Beach cricket

Cricket is played in various formats, and one of the most popular unofficial versions is beach cricket, widely enjoyed in Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the Caribbean. Amateur cricket is played by people of different genders and ages.

Beach Cricket: The Basic Meaning

Depending on the country or region, amateur cricket is called differently. Some common variations include street cricket, corridor cricket, deef cricket, garden cricket, and backyard cricket. In India and its neighboring countries, box cricket (played on a short ground) is known as gully cricket.

The main difference between professional and amateur cricket lies in the playing conditions. Unlike traditional cricket, amateur games are played on makeshift grounds, which can include parks, car parks, or even narrow streets. While players try to follow the fundamental rules of the game, there is often a level of improvisation.

For example, the size of the playing area varies significantly. A small backyard or garden cannot accommodate a full-sized cricket field, so players adapt the game accordingly. Additionally, forming full teams is often impractical, leading to a more individualistic style where each participant takes turns batting to score as many runs as possible.

Backyard cricket can compete with beach cricket in popularity. This type of this sport is used in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is said that it was born because people in these countries have spacious backyards where they can always play cricket. Gully cricket is very popular in South Asia.

Beach Cricket: Equipment Adaptations

In beach cricket, bats can be improvised from almost anything. Some players even use large frying pans, although in cricket-loving nations, acquiring a proper bat is usually not an issue.

As for the ball, professional cricket balls are rarely used It is usually replaced by a tennis ball, and for good reason:

• Tennis balls are cheaper and less traumatic.
• They are easier to hit since they are lighter and do not gain as much speed in flight.

However, tennis balls tend to bounce higher on grass, especially when spun at a low speed. To make the ball behave more like a real cricket ball, amateur players wrap it with tape or duct tape, creating what is known as a “swing ball.”

Beach Cricket: Rules

As mentioned earlier, beach cricket rules are flexible. However, a few common rules are generally followed:

• No Ducks – a batsman cannot leave the field without scoring points. This rule ensures players have a chance to stay in the game.
• First/Trial Ball Rule – a stricter variation of “No Ducks,” this rule allows the batsman to stay in the game even after missing the first delivery. This is often applied to beginners learning the sport.

If a proper wicket cannot be set up, players may use a cardboard wicket and draw more realistic dimensions on it. The minimum pitch length for beach cricket is typically 10 meters, while the maximum extends to 30 meters.

We should also mention the ways of getting out for the batsman. There are two options:

• One Hand, One Bounce – if the batsman hits the ball and it bounces once, the fielder can make a catch using only one hand to dismiss them.
• One Hand, One Bounce, One Beer – a fun variation where the fielder must catch the ball with one hand while holding a mug of beer. However, if the drink spills significantly (e.g., half the glass), the dismissal does not count.

Beach cricket does not use the Leg Before Wicket (LBW) rule, because amateurs usually play without umpires. However, some players may implement an “Auto-LBW” rule, where a batsman is automatically retired after scoring between 20 and 50 runs. This ensures more players get a chance to bat.

Another unique rule states that if the ball is lost and there is no replacement, the match immediately ends. If the ball is lost due to a “six-and-out” shot, the batsman responsible is declared the loser.

Additionally, running between the wickets is often not allowed in amateur beach cricket, as it complicates gameplay.

Beach Cricket: Interesting Facts

Beach cricket can sometimes involve pets, in particular, dogs. They are considered field players. If the dog catches the ball after one bounce or hit by the ball on-the-full, the batsman is eliminated from the game. Either the players of their team or the owners should keep an eye on the dogs. The ball from the dog’s saliva is usually wiped by the player who next takes the ball.

Beach cricket is often accompanied by the preparation of kebabs near the place for the game if there are appropriate conditions for this. By the way, in South Africa and Australia, it is popular to play cricket in between barbecues. For example, Australia Day is celebrated this way. In South Africa, such games as bete-ombro, taco, bets or plaquita are similar to amateur cricket.