Cricket Equipment � Cricket Balls� How The Ball is Played

The most important pieces of equipment on the cricket course are the balls and here's a comprehensive guide to their role.

Many people underestimate the importance of cricket balls as a vital piece of equipment in the game of cricket. The cricket balls start their life in the hands of the bowler who takes his place behind one of the wickets. Another fielder called a wicket keeper, wears special equipment in the form of padded gloves which are designed to catch the ball.

A batsman stands at each wicket, dressed in special protective cricket equipment; the batsman farthest from the bowler is the striker. The striker will stand with his bat held down and get ready to hit the ball. The ball becomes live as soon as the bowler has taken a run up from behind the non-striker's wicket. The ball is then thrown over arm towards the striker, usually bouncing once before reaching him. As the ball heads towards the striker, the following results determine how the game is scored:

•  The ball is missed � if the wicket keeper then catches the cricket ball then the cricket ball becomes dead.
•  The ball is hit � if the batsman hits the ball then the two batsman will try to score runs.
•  If the ball hits the striker - or becomes lodged in his cricket equipment or clothing then the ball becomes dead and it is returned to the bowler for the next ball.

It is important to note that the bowler has the opportunity to abort his run-up or not let go of the cricket ball if he feels that his timing or footing is not right. He will not be penalised for this decision as similarly, a batsman has leeway with the ball too. For example, if a batsman is distracted by something like an insect or some flying dust then he can take a step away from the wicket with his cricket equipment and wave his hand clearly at the umpire. The umpire will then declare the ball as being dead.

An �over� is created when six consecutive cricket balls have been bowled. After this, the bowler will change to a different member of the fielding team who is chosen by the captain. After each over, the striker and non-striker must pick up their cricket equipment and change ends of the pitch. Anyone from the fielding team can bowl as long as they only bowl a maximum of two consecutive overs.

There will generally be at least five players who will be skilled at bowling balls at a fast pace in a cricket team. The captain usually alternates two bowlers for a group of overs, then replaces one or both of them so they can rest while other, less competent bowlers take over. The choice of who bowls the next over is an important tactical decision, made by the captain.

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