Cricket has been an established team sport for hundreds of years and is one of the most popular sports in the world. It originated England and is today very popular in countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, the West Indies and South Africa.

Competitive cricket is essentially a bat and ball sport. It is played by two teams on a pitch and involves batting, fielding and bowling. There are 11 players a side and a game can last anywhere from several hours to several days.

Suitable for all ages

Cricket can be played both socially and competitively, by males and females of all ages. While competitive cricket is mostly played on a pitch on an oval field, cricket just for fun can be played in backyards, parks, streets or on the beach.

Health benefits

Although there is some standing around, to play cricket you need to be fit and strong, and have good hand–eye coordination and ball-handling skills. Cricket involves sprinting between wickets and running to stop balls, as well as bowling and throwing. 

Health benefits include:

• Endurance and stamina

• Balance and coordination

• Physical fitness

• Improving hand–eye coordination.

Other benefits

As well as physical health benefits, cricket can also bring other benefits and opportunities such as:

• Eye–hand coordination 

• Team skills 

•Social skills like cooperation, communication and learning how to cope with winning and

losing 

• Social interaction – it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

Getting started

To play backyard cricket you just need some friends, a bat, a ball and wickets. To play competitively, consider joining a local club. To learn the skills, try participating in a clinic.