EPTAsk anyone who isn't from a Commonwealth country what they think about cricket and the majority will say this:
Common complaints are that it's too long, nothing ever happens, fielders go for hours without touching the ball, the players look stupid in all their protective gear, if you get out first ball you have to wait forever before you can participate again, etc. etc.
All of these are true and I can tell you that Indoor Cricket is very different from it's more commonly known form. It is a high-energy, shorter, faster, more action-packed game with much more emphasis on the team than individuals.
The biggest difference is obviously that it is indoors. The typical dimensions of the playing area look like this:
The field is much smaller. Batsman only have to run approximately half the pitch length to score a run. Fielders, batsmen and bowlers are all close together. Because of this, all the players are in the game each ball.
The average game goes for an hour, give or take ten minutes. Games are between two teams of one inning each which lasts for 16 overs (1 over is 6 balls or 8 depending on which country or league you play in). Each team has 8 players. Unlike outdoor cricket EVERYONE has to bat and bowl the same amount. Each player bowls two overs in the field, and there are 4 pairs who bat for 4 overs each. Runs are scored by hitting the ball and running. Bonus runs are scored for hitting the ball into the side nets.
Another major difference is if you get out, you don't have to leave the field. Instead, a penalty of five runs is applied and you keep going until your 4 overs are up. So you don't have to get too upset if something like this happens:
Another thing that really makes Indoor stand out compared to outdoor is the fielding skills. The ball may come to you at any time and it will come quickly, so agility is a very important thing if you want to become a top player. It is very common to see players diving and throwing themselves around to make the most of the split second they have to make a play.
Batsmen have to do it too!
A criticism of many outdoor players is that Indoor is a less skilled game and playing it ruins your technique. This is inaccurate and in my opinion indoor actually takes more skill as there is less room for error. Edges never go for four in this game! As for skills, many of Australia's most famous players have played and umpired indoor. Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Justin Langer, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey are among those who were heavily involved in Indoor before they made the Australian outdoor team.
The best thing of all is that anyone can play. It is very easy to start at any age and find a league at any skill level. Most centres in Australia have games on each weeknight, there are ladies leagues and mixed leagues. Aussies, you can check out the link at the Cricket Australia website here. New Zealand, England, South Africa and India all have international teams as well and you could probably find your local centre fairly easily.
The only problem with this sport is that it has quite a high injury rate, especially at lower levels. With such small distances between everything, an errant throw or a wild shot can be difficult to dodge. If you do ever play, try to cover your face or you might end up looking like I did after my game on Monday night....
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Lastly, thanks to everyone in the Brood War forum who make TL such a fun place to hang out.
Go FOX!
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