Cricket For Dummies

Learn to:

Understand the laws of cricket Talk tactics and strategy Get to grips with the history of the game Follow every format – from Twenty20 to Tests Get involved and participate

The definitive guide to cricket for newcomers, fans and players

Whether you don′t know a bouncer from a leg–break (but would like to), you′re a budding enthusiast who wants to know more or you aspire to playing at a higher level someday, this is the cricket book you′re looking for. Revised and updated for the first back–to–back Ashes series in 38 years, this edition of the bestselling guide provides crystal–clear explanations of the rules and regs, step–by–step coverage of techniques and tactics, tips on how to improve your game, the inside stories of great global rivalries, player profiles and lots more.

Know a wicket from a pitch – get up to speed on the basics, including the rules, the pitch, fielding positions, different game formats and how to kit yourself up to play Get game – improve and fine–tune your game with clear technical explanations and insider tips on the art and science of batting, bowling, fielding, catching and more Learn to see the big picture – get wise to the tactical and strategic aspects of cricket and discover how to devise your own winning tactics as a player or a team Know your way around Planet Cricket – take a guided tour of the competitions and tournaments around the world, from Twenty20 to the Ashes, to county championships and more Experience all the thrills and spills – read exciting accounts of some of the greatest matches of all time along with fascinating profiles of many of the greatest cricketers ever

′A jargon–busting, comprehensive guide to cricket.′ – Cricket World

Open the book and find:

Cricket laws, rules and regulations clearly explained (at last!) A diagram of fielding positions Everything you need to know about game formats – from Tests to T20 Priceless pointers on how to improve your skills How to formulate winning tactics A guide to coaching children′s cricket The 10 greatest feats in the history of cricket Profiles of the all–time best players The most memorable games ever

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Cricket 7

Chapter 1: Taking In the Joy of Cricket 9

Chapter 2: Getting to Grips with the Basics 21

Chapter 3: From 20 Overs to 5 Days: The Many Formats of Cricket 47

Chapter 4: Grabbing the Right Gear: Cricket Equipment 67

Part II: Playing the Game 83

Chapter 5: Honing Your Batting Skills 85

Chapter 6: Making It Big as a Bowler 115

Chapter 7: Fielding Made Easy 141

Chapter 8: Talking Tactics: Captaining a Cricket Team 163

Chapter 9: Talented Training and Cricket Coaching 187

Part III: Welcome to Planet Cricket 205

Chapter 10: Grasping the Global Rivalries 207

Chapter 11: Taking in Big International Tournaments 229

Chapter 12: The Domestic Cricket Scene 249

Chapter 13: Becoming a Cricket Fan 267

Part IV: The Part of Tens 289

Chapter 14: Ten Greatest Ever Cricketers 291

Chapter 15: Ten Most Memorable Cricket Matches 297

Chapter 16: Ten Mind–boggling Cricket Feats 305

Index 311

Julian Knight is a journalist currently working as an editor at the Independent on Sunday. He was a reporter at BBC News, contributing to the BBC News website and Radio Five Live. A former youth coach and captain at Blackheath Cricket Club, he has played for several clubs in London and the north–west of England.