In order to play cricket to the examination level, students should have a good practical and theoretical grasp of the 4 major activities of the game:
• Fielding
• Bowling
• Batting
• Wicket keeping
Fielding
Essentially this involves catching and throwing in a variety of circumstances both static or on the move
General points for fielders
Expect every ball to come to you but do not anticipate its line, height, or speed. All fielders except close catchers should be moving in toward the striker as the bowler delivers the ball. Slips, leg slips,s and wicketkeepers can watch the ball from the bowler’s hand; others watch the bat.
Sight the ball before moving off in a particular direction; then move quickly. Whenever possible use two hands and get some part of the body behind the ball unless this action would prevent a runout. Having fielded a ball, throw it immediately to the wicketkeeper or, if there is a chance of a runout, at the stumps.
If not fielding the ball, back up at either end to reduce the chance of over-throws. If you are close to the bowler’s wicket and he cannot get back to it, move to it to take the return. Concentrate all the time, keeping an eye on your captain who may wish to move you.
If there is a possibility of two fielders colliding when going for the same ball the nearest should call ‘mine’ or the captain should shout the name of the player who is to field the ball. On cold days keep your muscles and hands warm to prevent injury and to be ready for instant action
Bowling
The first essential of effective bowling is that the student adopts the correct grip
Lean back. Lift front knee. Arch back slightly. Look down intended line of delivery. Swing bowling arm downwards and then backwards. Swing front arm forwards. Stamp down with front foot. Continue rotation of arms. Keep front arm close to body. Straighten front leg. Keep head upright.
Release ball as arm passes head. Keep hand behind ball. Swing front arm high behind body. Follow-through with bowling arm across body. Bring back leg through, bent and close to other leg. Bowling shoulder points to target.
Batting
Please note, throughout the module “batsman” also refers to “batswoman”. Batting in cricket is probably the most popular of all skills.
Firstly, it allows the player to score, and secondly he has the full attention of not only both teams, but also the spectators. When teaching batting it is essential that staff exercise great care in selecting the surface on which the skill is performed. At school level this is often a factor over which neither staff nor students have any control.
Nevertheless, staff should remain on the side of caution and on bad pitches certain strokes should not be taught. It is accepted that at least one Examining Board includes the hook within the syllabus. The National Cricket Association (NCA) does not recommend that this stroke be taught to inexperienced players, particularly if the pitch is suspect.
For this reason the hook and other advanced skills (lofted shots, the sweep and the late cut) are omitted from this text.