by Ashley Smith

Created on: July 09, 2009   Last Updated: July 14, 2009

Cricket has many forms in world games but only two basic formats, limited overs or up to two innings per side within a time limit. The basic game play remains the same except that in limited over games the idea is to score runs quickly due to the limitations of the game. The fielding and bating is otherwise the same, subtle changes such as kit colour and style of the play area shows the differences in types of match. The variations in game can alter the fans and the way they see the game. The 20/20 game is a favourite in recent times as its quick and explosive, a test match though is far slower and is more for cricket traditionalists.

TEST MATCHES

These are international games and last for a maximum of 5 days play. The usual theme is for each side to bat twice and the winner to be the team with the highest total when either the sides are both out or the sides have declared. If the time runs out before enough wickets have fallen then the game will be declared a draw. Many years ago there was no time limit set on test matches and they often went on for ten or more days. In the days before long haul flights and teams travelled by boat there were many close calls for missing the boat home as the games were still being played.

FOUR DAY/THREE DAY

In different the first class games have the same format as test matches but last for either three or four days. The rules for winning or drawing stay the same but the games are simply shorter.

40/50/60 OVERS

These games are designed to be played in one day with each team having one innings of a set amount of overs. The bowling team doesn't have to get everyone of the opposition out but if they are all out in less then the maximum overs there batting ends there. The winner is the team with the highest total at the end of play. The game can more explosive then test matches as there is the limited time to score runs, also if one side does well then the other side needs to be equal in their scoring in order to get the runs needed for a victory.

20/20

This is probably the most popular version of the game at the moment, its quick and always exciting. It designed to attract more people to games and always attracts more fans then conventional three or four day games. It tends to contain brightly coloured kits, loud music and dancing. Some of the bigger tournaments include fireworks and other things to make the game more of an event then a simple game.

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