This is a general glossary of the terminology used in the sport of cricket. Where words in a sentence are also defined elsewhere in this article, they appear in italics. Certain aspects of cricket terminology are explained in more detail in cricket statistics and the naming of fielding positions is explained at fielding (cricket). Cricket is known for its rich terminology. Some terms are often thought to be arcane and humorous by those not familiar with the game. A
Across the line
A shot which is played with the bat moving lateral to the direction of motion of the ball. Used when the batsman is aiming square or behind square, but requires excellent timing. Considered risky, as mistiming the shot can result in a leading edge, being strangled, or missing the ball entirely and being out bowled or leg before wicket. Action
See bowling action

Agricultural shot
A powerful slog shot across the line (resembling a scything motion), played with little technique or footwork, particularly one that damages the pitch with the bat. May result in the ball going to cow corner. Air
A delivery by a spin bowler on a higher trajectory than usual, typically phased as giving it some air. The term flight is a near synonym. Can be combined with top spin or back spin to deceive the batsman on the length of the delivery, or with off spin or leg spin to give the ball more time to drift.
This is done as quickly as possible, to either stop the batsmen from scoring runs or to effect a run out. Fill-up game
when a match finished early a further game was sometimes started to fill in the available time and to entertain the paying spectators. Find the gap(s)
to play a shot or series of shots along the ground, in the gaps between fielders. The least risky way of scoring runs quickly, but it requires good technique to be able to do consistently. The opposite, finding the man [at some fielding position], is often used when the ball is hit straight to a fielder through the air and is caught. Fine
of a position on the field behind the batsman, closer to the line of the pitch (wicket-to-wicket); the opposite of square. Finger spin
a form of spin bowling in which the ball is made rotate by the action of the bowlers fingers (contrast with wrist spin). For a right-handed bowler this produces off spin, whereas the same technique by a left-handed bowler produces left arm orthodox spin. First-class cricket
the senior form of the game; usually county, state or international. First-class matches consist of two innings per side and are usually played over three or more days. First change
the third bowler used in an innings. As the first bowler to replace either of the opening pair this bowler is the first change that the captain makes to the attack.