Indoor cricket
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Indoor Cricket is a variation on the conventional game of cricket. The game originated in Perth, Western Australia, in 1979. The first six-a-side games were created by Frank Kristan and were played at the Balcatta Indoor Cricket Centre in Balcatta, a suburb of Perth, in 1979. The first eight-a-side games were created by Paul Hanna and were played at the Indoor Cricket Arena in Subiaco, Perth, in 1979. It is now popular across the world. The biggest difference between cricket and indoor cricket is, obviously, that it is played indoors. As large indoor playing fields are extremely rare, the game of indoor cricket has been adapted to suit much smaller playing areas. As a result of this, the game is much faster than conventional cricket.
Conventional cricket has been played indoors at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne, Australia, but that is the only enclosed stadium with a playing area the size of a full-sized cricket field in any major cricket playing country. The remainder of this article is about forms of the game specially adapted to be played indoors.
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[edit] Rules
In terms of the concept of the game indoor cricket follows the usual Laws of Cricket. However, the game itself differs significantly from its traditional counterpart in several ways, most notably on the field of play and the duration of the game.
[edit] The playing arena
The length of an indoor cricket pitch is the same as a conventional cricket pitch, and has 3 stumps at each end, but there the similarities end. The arena is completely enclosed by tight netting, a few metres from each side and end of the pitch. The playing surface is normally artificial grass matting. Whilst the pitch is the same length, however, the batsmen don't have to run the entire length. The striker's crease is in the regulation place in front of the stumps, but the non-striker's crease is only half way down the pitch.
[edit] Players
Indoor cricket is played between 2 teams of 8 players. Each player must bowl 2 overs, and bat in a partnership of 4 overs.
[edit] Equipment
The stumps used in indoor cricket are not, for obvious reasons, stuck in the ground. Instead, they are collapsible spring loaded stumps that immediately spring back to the standing position when knocked over. The ball used in indoor cricket is a modified cricket ball, with a softer centre. The ball also differs in that it is yellow in colour so to make it more obvious to see indoors against varied backgrounds.
[edit] Scoring
Scoring in indoor cricket is split into 2 areas: physical runs and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net. Bonus scores for particular parts of the nets follow:
- Zone A (front net - behind the keeper): 0 bonus runs
- Zone B (side nets between the striker's end and halfway down the pitch): 1 run
- Zone C (side nets between halfway and the bowlers end): 2 runs
- Zone D (back net - behind the bowler):
- On the bounce: 4 runs
- On the full: 6 runs
- Zone B or C onto Zone D: 3 runs
NB: For bonus runs to be scored, at least one physical run must be scored. The bonus runs are then added to the physical runs.
[edit] Dismissals
A batsman can be dismissed in the same ways they can be in conventional cricket. When a batsman gets dismissed, however, he continues batting, and receives a score of -5. Batsmen bat in pairs for 4 overs at a time, regardless of dismissals.
Mankads
A method of dismissal in indoor cricket that is far more prevalent than its outdoor counterpart is the mankad. A mankad is given out if the bowler completes their bowling action without releasing the ball, breaks the stumps at their end without letting go of the ball and the non-striker is out of their ground.
Unlike outdoor cricket, indoor cricket sees the non-striker gain a significant advantage by leaving their crease before the ball has left the bowler's hand as it gives them less distance to travel in order to make good their ground.
Despite this, the rule remains a controversial one, and any bowler who attempts a mankad (successful or not) will more often than not generate a hostile reaction from their opponent.
LBW
It should also be noted that whilst LBW is still a valid form of dismissal in indoor cricket it is a far rarer occurrence in indoor than it is in outdoor cricket. A batsmen can only be dismissed LBW if they do not offer a shot and the umpire is satisfied that the ball would then have hit the stumps.
In the rare situation where a batsmen offers no shot at all, it is difficult for an umpire to award an LBW decision due to their position behind the batsmen standing on a platform that is usually 3 metres high.
[edit] Indoor cricket in Australia
The governing body for Indoor Cricket in Australia is Indoor Cricket Australia (formerly known as the Australian Indoor Cricket Federation) and is represented in each state by the various state entities.
Within each state and territory there are hundreds of domestic competitions that are played in centres that are generally privately owned, yet affiliated with the state and national bodies.
Each of the affiliated centres generally compete in what is known as Super League in order to contest the State Championships. It is important to note that these competitions are based on centres and are not regional (ie. A Player living in District A could play Superleague for a centre based in District B if that is where they played their domestic competition).
From the participants of the Super League competition each state and territory generally selects a side to compete at the Australian Championships held annually. By extension, the Australian side is selected from participants of the Australian Championships.
[edit] Winners of the Australian Championships
| Year | Men | Women | 18/u Men | 16/u Men | 14/u Men | Lords Taverners | O30 Men | O30 Women | O35 Men | O40 Men |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | NSW | WA | ||||||||
| 1985 | NSW | Tas | ||||||||
| 1986 | Tas | NSW | ||||||||
| 1987 | Tas | Qld | ||||||||
| 1988 | Tas | Qld | ||||||||
| 1989 | Vic | ACT | NSW | |||||||
| 1990 | NSW | Qld | NSW | |||||||
| 1991 | WA | Qld | NSW | Qld | ||||||
| 1992 | WA | NSW | Qld | Qld | ||||||
| 1993 | NSW | NSW | Vic | Qld | Qld | |||||
| 1994 | Vic | NSW | WA | Qld | NSW | |||||
| 1995 | NSW | NSW | Qld | Vic | Qld | Vic | Qld | |||
| 1996 | Qld | NSW | Qld | Vic | Qld | Qld | Qld | Qld | ||
| 1997 | Qld | NSW | Qld | Vic | Qld | Qld | Vic | Vic | ||
| 1998 | NSW | Qld | Qld | Vic | Qld | NSW | Qld | Qld | ||
| 1999 | Qld | Qld | Qld | Vic | Vic | Qld | Qld | Qld | ||
| 2000 | Qld | NSW | Qld | Qld | Vic | NSW | Qld | Qld | ||
| 2001 | Qld | Qld | Qld | Qld | Qld | NSW | Qld | Qld | ||
| 2002 | Qld | Qld | Qld | Qld | Vic | Qld | Qld | NSW | ||
| 2003 | NSW | Qld | Qld | Qld | Vic | Qld | Qld | Qld | ||
| 2004 | Qld | Qld | Qld | WA | Vic | NSW | Qld | Qld | Qld | |
| 2005 | Qld | Qld | SA | Qld | Qld | NSW | Qld | Qld | Qld | |
| 2006 | Qld | Vic | NSW | Qld | NSW Ctry | Qld | Qld | Qld | Qld | Qld |
In 2007 the Open Men, Open Women and the Lords Taverners shield will be contested at the Australian Open Championships to be held in Toowoomba (QLD). The O30, O35 and O40 divisions will be contested at the Australian Masters Championships to be held in Strathpine (QLD). Finally, the 18/U Boys, 18/U girls, 16/U Boys and 14/u boys will be contested at the Australian Junior Championships to be held at Sportsworld Liverpool (NSW).
[edit] Indoor cricket internationally
Whilst Indoor Cricket originated in and is predominantly more popular in Australia, the sport is popular in several other nations that are active on the international level. These nations include England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka Canada as well as Zimbabwe.
Indoor Cricket Australia is active in supporting these nations in developing the sport internationally and currently presides over the World Indoor Cricket Federation. The positive results of this development focus are reflected in the success of nations such as Sri Lanka and South Africa in recent international tournaments. Sri Lanka are the only side in recent memory to have defeated the Australian Extreme Men's side, whilst South Africa are the current Junior Men's Champions and have threatened in the Open Women's division as well has previously holding the title of Junior Women's Champions. Additionally, New Zealand have consistently provided a threat on the Open Men level, all signs that the dominance Australia currently enjoys on the international level won't last forever.
[edit] International events
Each national body selects a national side from their own national championships. The Australian sides (known as Australian Extreme on the Open level, Australian Electric on the junior level, and Australian Elite on the masters level) have dominated the international scene since the early nineties and are currently world champions in five out of six divisions - a situation that current Indoor Cricket Australia President Ross Collins deems "unacceptable".
[edit] Current Australian teams
The following sides were selected during both the 2006 Australian Open Championships and Australian Junior Championships. With the exception of the "Allstar" sides, each Australian team will represent their nation at various Test matches and exhibition games between now and the selection of the next Australian sides to be named during 2007.
Australian Extreme (Open) Sides
| Australian Extreme Men | Australian Extreme Women |
|---|---|
| Troy Gurski (Qld) - Captain | Jude Coleman (Qld) - Captain |
| Bill Floros (ACT) - Vice-Captain | Belinda Noack (SA) |
| James Spargo (Qld) | Cindy Kross (Qld) |
| Darren Richards (ACT) | Nicole Martin (Vic) |
| Lyle Teske (Qld) | Rebecca Cook (Qld) |
| David Gibbons (NSW) | Amy Wills (NSW) |
| Dwane Hall (ACT) | April Hames (Qld) |
| Robert Fitzgerald (Qld) | Neisha Iles (SA) |
| Josh Lalor (NSW) | Kylie Peters (NQld) |
| Brad Jones (Vic) | Elizabeth Hall (NSW) |
| Ty Hopes (WA) | Katrina Teske (Qld) |
| Vinesh Bennett (NSW) | Jessica Surace (Vic) |
| Ross Gregory (Vic) - Coach | Steve Hart (ACT) - Coach |
| Rod Chilcott (WA) - Manager | Maleah Harris (Qld) - Manager |
2006 International Series
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The Australian Extreme Mens and Womens teams will play two international tournaments in 2006. Firstly, Australia plays New Zealand in a Trans Tasman Test series, where a 3 test series will be played in Brisbane. The dates & venues for these test series are:
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 4th October | Wynnum (1st Tests) |
| Thursday 5th October | Victoria Point (2nd Tests) |
| Friday 6th October | Strathpine (3rd Tests) |
Both Mens and Womens Extreme teams will then depart for South Africa, where they will pay in a four nation series to be contested between Australia, South Africa, England and Wales. To view the details of this tournament visit this South African website.
Jason Rhodes (Vic) will tour with the sides as an umpire.
Australian Electric (Junior) Sides
| Australian Electric Junior Men | Australian Electric Junior Women |
|---|---|
| Michael Ledgard (SA) | Sarah Coyte (NSW) |
| Jarrad Leach (WA) | Sarah Harris (Qld) |
| Nathan Hodges (NSW) | Rachel Kent (NSW) |
| Craig Dollman (SA) | Meg Lyons (Qld) |
| Kyle Dearness (Qld) | Claire Coski (NSW) |
| Josh Lalor (NSW)¹ | Melissa Mayers (Qld) |
| Kyle Gilbert (WA) | Calista Moffatt (Qld) |
| Herbie Heuir (Qld) | Tiahana Paulson (NSW) |
| Lee Irwin (WA) | Ashleigh Skopp (Qld) |
| Josh Trappel (NSW)² | Kara Sutherland (NSW) |
| Andrew Lamond (ACT) | Sarah Walker (Qld) |
| Graham Butler (WA) - Coach | Donna Dalby (Qld) - Coach |
| Jamie Parkinson (ACT) - Manager | Kerrie Brill (NSW) - Manager |
¹subsequently named in the Australian Extreme Men side. ²subsequently named a reserve in the Australian Extreme Men side.
Australian Elite (Masters) Sides
| Australian Elite Men |
|---|
| Brendan Buckey (Qld) |
| Paul Marchesi (NSW) |
| Greg Powell (Qld) |
| Brendan Boyd (Qld) |
| John Short (NSW) |
| Col Robinson (Qld) |
| Gary Bartlett (SA) |
| Terry Dimmick (Qld) |
| Merv Rudrum (WA) |
| Darren Lehman (Qld) |
| David Gloede (Qld) - Coach |
Australian Junior Allstar Sides
| Australian 14/U Allstars | Australian 16/U Allstars |
|---|---|
| Mathew Meade (WA) | Corey Armstrong (Vic) |
| Aaron Flaherty (NSW Ctry) | Shane Bocking (Qld) |
| Nathan Brain (NSW City) | Jason Floros (ACT) |
| Andrew Holder (WA) | Cameron Boyce (Qld) |
| Sam Reece (NSW City) | Simon Orford (NQld) |
| Toby Armstrong (Vic) | Christopher Boyce (Qld) |
| Joshua Smith (WA) | Zaheer Domingo (NSW City) |
| Jordan Peacock (NSW Ctry) | Andrew Boyle (Qld) |
| Matthew Foster (NSW City) | Adam Coyte (NSW City) |
| Brendon Reynolds (NSW Ctry) | Leeland Zeller (Qld) |
Australian Over 30 Allstar Sides
| Australian Over 30 Men Allstars | Australian Over 30 Women Allstars |
|---|---|
| Leigh Holt (Qld) | Sharon Geddes (Qld) |
| Vinesh Bennett (NSW) | Kerry Johnson (Vic) |
| Kerry Stewart (Qld) | Jodi Jordan (Vic) |
| Adrian McCaffrey (NSW) | Jody Cooper (NSW) |
| Brenton Brien (Qld) | Angela Holzhauser (NSW) |
| Billy Floros (ACT) | Heather Brooker (Qld) |
| Nathan Rennie (NSW) | Sharon James (Qld) |
| Daniel Lake (Qld) | Priscilla Jordan (Vic) |
| Andrew Firth (NSW) | Joanne Kelly (NSW) |
| Greg Dawes (Qld) | Carmel Pendreigh (Qld) |
| David Jurgensen (Qld) - Coach | Fiona Byrnes (Qld) - Coach |
Australian Over 40 Allstar Sides
| Australian Over 40 Men Allstars |
|---|
| Andy Walton (WA) |
| Glen Reynolds (NSW) |
| Rick Heagerty (Qld) |
| David Spinks (WA) |
| Grant Leighton (ACT) |
| Vic Barber (NSW) |
| Steve Wilson (Qld) |
| Scott Somerville (Qld) |
| Trevor Lindsay (WA) |
| Peter Morris (NSW) |
| Chris Pointon (Qld) - Coach |
Australian Lords Taverners Allstar Sides
| Australian Lords Taverners Allstars |
|---|
| Grant Cross (WA) |
| Rex Breed (Qld) |
| Lindsay Drowley (SA) |
| Jason Richards (Qld) |
| Avyley Tupuanga (NSW) |
| Dean Aitken (Qld) |
| Craig Whitehand (Vic) |
| Brett Wilson (Qld) |
| David Baird (NSW) |
| Rebecca Heading (Qld) |
| Gary Smith (Qld) - Coach |
[edit] External links
National Bodies
- Indoor Cricket Australia
- British Indoor Cricket Association
- Ceylon (Sri Lankan) Indoor Cricket Association
- South African Indoor Cricket Association
Australian State Bodies
- Australian Capital Territory Indoor Cricket Federation
- Indoor Cricket Queensland
- Indoor Sports New South Wales
- Indoor Sports Victoria
- Indoor Sports Western Australia
Operating Centres
[edit] See Also
Other Links
| Forms of cricket | |
|---|---|
| International: Test cricket | One-Day International | Twenty20 | Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes | Women's cricket | |
| Other: First-class cricket | Limited overs cricket | List A cricket | Club cricket | |
| Variations: Indoor cricket | French cricket | Backyard cricket | Kwik cricket | Catchy Shubby Cricket | Blind cricket | Kilikiti | Short form cricket |
