Cricket is played in various formats, each with its own unique rules and characteristics. Here’s a look at the different forms of cricket:
Test Matches
Test matches are the highest level of international cricket played between countries. The main purpose of Test cricket is to evaluate the skills and endurance of young players. The countries permitted to play Test matches are authorized by the ICC (International Cricket Council). The 12 Test-playing nations, listed in order of their debut dates, are:
- England
- Australia
- South Africa
- West Indies
- New Zealand
- India
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Zimbabwe
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- Ireland
National League Systems
These are domestic competitions, known as counties in England, states in Australia, and islands in the West Indies. Matches in these leagues typically last three or four days.
Limited Overs Cricket
Limited overs cricket is a format where the length of the game is determined by the number of overs, and each side has only one innings. If rain or other interruptions occur, the Duckworth-Lewis method is used to calculate the target score for the team batting second. This format includes:
- One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- ODIs are usually limited to 50 overs per side, with each bowler allowed to bowl a maximum of 10 overs.
- The highest team score in an ODI is England’s 481-6 against Australia on June 19, 2018.
- The highest individual score in an ODI is 264 runs off 173 balls by Rohit Sharma of India against Sri Lanka.
- Twenty20 Cricket (T20)
- T20 cricket features 20 overs per side, with each bowler allowed to bowl up to 4 overs.
- The highest team score in a T20 match is 263/5 by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Pune Warriors India (PWI) in the 2013 IPL season.
