Bat
The wooden implement which the batsman uses to hit the ball. Usually constructed in two pieces, the rectangular-sectioned blade and cylindrical handle, which are joined at the splice. Bat-pad
A fielder placed close to the batsman on the leg side to catch the ball if it hits the bat and pad (in either order), and rises to a catchable height. Also a defence against being given out lbw, that the ball may have hit the bat first, however indiscernible. Batsman
(also batting player, batter, bat, or batswoman) A player on the batting side, or a player whose speciality is batting, or one of the two members of the batting side who are currently at the crease. The Laws of Cricket specify that the term batsman applies regardless of the players gender; however some players and commentators prefer to use batting player, batter or batswoman (when appropriate) instead. Batting
The act and skill of defending ones wicket and scoring runs. Batting average
The average number of runs scored per innings by a batsman, calculated by dividing the batsmans total runs scored by the number of times the batsman was out. Batting collapse
When several batsmen are dismissed in rapid succession for very few runs. The terms top order collapse or middle order collapse may refer to batting collapses in a specific part of the batting order. Batting for a draw
Defensive batting in a timed match by a team with little chance of victory, who are instead attempting to salvage a draw.
Mostly seen in the latter stages of major limited-overs tournaments. Rest day
A non-playing day in the middle of a multiple day game. These were once common, but are seldom seen in the modern era. Result
The final outcome of a match. Possible results are a win/loss, a draw, or a tie. Alternatively, rain delays may lead to an outcome of no result, or a wash out may lead to the match being abandoned before it begins. Retire
for a batsman to voluntarily leave the field during their innings, usually because of injury. A player who retires through injury/illness ("retired hurt/ill") may return in the same innings at the fall of a wicket, and continue where they left off. A player who is uninjured ("retired out") may return only with the opposing captains consent. Reverse sweep
a right-handed batsman sweeping the ball like a left-handed batsman and vice versa. Reverse swing
the art of swinging the ball contrary to how a conventionally swung ball moves in the air; i.e. movement away from the rough side. Many theories as to how this may occur. Usually happens with an older ball than conventional swing, but not always, atmospheric conditions and bowler skill also being important factors. It has been espoused that once the rough side becomes extremely rough a similar effect to that of a dimpled golf ball may cause it to move more quickly through the air than the shiny side of the ball.