In the same way that an orchestra cannot perform without its conductor, the cricket team won't function without its captain.

The role of the match umpires is constantly under review but as things presently stand there must be two out in the middle at all times during play.

There are 11 ways for a batsman to get out, some more obvious than others.
12 Jul, 2001

A red graphics strip is superimposed between the stumps to show where the ball pitched, and on which line the ball was travelling when it struck the batsman. The Red Zone is now familiar to TV audiences as part of the Hawk-Eye LBW package.

Bats come in a variety of shapes and sizes but there are a number of specific regulations they must conform to.

The traditional cricket ball is red, round and made of leather - but there are numerous variations depending on make, size and type of cricket being played.

There are three stumps at each each end – leg, middle and off – and they must conform to exact specifications stated in the laws of the game.

Without a wicket there would be no cricket match, but it's not as simple as just cutting a length of grass 22 yards long... as any groundsman would be quick to point out.

The continuing proliferation of fast bowling has led to a massive market in protective equipment with everyone from schoolboys to international professionals keen to protect their vital assets.

The method used for many years to adjust the winning target for sides batting second in rain-affected ODIs is known as the 'Run-rate method'.

To overcome the patent flaws in the 'Run-rate method', an array of systems were invented. None of them were more controversial than the 'Best overs method'.

The Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method is the prevailing system used to adjust victory targets in ODIs in the event of a rain delay.