The game is played on a field, where two teams having 11 players on each side compete with each other. The field is a typical 22-yard elongated pitch, which is at the centre of the field. The game is simple. One team bats and tries to score maximum number of runs, while other team has to ball and field, which means the team must try to reduce the number of runs of the batting team.

In cricket, there are a limited number of balls the balling team can throw, which is referred to as ‘overs’. Every tournament has its own number of fixed ‘overs’. The game was firstly played in England in 16th century and from then onwards, it has gained increasing popularity all around the world.

When you are playing the batsman, you need to work on your footing. You may have an admirable level of fitness, and a very good form, but it is your footwork that will ultimately determine how good you become. Knowing how to place your feet, and how to angle your knees will help you time the ball even better. This will lead to more powerful shots, making you a better player altogether. It helps when you have a proper bat. It should have a nice weight, and provide a strong grip so that all your shots will be exactly as you plan them out.

Knowing the ball to expect does help when you are the batsman. Your eyes should always be glued on the ball, focusing entirely on it and nothing else. It will help you have greater control over your swing.

Not being fit enough is actually the first mistake to avoid. Because it is physically engaging and causes fatigue, one can easily dispel exercise because it is an inconvenience. But it is important in maintaining proper form, which is what improves your game of cricket. Don’t train too hard- weight lifting is good, but it won’t make you a better player. Set out to improve such qualities as speed and agility, as you exercise.
Failing to warm up is yet another error to be avoided. This short session of stretching muscles out is important in preparing yourself for the game- regardless of whether it’s a championship game or a training session. Warming up is the automobile equivalent of putting a car in gear- it gets you ready to go. Remember to stay hydrated to prevent your performance from dipping.

Batting refers to the act of hitting the cricket ball (which is a lot denser than that one used in baseball) with a batting ball to either score a run, or avoid being dismissed. A run is the unit used to refer to a score. Bowling is throwing the ball towards the wicket, which is usually defended by the batsman. Fielding is the act of catching the ball after it has been struck. Innings are similar in both baseball and cricket, and they refer to the situation where a team tries to score, while the other tries to prevent this from happening. These are the basic terms which are used in the sport.

Cricket has been around for many centuries, and the earliest ever reference to the sport being played date back to as early as 1598, and that was in England. Owing to the long time the sport has been around, it has risen to be the second most popular sport in the world. More than half the countries in the world actively play the sport.
In regard to its relationship with baseball, cricket is played in a different kind of pitch with cricketers having more padded protection than baseball players. That’s probably because the cricket ball is a lot harder than that used in baseball.

For both cricket and baseball, one team makes points by making runs, and the other one tries to field the ball to prevent the other team from making a point/score. Even with the different kinds of fields, balls, and bats, the goal for both sports is the same. Both sports have innings. This happens when a specified number of bating players have been taken out, and roles are swapped. In both cricket and baseball, the batsmen play a dual function of attacking as well as defending. In cricket, the batsman tries to defend the wicket, which is the same case in baseball, only that it’s called the strikezone. These are only some of the similarities and the list is actually much longer than this.

Cricket in Schools:
Schools must start cricket training in their daily schedule apart from the games of football and rugby. Schools must not only teach but also encourage the game of cricket.

Awards for Cricket:
Awards or mementoes should be given by the schools to the children who actually participate in the activities related to the presentation of cricket. This will encourage more and more children to participate in playing cricket.

Clubs for Cricket:
Cricket clubs should be introduced in all areas by the communities. By this method, the people will understand how important it is to play. Hence, there will be a great enrollment in this game. Cricket clubs should promote cricket in youngsters to absorb more children in this game.

Financial Help:
The equipments required for cricket are very expensive. Thus, it is not possible for all to buy them. Clubs should provide help by buying the sports kits by raising funds.
All these ways will help in making the game of cricket popular and absorb a good number of people in the sport.

Cricket clubs
Communities in different areas must introduce cricket clubs. This will make people feel that cricket is for everyone. It also helps in developing self-esteem of children. Cricket promotion in youth clubs and schools will help in absorbing youngsters into the game.

Financial Support
The cricket equipments are costly and difficult to afford for all. Clubs can provide support by buying equipments and organizing fund raising events.

All these will help in popularizing cricket and absorbing more people into the sport.

However, until recently, during the Test Series, which are going on this month in England, the score cards went for a toss. India not only lost to England in the 3 test Series, but also lost its No. 1 position in the cricket world ranking. India has to work very hard to come back to its former position again.

The latest news report that BCCI is planning to host some big teams like England and Australia for 7 ODIs, 4 Tests and 1 International T20 match, which are slated between this year in October till the end of October, 2013. This gives cricket fans something to look forward, definitely.

Later it expanded across the globe. Nowadays whenever there is a live telecast of the match shown on television people just stick to their television set. Cricket match has given lot of fame to the players especially good bowlers, batsman for setting the world records. Cricket players earn lot of money by playing well in different matches which gives them fame and money.

The competition is really tough in the game and the expectation of the audience sometimes gives stress to the players on the field whereas sometimes viewers cheer them up to reach the targets. Cricket is a game where nothing is certain and things change till the last bowl.