Differences & Similarities Between Cricket & Baseball

Baseball is similar to cricket, but with key differences.

Cricket and baseball are both bat-and-ball games that are similar in many ways, but have plenty of differences that set the sports apart. Both are team sports in which sides take turns on offense and defense. When playing one game or the other, it is vital to know which rules apply to which sport.

Similarities

Both sports are played in a large field, with an infield and outfield. Innings indicate the period of play. Both use pinch hitters as replacement batters. The term "retire" is used in cricket and baseball when an offensive player exits from offensive play (though in baseball it is a result of an out, and in cricket it is because of the offensive player's decision to take himself out of the game). An "out" is the term used in both games to describe an offensive player who has been taken out of offensive attempt because of a defensive play. The unit of scoring is in both games is known as a run. Whichever team has the most runs at the end of the game is the winner.

Differences

The equipment used in both sports is similar, but varied slightly. Crickets bats are much flatter and broader than baseball bats, but both are used to hit balls that are "bowled" or "pitched." The defensive player who throws the ball at the batter is called a "bowler" in cricket, and a "pitcher" in baseball. The defensive player positioned behind the batter is a "wicket-keeper" in cricket, and a "catcher" in baseball. Batters take turns in a flexible order in cricket but a predetermined order in baseball. A cricket field is shaped like a circle, with the infield in the center of the circle (wicket). A baseball field is shaped like a diamond, with the infield determined by the four bases at the front of the field.

Culture

Baseball and cricket both are popular sports, depending on the culture. In America, baseball is the oldest popular sport, a pastime with great historical implications in U.S. culture. Children often play baseball for fun in little leagues or among friends. Cricket is popular in countries such as the England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Indian nations. While cricket matches are more popular when international teams are competing, baseball's most popular games occur within league play, such as between professional teams in various American cities.

References

• "BBC": Swinging Away