the ball more âbite' and turn.
Refers to the state of the pitch, usually late in a game after experiencing considerable wear but also because the green grass dries. A crumbling pitch is often favoured by a spin bowler, as it will allow the ball more âbite' and turn.
Cut
Refers to a batting stroke played to the off side between the covers area and the wicketkeeper. In bowling, refers to the deviation of a delivery, caused by a non-spin-bowler imparting varying types of spin on the ball. These types of deliveries are referred to as âcutters'; either leg-cutter or off-cutter.
Refers to a batting stroke played to the off side between the covers area and the wicketkeeper. In bowling, refers to the deviation of a delivery, caused by a non-spin-bowler imparting varying types of spin on the ball. These types of deliveries are referred to as âcutters'; either leg-cutter or off-cutter.
Dead bat
A form of defensive shot in which the ball is blocked from the wicket and dropped harmlessly to the ground by the batsman attempting to remove all force from the shot and therefore from the power of the balls rebound from the bat.
A form of defensive shot in which the ball is blocked from the wicket and dropped harmlessly to the ground by the batsman attempting to remove all force from the shot and therefore from the power of the balls rebound from the bat.
Deep
Refers to the outfield. A fieldsman âin the deep,' is either at or near the point boundary.
Refers to the outfield. A fieldsman âin the deep,' is either at or near the point boundary.
Declare
Usually a batting side's innings is âclosed' or ended when ten wickets fall. However, the batting team can âdeclare' its innings closed at any time before. This is a most important strategic decision when âgoing for a win.'
Usually a batting side's innings is âclosed' or ended when ten wickets fall. However, the batting team can âdeclare' its innings closed at any time before. This is a most important strategic decision when âgoing for a win.'
Delivery
Bowling the ball or a ball bowled.
Bowling the ball or a ball bowled.
Dig in
The act of a batsman concentrating on remaining at the crease for a long period, usually involving defence at all costs rather than risking his wicket by attempting to score frequent runs.
The act of a batsman concentrating on remaining at the crease for a long period, usually involving defence at all costs rather than risking his wicket by attempting to score frequent runs.
Draw
The Test match is declared a draw if the side batting last does not pass the other side's aggregate score, yet has âwickets in hand,' that is, batsmen not yet out. This is a quite common result of Test matches, even of five days. See also Tie.
The Test match is declared a draw if the side batting last does not pass the other side's aggregate score, yet has âwickets in hand,' that is, batsmen not yet out. This is a quite common result of Test matches, even of five days. See also Tie.
Drawing the stumps
The physical act by an umpire of withdrawing the stumps from the pitch to signal the close of the day's play.
The physical act by an umpire of withdrawing the stumps from the pitch to signal the close of the day's play.
Drift
The sideways movement in the flight of the ball after being bowled by a spin bowler. A side breeze can affect the amount of drift, as can the amount of âair' given in âflighting' the ball.
The sideways movement in the flight of the ball after being bowled by a spin bowler. A side breeze can affect the amount of drift, as can the amount of âair' given in âflighting' the ball.
Drive
A drive is a straight-batted shot, played by swinging the bat in a vertical arc through the line of the ball, hitting the ball in front of the batsman along the ground. It is usually off the front foot (but not always) and includes the off drive, straight drive, on drive and square drive. See fielding diagram.
A drive is a straight-batted shot, played by swinging the bat in a vertical arc through the line of the ball, hitting the ball in front of the batsman along the ground. It is usually off the front foot (but not always) and includes the off drive, straight drive, on drive and square drive. See fielding diagram.
Duck
A score of zero. Someone, somewhere, thought the numeral zero looked like a duck's egg. One would hope the real derivation was more complicated.
A score of zero. Someone, somewhere, thought the numeral zero looked like a duck's egg. One would hope the real derivation was more complicated.
Edge
The outermost perimeter of the bat. Also refers to a ball only just struck by the edge of the bat. Sometimes called a âsnick.'
The outermost perimeter of the bat. Also refers to a ball only just struck by the edge of the bat. Sometimes called a âsnick.'
Feather
A very faint edge of a ball by the batsman.
A very faint edge of a ball by the batsman.
Field
The ground or oval on which a match is played. Also refers to the placement of fieldsmen within the playing area.
The ground or oval on which a match is played. Also refers to the placement of fieldsmen within the playing area.
Fieldsman
Sometimes referred to as fielder. A player strategically placed within the field of play, with the object of stopping the batting team from scoring runs and/or taking a catch to get them out. The teams take turns. The fieldsmen play against a series of batsmen. See fielding diagram.
Sometimes referred to as fielder. A player strategically placed within the field of play, with the object of stopping the batting team from scoring runs and/or taking a catch to get them out. The teams take turns. The fieldsmen play against a series of batsmen. See fielding diagram.
Fiery
A particularly fast-paced bowler. Often referring to a bowler who bowls a succession of short-pitched deliveries.
A particularly fast-paced bowler. Often referring to a bowler who bowls a succession of short-pitched deliveries.
Finger spin
A method used by a bowler to deliver a ball that will spin off the surface of a pitch. The spin on the ball is imparted with the use of a finger or the fingers (as opposed to a wrist action).
A method used by a bowler to deliver a ball that will spin off the surface of a pitch. The spin on the ball is imparted with the use of a finger or the fingers (as opposed to a wrist action).
Flat
Generally refers to the condition of a pitch with an even surface and not much bounce. Batsmen prefer âflat tracks' because it makes predicting the bounce and direction of the delivery more predictable.
Generally refers to the condition of a pitch with an even surface and not much bounce. Batsmen prefer âflat tracks' because it makes predicting the bounce and direction of the delivery more predictable.
Flight
The loop in the path of the ball after being bowled. Flight refers to vertical variation in the trajectory of the bowled ball.
The loop in the path of the ball after being bowled. Flight refers to vertical variation in the trajectory of the bowled ball.
Flipper
Leg-spin ball that uses backspin (rather than overspin or side spin). The ball tends to be flatter than the normal leg break and keeps lower. David Donald referred to this ball as a skidder, possibly referring to the way the ball seems to skid low and straight. If he had been among more experienced cricketers, they would have explained the correct term for this kind of delivery (although the category is general and therefore does not quite do justice to the variations he was able to achieve).
Leg-spin ball that uses backspin (rather than overspin or side spin). The ball tends to be flatter than the normal leg break and keeps lower. David Donald referred to this ball as a skidder, possibly referring to the way the ball seems to skid low and straight. If he had been among more experienced cricketers, they would have explained the correct term for this kind of delivery (although the category is general and therefore does not quite do justice to the variations he was able to achieve).
Follow-on
The option by the fielding captain for the batting team to immediately bat again if a team is dismissed during its first innings for two hundred runs less than the opposition. To put this complicated matter in a different way, should the team batting first amass a sufficiently high score, and the team batting second manage a sufficiently low score, the first team can demand (enforce) the second team bat again, taking advantage of the possibility that the second team may again achieve a low enough score such that the sum of both scores will still not be enough to force the first team to have to bat twice, or that, even if the first team has to bat again, and if there is a sufficiently low score to overtake, then any deteriorating pitch conditions will still give the first team sufficient numerical advantage to win the game more easily.
The option by the fielding captain for the batting team to immediately bat again if a team is dismissed during its first innings for two hundred runs less than the opposition. To put this complicated matter in a different way, should the team batting first amass a sufficiently high score, and the team batting second manage a sufficiently low score, the first team can demand (enforce) the second team bat again, taking advantage of the possibility that the second team may again achieve a low enough score such that the sum of both scores will still not be enough to force the first team to have to bat twice, or that, even if the first team has to bat again, and if there is a sufficiently low score to overtake, then any deteriorating pitch conditions will still give the first team sufficient numerical advantage to win the game more easily.
Footmarks
During the course of a game the bowlers wear footmarks into the pitch where their feet repeatedly land on their âfollow through' after releasing the ball in the bowling action. There are laws governing running on the pitch, but footmarks inevitably develop and deepen as a match goes on. They offer significant aid to a spin bowler.
During the course of a game the bowlers wear footmarks into the pitch where their feet repeatedly land on their âfollow through' after releasing the ball in the bowling action. There are laws governing running on the pitch, but footmarks inevitably develop and deepen as a match goes on. They offer significant aid to a spin bowler.
French cut
Mis-hit shot in which the ball takes the inside edge of the bat and changes direction such that it passes behind the batsman, but in front of the stumps (and often away to the boundary, which only deepens the irony of the ball missing the wickets).
Mis-hit shot in which the ball takes the inside edge of the bat and changes direction such that it passes behind the batsman, but in front of the stumps (and often away to the boundary, which only deepens the irony of the ball missing the wickets).
Front foot
Refers to the movement of the batsman who has placed his centre of gravity onto the front foot. The movement forward, rather than back, can be used for defensive shots, but is usually used to play such attacking shots as the drive(s), the sweep shot and the leg-glance. Getting to the pitch of the ball is often a key to this shot, as well as timing.
Refers to the movement of the batsman who has placed his centre of gravity onto the front foot. The movement forward, rather than back, can be used for defensive shots, but is usually used to play such attacking shots as the drive(s), the sweep shot and the leg-glance. Getting to the pitch of the ball is often a key to this shot, as well as timing.
Full-blooded
A batting stroke played with the full physical power of the batsman.
A batting stroke played with the full physical power of the batsman.
Full toss
A bowling delivery that reaches the batsman without first having struck or bounced off the pitch. On the full.
A bowling delivery that reaches the batsman without first having struck or bounced off the pitch. On the full.
Gardening
The act of a batsman patting down, with the
The act of a batsman patting down, with the
tip of his bat, either loose areas of pitch or pieces of the playing surface that have come apart.
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