The fielding team have all 11 players on the pitch at the same time.

Nine members of the fielding team can be positioned around the pitch at the discretion of the captain, while one serves as the wicketkeeper and the other is the bowler.

The bowler delivers the ball, overarm, with the aim being to get the batsmen out. Two batsmen bat at any one time, standing at opposite ends of the pitch.

The batsman facing the bowler is described as being ‘on strike’. One run is scored each time the batsmen cross and reach the crease at the opposite end from which they started.

Although all 11 players have the opportunity to bat, the team are deemed to be ‘all out’ when ten wickets have fallen as the ‘not out’ batsman is left without a team-mate at the other end of the wicket.

A team does not have to be all out for an innings to close.

If a captain feels that his team has scored enough runs then he can bring the innings to a close by what is called a declaration.

IT’S A FACT: Teams also have a 12th man who acts as a substitute fielder if one of the first XI are injured. The 12th man is not allowed to bat or bowl though.