batting

In cricket, batting is a fundamental aspect of the game where a player attempts to score runs while defending their wicket. Batsmen can hit right-handed or left-handed, using a straight bat to present its full face to the ball. Key strokes include the forward stroke (or drive), back stroke, leg glance, cut, and pull or hook.1

The primary objective for a batsman is to protect their wicket, and secondarily to score runs. Runs are scored by hitting the ball and running between the wickets before a fielder can return the ball to either wicket. If the ball reaches the boundary, four runs are scored. If hit over the boundary on the fly, it's six runs. A batsman can be dismissed in various ways, such as being caught out, bowled out, or leg before wicket (lbw). In T20 cricket, rule changes encourage aggressive batting and fast scoring, with innings limited to 20 overs per side.234