Club cricket formats
Club cricket is played in several formats. The main ones are limited-overs league matches, timed matches in which a draw is possible, evening Twenty20 games and friendlies.
The formats at a glance
| Format | Length | Can it be drawn? | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited-overs league | 40 to 50 overs a side | No | Saturday |
| Timed or declaration cricket | A set number of hours or overs in total | Yes | Saturday or Sunday |
| Twenty20 | 20 overs a side | No | Weekday evenings |
| Friendly | Whatever the captains agree | Depends | Sunday, midweek |
Limited-overs league cricket
Each side bats once for a fixed number of overs. The side with more runs wins.
Most leagues limit how many overs one bowler may bowl, so a team needs at least five bowlers. Many also restrict where fielders can stand in the early overs.
Timed cricket
In timed cricket the side batting first can end its own innings by declaring. The side batting second then chases the total in the time or overs left.
If the chasing side neither reaches the target nor is bowled out, the match is drawn. That makes the declaration a real decision. Bat too long and there is no time to bowl the opposition out. Declare too early and they may get the runs.
Some leagues use a hybrid, with a “winning draw” and a “losing draw” worth different points.
Points
League tables are decided on points. A typical system gives:
- a set number of points for a win;
- fewer for a tie or a draw;
- bonus points for runs scored and wickets taken, awarded even to the losing side.
Bonus points keep a match alive for a team that can no longer win. The details vary by league, and every league publishes its own playing conditions.
Twenty20
Evening Twenty20 fits a match into about three hours. It is usually played as a cup or a short midweek league, often with a coloured ball and coloured clothing.
Friendlies
Sunday friendlies are the least formal form of the game. Captains agree the format on the day and try to make a close match of it, which often means giving everyone a bat or a bowl.
Junior cricket
Younger age groups often play pairs cricket. Batters go in as pairs for a fixed number of overs and are not out when dismissed. Instead, the team loses runs for each wicket. Every child bats and bowls.
The league structure
Clubs play in county or regional leagues with promotion and relegation between divisions. The strongest leagues carry Premier League status from the England and Wales Cricket Board and sit at the top of the recreational game.
A Saturday match day
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before the start | Captains toss a coin, and the winner chooses to bat or bowl |
| First innings | One side bats |
| Interval | Tea |
| Second innings | The other side bats |
| After the match | Both teams in the bar |
Clubs depend on volunteers. Players are often expected to take a turn at scoring or umpiring, especially in the lower teams.