Cricket
Rules, records, shots, bowling, and player guides — the heart of SportsMonkie.
What Is a Dead Ball in Cricket? Rule and Common Situations
A dead ball is a delivery from which no runs score and no batter is out. Learn when the ball goes dead, who decides, and why it matters in a tight finish.
DLS Method in Cricket Explained: How Rain Targets Are Set
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method resets targets in rain-hit limited-overs cricket using overs and wickets left. Here's the logic, with examples.
Highest Score in T20I Cricket: Team and Individual Records
The highest team total in men's T20Is is Zimbabwe's 344/4 and the top individual innings is Aaron Finch's 172. See the full record list here.
Conventional vs Reverse Swing in Cricket: The Difference
Conventional swing moves the new ball toward the shine; reverse swing makes an old ball curve the opposite way at pace. Here's what separates them.
C.K. Nayudu: India's First Test Cricket Captain
C.K. Nayudu captained India in its first Test in 1932 and became the first cricketer to win the Padma Bhushan. Meet the tiger of Indian cricket.
What Is DRS in Cricket? Decision Review System Explained
DRS lets teams challenge an umpire's call using ball-tracking, edge detection, and Hot Spot. Here's how reviews work, how many you get, and umpire's call.
What Is a Googly in Cricket?
A googly is a leg-spinner's disguised delivery that turns the opposite way to a leg break, spinning into a right-hander. See how it's bowled and deceives.
The Impact Player Rule in Cricket, Explained
The Impact Player rule lets a T20 team swap in one substitute mid-match to bat or bowl. Popularised by the IPL, here is how it works and when subs enter.
What Is LBW in Cricket? Leg Before Wicket Explained
LBW means the ball would have hit the stumps but struck the pad first. Here are the exact conditions umpires check and how DRS decides close calls.
What Is a Nightwatchman in Cricket?
A nightwatchman is a lower-order batter sent in late to shield a specialist from tricky conditions. See why teams use one and when the tactic pays off.
Why Cricket Is Not in the Olympics: The Full Story
Cricket has never been a permanent Olympic sport due to governance disputes, calendar conflicts and ICC reluctance to cede control to the IOC. Here is why.
How to Bowl Faster in Cricket: Tips to Gain Real Pace
Bowl faster in cricket by improving run-up momentum, loading the body efficiently, and releasing with a full, high arm. Strength and technique add pace.
Best Spin Bowlers in Current Cricket: Top Active Spinners
The best active spin bowlers in cricket right now — ranked by impact across Test, ODI, and T20 formats, with a look at what makes each one exceptional.
How to Bowl Reverse Swing in Cricket: Technique Explained
Reverse swing makes an old, scuffed ball curve opposite to normal swing. Keep the shiny side toward your target, angle the seam, and bowl at high pace.
Most Followed Cricketers on Instagram in 2023
Virat Kohli is the most followed cricketer on Instagram by a large margin, with several other Indian players and global stars also commanding huge followings.
How to Play the Periscope Shot in Cricket
The periscope shot is a vertical-bat stroke to short balls at the body, holding the bat upright to deflect it over the leg-side fielders. Learn the method.
Most Popular Cricketers in the World: All-Time Fan Favourites
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli rank among the most popular cricketers ever, with Imran Khan, MS Dhoni, and Brian Lara also drawing huge followings.
Best Women Cricketers of All Time: Legends of the Game
The greatest women cricketers in history — from Belinda Clark and Charlotte Edwards to Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana — and what made each one exceptional.
Imam-ul-Haq Biography: Pakistan's Left-Handed Opener
Imam-ul-Haq is a Pakistani left-handed opener known for consistent ODIs. He debuted in 2017 and ranks among Pakistan's most reliable white-ball batters.
How to Bowl a Teesra in Cricket: Grip and Action
The teesra is an off-spinner's mystery ball that goes straight on instead of turning. A pronated wrist and altered fingers deceive batters expecting spin.
How to Play a Straight Drive in Cricket: Technique and Timing
The straight drive is cricket's classic front-foot shot, played to a full ball on off stump and hit past the bowler. Learn the stance, grip, and swing.
Most Double Centuries in Test Cricket: Top 20 Scorers of All Time
Don Bradman leads all batters with the most double centuries in Test cricket. See the top scorers, the feats defining greatness, and what 200 demands.
How to Play a Perfect Square Cut in Cricket: Step-by-Step
The square cut is played to a short, wide delivery outside off stump. Learn the grip, back-foot movement, and bat swing to send the ball through point.
Richest Cricketers in the World: Who Tops the List?
The wealthiest cricketers have built fortunes through contracts, IPL deals, brand endorsements, and business ventures far beyond their playing careers.
Biggest Sixes in Cricket History: Longest Hits Ever Recorded
The biggest sixes ever hit in cricket: the longest measured strikes, the batters known for freakish power, and what makes a six truly special.
Most Popular Cricket Tournaments in the World
The IPL is the most popular cricket tournament by viewership and value, but the ICC World Cup, Big Bash, PSL, and Test series also draw massive audiences.
Longest Six in Cricket History: The Biggest Hits Ever Recorded
Several sixes in cricket history have been measured beyond 110 metres, with Shahid Afridi, Brett Lee, and other power-hitters among the longest tracked.
Cricketers Who Died During Matches: Tragic Stories
A few cricketers have died from injuries suffered in live matches. We recount these tragedies and the safety changes cricket made because of them.
Best Finishers in Cricket History: Who Seals Games Under Pressure
The best finishers in cricket excel in the death overs and pressure chases. Players like MS Dhoni, Michael Bevan, and AB de Villiers are rated the finest.
Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History: The Complete List
The greatest all-rounders in cricket history could win matches with both bat and ball. Here are the players who defined the role across all eras.
How to Bowl an Off Cutter in Cricket: Grip & Technique
An off cutter is a seam ball that cuts from off to leg into a right-hander. Grip across the seam and drag the middle finger down at release for movement.
How to Play a Pull Shot in Cricket: Grip, Stance, and Timing
The pull shot is a back-foot attacking stroke to short deliveries at waist to chest height, hit square on the leg side. Here is how to play it correctly.
Most Loved Cricketers of All Time: Fan Favourites
Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Brian Lara rank among the most loved cricketers ever, blending on-field brilliance with character that won over fans.
Richest Indian Cricket Player: Who Leads in Wealth?
Sachin Tendulkar is widely seen as the richest Indian cricketer, ahead of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, each rich from cricket, IPL deals, and endorsements.
Highest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket: All-Time Records
Muttiah Muralitharan leads all-time ODI wicket-takers with over 500 wickets. See where Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Vaas rank on the list.
How to Play the Dilscoop in Cricket: Step-by-Step Technique
The Dilscoop scoops a full pace delivery over the keeper's head for six. Learn the exact footwork, bat angle, and timing that make this shot work.
Longest Sixes in Cricket: Biggest Hits Across All Formats
A look at the biggest sixes hit across Test, ODI, and T20 cricket — the power-hitters, the venues, and what makes an extraordinary six stand out from the rest.
Most Test Wins as Captain in Cricket: The All-Time Leaders
Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith, and Steve Waugh lead the way for most Test wins as captain. See the all-time leaders in Test match victories as skipper.
How Much Do Professional Cricketers Make?
Professional cricketer salaries range from a few thousand dollars for domestic players to millions for elite internationals, varying by format and country.
Best Cricket Coaches of All Time: Legends Who Shaped the Game
The best cricket coaches have transformed national teams and shaped all-time greats. Here are the ones widely regarded as the most influential ever.
Best Spin Bowlers in Cricket History: All-Time Greats
A look at the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history — the leg-spinners, off-spinners, and left-arm orthodox bowlers who redefined the art of spin.
Greatest Test Innings Ever Played: Iconic Batting Performances
The greatest individual Test innings in cricket history — innings defined not just by runs scored but by context, conditions, and the stakes involved.
How to Bowl the Doosra: Grip, Action, and Technique
The doosra is an off-spinner's secret weapon, a ball that turns away from a right-handed batter instead of into them. Learn to bowl it safely and well.
How to Play the Leg Glance Shot in Cricket
The leg glance redirects a ball angled into the body toward fine leg with a subtle deflection. One of cricket's most elegant, effective scoring shots.
Tallest Cricketers of All Time: Giants of the Game
Cricket has produced some towering athletes. Meet the tallest cricketers in history and see how height shapes bowling and batting at the highest level.
Brian Lara Net Worth: Career Earnings & Financial Legacy
Brian Lara's net worth ranks among cricket's wealthiest retired stars, built from match fees, endorsements, broadcasting, and business ventures.
Current Fastest Bowlers in Cricket Right Now
A look at the fastest active pace bowlers in international cricket today, the speeds they generate, and what makes them so dangerous.
Highest Batting Average in ODI Cricket: Top Contributors
Batting average in ODIs measures runs per dismissal. Elite batters like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers sustain averages well above 50.
Most Dangerous Hard Hitters in Cricket: Power Batters Ranked
From Viv Richards and Shahid Afridi to Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone, these are cricket's most dangerous hard hitters who flip a match in one over.
How to Play a Sweep Shot in Cricket: Complete Technique Guide
The sweep shot is a front-foot stroke to full-length spin, hitting the leg side with a horizontal bat. Learn the kneeling position, grip, and placement.
Most Sixes in T20I Cricket: All-Time Records and Top Hitters
Rohit Sharma and Martin Guptill lead the way for most sixes in T20 Internationals. See the biggest hitters, key records, and what defines T20I six-hitting.
Smallest Cricket Stadium in the World: Capacity and Facts
The world's smallest cricket stadiums are grounds in the Caribbean, UK, and Associate nations, seating just a few thousand fans yet hosting top cricket.
Biggest Cricket Stadiums in the World: Top 10 by Capacity
The biggest cricket stadiums by seating capacity, ranked from India's Narendra Modi Stadium to the MCG in Australia and Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
How to Play the Marillier Shot: The Slog Over Deep Fine Leg
The Marillier shot is a high-risk scoop to full or short pace deliveries, swatting the ball over fine leg for six. Learn the grip, timing, and technique.
Is PSL Bigger Than IPL? Comparing the Two T20 Leagues
The IPL is far larger than the PSL in viewership, revenue, and player salaries, though the Pakistan Super League has grown fast since its 2016 launch.
Most Successful Cricket Teams in History: The All-Time Rankings
The most successful cricket teams ever — ranked by Test dominance, World Cup wins, and sustained periods of excellence across formats.
Good vs Bad Batting Average in Cricket and Baseball Explained
Batting average means very different things in cricket and baseball. Learn what a good, average and poor average looks like in each and why they differ.
Best Cricket Umpires of All Time: The Greatest in the Middle
The best cricket umpires combined exceptional judgement, calm authority, and consistency across decades. Here are the umpires most respected in cricket history.
Biggest Match Fixing Scandals in Cricket History
Cricket's biggest match-fixing scandals, from the Hansie Cronje affair to the 2000s spot-fixing cases, and what each one meant for the sport.
How to Play the Reverse Scoop in Cricket: Full Technique Guide
The reverse scoop scoops the ball over the wicketkeeper or third man by reversing the bat. Learn the footwork, grip, and when this T20 shot is worth the risk.
Highest Paid Cricketers in the World: Who Earns the Most?
The highest-paid cricketers combine board contracts, IPL and T20 league deals, and endorsements, led by Virat Kohli, Pat Cummins, and Rohit Sharma.
Shoaib Akhtar's Wife: Rubab Khan and His Personal Life
Pakistan's legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar married Rubab Khan in 2014. The couple has two sons, and Akhtar often speaks about family after cricket.
Greatest Test Matches Ever Played: Cricket's Most Memorable Games
The greatest Test matches in cricket history, games remembered for drama, stunning reversals, and redefining what was possible in five-day cricket.
How to Play a Hook Shot in Cricket: Technique and Timing
The hook shot punishes short-pitched deliveries, hitting them fine behind square on the leg side. Learn the grip, footwork, and head position to play it.
Cricket vs Football: Key Differences and Similarities
Cricket vs football: the world's two most-followed sports differ in rules, pitch, team size, and duration, yet share deep British sporting roots.
Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History: The All-Time Quickest
From Shoaib Akhtar to Brett Lee and Jeff Thomson, these are the fastest bowlers cricket has ever seen and what made them so feared.
How to Bowl a Leg Cutter in Cricket: Grip & Technique
A leg cutter is a fast bowler's delivery that cuts from leg to off. Grip fingers across the seam, then drag the index finger down at release for movement.
How to Play the Ramp Shot in Cricket: Technique Guide
The ramp shot deflects a full or back-of-length ball over the keeper toward fine leg or third man. Master the wrist angle and head position for T20.
The Fastest Century in ODI Cricket: Record-Breaking Tons
The fastest centuries in ODI cricket came in under 35 balls. See the record holders, the context, and what makes an ultra-fast hundred possible.
Best Cricket Bats: What to Look for and Top Brands
The best cricket bat depends on your level, preferred weight, and budget. This guide covers the key specs and the brands players consistently rate highest.
Biggest Cricket Stadium in the World: Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is the largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity, holding well over 100,000 spectators.
How to Play a Reverse Sweep in Cricket: Technique Guide
The reverse sweep flips your grip and stance to hit spin to the off side. Learn the exact technique, footwork, and when to use it in a match.
How to Play the Switch Hit in Cricket: Step-by-Step Guide
The switch hit sees a batter reverse their stance mid-delivery to play as a mirror-image batsman. Learn to execute this bold shot safely and well.
Is Big Bash Bigger Than IPL? Comparing the Two T20 Leagues
The IPL dwarfs the Big Bash League in revenue, viewership, and global reach, though the BBL punches above its weight for cricket. Here is how they compare.
Most Successful Cricket Captains of All Time
A look at the greatest Test and ODI cricket captains — the leaders whose tactical brilliance and winning records set them apart from the rest.
Cricketers With Moustaches: The Most Iconic in History
From Merv Hughes to Clive Lloyd, these are the cricketers whose moustaches became as famous as their playing careers.
Hardik Pandya Net Worth: Cricket Earnings & Wealth Explained
Hardik Pandya is among the highest-earning Indian cricketers, with income from IPL and BCCI contracts, brand endorsements, and franchise ownership.
Most ODI Wickets in Cricket: All-Time Records and Top Bowlers
Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most ODI wickets ever. See the all-time leaders, what makes an elite ODI bowler, and key ODI bowling milestones.
Greatest Cricketers of All Time: The Next Tier of Legends
Beyond the very top names, this guide covers the cricketers who defined eras, set records, and shaped how cricket is played — the next tier of all-time greats.
How to Bowl a Yorker in Cricket: Step-by-Step Guide
A yorker pitches at the batter's feet, making it nearly impossible to hit cleanly. Aim a full delivery at the base of the stumps, in the block hole.
How to Play the Helicopter Shot in Cricket: Full Guide
The helicopter shot is a wrist-driven stroke to full or yorker-length balls on the leg side, flicked over midwicket with a high follow-through. Learn it.
Highest Score in Test Cricket by an Indian Player
The highest Test score by an Indian is Virender Sehwag's 319 against South Africa in Chennai, 2008. See the top innings by India's batters here.
Fastest 50s in Cricket: World Cups, ODIs, Tests & T20Is
The fastest half-centuries ever scored in cricket, across T20Is, ODIs, Tests, and World Cups, with the players and match contexts behind each record.
Appealing in Cricket: What It Is and How It Works
An appeal in cricket is the fielding side's formal request for a dismissal. Without one, an umpire cannot give a batter out, even one who clearly is.
Cricket Ground Size: Dimensions, Boundaries & Field Layout
There is no fixed cricket ground size: the ICC recommends a boundary of 65 to 90 yards from the pitch centre, so grounds vary widely in shape and scale.
Greatest Wicketkeepers in Cricket History: Behind the Stumps
The greatest wicketkeepers in Test cricket history, assessed on glovework, stumping ability, consistency, and — in the modern era — batting contribution.
Hitting the Ball Twice in Cricket: Law 34 Explained
Law 34 lets a batter hit the ball twice only to defend the wicket. Do it for any other reason and you are out 'hit the ball twice'. Here is how the rule works.
Cricket Ball Size and Weight: Full Comparison by Format
A cricket ball weighs 155.9-163 g with a circumference of 22.4-22.9 cm in men's cricket. Women's and youth balls are slightly smaller and lighter.
Greatest Batsmen in Cricket History: The Defining Names
A look at the cricketers widely regarded as the greatest batsmen of all time — defined by technique, consistency, and impact across formats and eras.
Sachin Tendulkar's Jersey Number: Why He Wore #10
Sachin Tendulkar wore jersey number 10 throughout his international career with India. The number became one of the most iconic in cricket history.
How to Play the Paddle Sweep in Cricket: Technique & Tips
The paddle sweep is a delicate deflection to spin or medium pace, guiding the ball fine down the leg side. Learn the technique, footwork, and its best use.
What Is Strike Rate in Cricket? Batting & Bowling Explained
Batting strike rate is runs scored per 100 balls (runs ÷ balls × 100); bowling strike rate is balls bowled per wicket. Formulas and examples inside.
15 Basic Rules of Cricket Every Fan Should Know
Cricket has a detailed rulebook, but these 15 core rules cover how the game is played, how batters are dismissed, and how runs are scored.
How to Play the Uppercut in Cricket: Shot Guide
The uppercut is played to a short, wide ball outside off stump, cutting under it over third man for four or six. Timing and footwork are everything.
Types of Cricket Formats: From Slowest to Fastest
Cricket formats run from multi-day Tests to the explosive 10-over Hundred. This guide ranks every format from slowest to fastest and how they differ.
Best Cricket World Cup Matches of All Time
A ranked guide to the greatest ODI Cricket World Cup matches ever, from the 1999 Edgbaston tie to the 2019 Super Over final, with a results table.
Dream11 Captain & Vice-Captain: How to Pick Wisely Every Match
Your Dream11 captain scores 2x points and your vice-captain scores 1.5x — so picking them wisely is the single biggest lever in fantasy cricket. Here's how.
Highest Score in Test Cricket: All-Time Individual Records
The highest individual score in Test cricket is 400 not out by Brian Lara in 2004. See the all-time top scores and what made each innings special.
Most ODI Runs Without a Century: Cricket's Nearly Men
Some batters piled up thousands of ODI runs yet never scored a hundred. Led by Misbah-ul-Haq, meet the players with the most ODI runs without a century.
Most ODI Runs in Cricket: All-Time Leading Run-Scorers
Sachin Tendulkar leads all batters with the most ODI runs in history. See the all-time top run-scorers in One Day Internationals and what set them apart.
Shortest Cricketers of All Time: The Game's Smallest Stars
Height is no barrier in cricket. From Walter Cornford and Parthiv Patel to Sunil Gavaskar, meet the shortest cricketers and how they beat fast bowlers.
Shortest Test Matches in Cricket History
The shortest Test matches ever, measured by balls bowled: from the 642-ball Cape Town record of 2024 back to the two-day classics of 1888, 1932 and 2021.
Tallest Bowlers in Cricket History
Mohammad Irfan, at 7 ft 1 in, is the tallest bowler in cricket history. Here are the giants of fast bowling and how their height turned into steepling bounce.
Wasim Akram: The Sultan of Swing and Greatest Left-Arm Bowler
Wasim Akram is widely regarded as cricket's greatest left-arm fast bowler, with 916 international wickets, a 1992 World Cup and mastery of reverse swing.
Popping Crease in Cricket: The Batting Line Explained
What the popping crease is, how all the cricket creases are measured, and why the popping crease decides no-balls, stumpings, and run-outs.
Best Cricket Video Games Ever Made: Ranked and Reviewed
The best cricket video games come from EA, Big Ant Studios, and Codemasters, capturing the sport's tactics and drama. Here are the standout titles.
Cricket Bat Weight: What Weight Do Cricketers Use?
Most professional cricketers use bats weighing 2 lb 7 oz to 2 lb 12 oz (about 1.1-1.25 kg). The Laws cap blade size but set no weight limit at all.
Fielding Positions in Cricket: A Clear Guide to Every Spot
Learn every cricket fielding position, from slips and gully to long-on and fine leg, grouped by close catchers, infield and boundary riders.
Greatest Fast Bowlers in Cricket History: The Definitive Names
The greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, judged on wickets, economy, conditions mastered, and how much they frightened the best batsmen ever.
Fielding Restrictions in ODI Cricket: Powerplay Rules Explained
ODI cricket uses fielding restrictions called powerplays that limit the number of fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Here is exactly how they work.
How Long Is a Cricket Game? Length by Format Explained
A Test match lasts up to 5 days, an ODI takes around 7–8 hours, and a T20 game is typically 3–3.5 hours. Here's how long each format of cricket actually takes.
How to Play the Cover Drive in Cricket: Technique & Timing
The cover drive is cricket's most celebrated stroke, a front-foot drive through the off side. Master the footwork, head position, and timing here.
What Is a Cricket Bat Called? Names, Parts, and Rules
A cricket bat is simply called a cricket bat, but its parts have specific names and it must meet strict ICC rules on size, weight and material. Full guide.
What Is a Free Hit in Cricket? The Rule Explained
A free hit is the delivery a bowler must bowl after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket, on which the batter cannot be dismissed by most methods.
Cricket Pitch Length in Feet: Test, ODI & T20 Dimensions
A cricket pitch is 22 yards (66 feet / 20.12 m) long in every format - Test, ODI, and T20. The length never changes; only the number of overs does.
Types of Bowling in Cricket: Pace and Spin Explained
A clear guide to the types of bowling in cricket, from fast and swing bowling to off spin, leg spin, and deliveries like the yorker, googly, and doosra.
Duck in Cricket: Golden, Diamond, Royal & Every Type Explained
A duck is when a batter is dismissed without scoring. Here are all the types — golden, silver, pair, king, diamond and royal duck — with clear definitions.
How to Read Cricket Scores: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Cricket scores show runs and wickets per innings, written as Runs/Wickets (e.g. 245/6). This guide explains every number, abbreviation, and format.
What Is a No-Ball in Cricket? Types, Rules & the Free Hit
A no-ball is an illegal delivery that costs the bowling side a run and a re-bowl. Learn every type, the free-hit rule and how a batter can be out off one.
What Is a Powerplay in Cricket? ODI, T20 & The Rules Explained
A powerplay is a fixed set of overs where the fielding side may keep only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Here are the exact ODI, T20 and T20I rules.