What Are The Rules Of Beach Cricket?
The game of cricket has a long history among English and Australian natives. Rules and guidelines for this competition can be confusing to those who don’t have extensive experience as a player or spectator. However, there is another game that shares the name – beach cricket. This new sport is closely associated with Australia and only became a common pastime in 2006-2007.
According to sports records, the first beach cricket games involved experienced cricket players from Australia and England, as well as from the West Indies. The competition continued in 2008, when New Zealand joined in. The games were played on the coast of Australia, with the most recent action taking place on the curiously named Coolangatta Beach.
Apparently, the rules of beach cricket are a mix of the rules and guidelines from the traditional outdoor game and the closely related indoor cricket. Some of the rules are the same as in the classic game. There are eight “overs” in an innings, but there is also the captain’s choice rule. The team leader can select batsmen and bowlers in this situation. Official rules state that because this game is played on the beach, a plastic section of “pitch” is used so that the ball can bounce. At first, players could actually field in the water. This has been changed recently.
Rules state that there are six players per team and all ages may be included. Teams bat in three pairs of two, with teams facing “12×4 ball overs.” A batting pair begins play with 50 “runs.” If a ball is hit and goes into the water, that alone is worth 10 runs. When it was possible to field in the water, a batter could lose 20 runs when the ball was caught in the ocean. Batting takes place at one end (in one direction).
Bowlers may bowl “under arm” and each gets two overs, with up to four steps for the run-up. According to rules adopted over the last couple of years, Wides and No balls are not re-bowled and are worth two runs. The exception to this rule comes in the last over. The team in the field has two players on leg side, two on the “off” side, with a wicketkeeper and a bowler. Fielders rotate at the end of an over (clockwise). No fielder is to be stationed closer to the batter than 10 meters.
Beach cricket players are don’t have to adhere to the extensive and complex rules that govern the traditional game, which takes place on a vast playing ground with players often attired in crisp white uniforms. In addition, the less-formal games of beach cricket might employ something other than the traditional bat and ball.
However, as the game has grown in popularity some of the classic rules are being applied to beach cricket. Players have adjusted and changed with alterations in rules. Some of the guidelines involve the obvious differences between the manicured pitch used for traditional cricket and the sandy locations of beach cricket.
Category: Sports