One of several statistics used to compare the performances of bowlers over extended periods; lower is better. Box
a protective item shaped like a half-shell and inserted into the front pouch of a jockstrap with cup pocket worn underneath a players (particularly a batsmans) trousers to protect their genitalia from the hard cricket ball. Also known as an abdominal protector, Hector protector, ball box, protector, athletic cup, protective cup or cup. Brace
two wickets taken off two consecutive deliveries. Break
a suffix denoting the ball changing direction after pitching caused by the bowlers spin or cut. For example, a leg spinner will deliver leg breaks (moving from leg to off). Buffet bowling
see cafeteria bowling. Bump ball
A ball played off the bat immediately into the ground and then caught by a fielder. Often this has the appearance of being a clean catch directly off the bat. Bumper
old-fashioned name for a bouncer. Bunny
see rabbit. Bunsen
A pitch on which spin bowlers can turn the ball prodigiously. From the rhyming slang: Bunsen Burner meaning Turner. Buzzer
see overthrows

Bye
extras scored in the same way as normal runs when the ball does not make contact with any part of the batsman (bat, protective gear, body parts). C
Cafeteria bowling
(also buffet bowling) Poor quality bowling which is easy to hit, allowing the batsmen to help themselves to runs, analogous to a self-service cafeteria or buffet. Occasionally employed deliberately as declaration bowling. Call
1. A shouted announcement by a fielder while the ball is in the air, usually the word "mine", indicating that they are about to attempt a catch.
Each scoring stroke is represented by a coloured line, typically colour-coded by the number of runs from the stroke. The Spider Graph is a more detailed version of the traditional Wagon Wheel graphic; some commentators use the two terms interchangeably, while others use Wagon Wheel only for the less-detailed version. Spin bowling
a style of bowling in which a spin bowler ("spinner") attempts to deceive the batsman by imparting spin on the ball using either their fingers or their wrist. Spin bowling is most effective when the ball is travelling relatively slowly, and so most spinners bowl at a pace between 40 and 55 mph. Spirit of cricket (or spirit of the game)
A nebulous concept of good conduct, encompassing fair play, sportsmanship, mutual respect and acceptance of the umpires decisions. Considered an integral part of the sport. Since 2000 a preamble to the Laws of cricket instructs all participants to act within the spirit of cricket. Splice
the joint between the handle and the blade of a bat; the weakest part of the bat. If the ball hits the splice it is likely to dolly up for an easy catch. Square
1.  of a position on the field, perpendicular to the line of the pitch; the opposite of fine. 2.  the area in the middle of the ground where the pitches are prepared. 3.  an imaginary line extending the crease to the boundary on the leg side; it is illegal to have more than two fielders behind square.