Cricket Slang Terms: Worldwide and Indian Specifications

Cricket is one of the most popular sports disciplines worldwide. It has its own unique language with specific terms and industry jargon. Cricket slang is bright and attractive, adding a unique atmosphere to matches. In this article, you can learn the most popular cricket slang terms. Also, you have a chance to discover regional Indian cricket slang.

Worldwide Cricket Slang: Popular Terms

With worldwide cricket slang in mind, you can better interact with international events. It will help you to understand live streaming annotators better and interact with fans from different countries. Below, check the most common cricket slang terms.

Axe

“Axe” in cricket slang means a cricket bat. It can also be called a stick or willow.

Badged

It refers to being hit on the helmet by a ball, typically from a bouncer. It’s an informal, slightly humorous way to describe this incident among players.

Beamer

It means a ball bowled at the batter’s head or the upper body part without bouncing. Beamers can lead to warnings and penalties, since they can cause serious injuries.

Blockhole

It is the area where the bat contacts the ground directly beneath the batter’s feet. Bowlers target this area with yorker deliveries. This way, it is hard for the hitter to deliver a proper shot.

Bodyline

It is a controversial cricket tactic when bowlers make fast and short-pitched hits aimed at the batter’s body. Bodyline was popular during the Ashes series in 1932-33. It caused debates and changes in cricket laws to minimize the use of bodyline.

Bouncer or Bumper

A “bouncer” or “bumper” in cricket means a short-pitched delivery that rises quickly toward the batter’s upper chest or head. This tactic requires great skills for safe use.

Bunny

This slang term refers to a batter who is repeatedly dismissed by the same bowler. “Bunny” also describes a bad batsman who is an easy target for bowlers.

Castle

The term “castle” refers to the stumps being knocked over by the ball, which results in a bowled dismissal. 

Carry the Bat

This phrase means an opening better’s ability to remain in the game after all of their teammates have been dismissed. It’s a rare and admirable result that demonstrates the batter’s resilience and skill.

Cherry, Rock, Pill

“Cherry” is a simple term that refers to the cricket ball, highlighting its shiny red colour. It can also mean the red marks that the ball left on a bat. “Rock” and “pill” can also be used to describe the ball.

Cow Corner

It is a deep mid-wicket area on the cricket field. Cow corner is frequently connected with large shots intended to score boundaries.

Daisy Cutter

It is a ball that skims along the ground after being bowled incorrectly or mishit. The term sarcastically compares the ball to clipping daisies as it rolls.

Diamond Duck

“Diamond duck” happens when a batter is out without facing a single ball. This situation occurs frequently when they run out while attempting a quick single.

Dolly

It means an easy catch that can be taken without any difficulties. “Dolly” is considered a major mistake that often leads to ridicule.

Downtown

This term describes the area just below the sightscreen. “Downtown” cricket slang term commonly describes massive sixes in that direction.

Flipper

“Flipper” refers to a unique delivery approach used by leg-spin bowlers. It means that the ball is squeezed out of the fingers and slides low and fast after bouncing.

Gun

This cricket slang term is used as an adjective to describe a talented sportsman. For example, fans can say “gun batter”, or “gun bowler”.

Hack

It is an uncontrolled and impulsive swing of the bat intended to hit the ball forcefully. It’s typically used to indicate a rough shot. 

Jack

This term refers to the batter who bats eleventh. It is the last position in the batting order. Frequently, “Jack” is the least effective player of the team.

Mollydooker

This cricket slang term refers to a left-handed player. It is used in a humorous way to describe a sportsman who bats or bowls with the left hand.

Plumb

It means an absolutely certain decision on the field. “Plumb” often refers to an LBW (leg before wicket).

Rabbit

It is a batter or a bowler who has low skills at batting and is often dismissed quickly. “Rabbit” also means a sportsman who gets out to the same bowler repeatedly.

Sniff

“Sniff” cricket slang terms refers to a bowler detecting an opportunity to take a wicket or put pressure on the batter. It is frequently used when a bowler gains momentum or an advantageous condition.

Skipper

This classic term describes the team captain. “Skipper” highlights the player’s role as a leader and the main decision-maker on the field.

Slog

It means an aggressive and uncontrolled bet swing that aims to hit the ball for a boundary. It is a risky tactic that can potentially lead to big runs.

Tonk

To “tonk the ball” describes a hard and far hit for a boundary or six. This term is frequently used to describe actions of powerful and skilled batters.

Yorker

This term describes a delivery at the batter’s feet in the blockhole. “Yorker” is one of the most effective deliveries in cricket, which is used to take wickets or restrict runs.

Indian Native Cricket Slang Terms

Cricket has a huge fan base in India. Therefore, local enthusiasts not only use classic terms but also have numerous native words to describe field situations, sportsmen, and games. The table below lists the most famous Indian cricket slang terms:

In India, cricket slang adds vibrancy and character to the game. Regional terms show sport traditions and local culture.