Across the Line – A cricket shot played with the bat moving laterally to the direction of the ball. It is typically used when the batter aims to hit the ball square or behind square and requires precise timing. This shot is considered risky, as mistiming it can result in a leading edge, being strangled, or being dismissed bowled or leg before wicket (LBW).

Action – Refers to a bowler’s delivery style. A bowler’s action can be described as side-on, front-on, or something in between.

Agricultural Shot – A powerful slog shot played across the line, resembling a scything motion, often executed with minimal technique or footwork. Such shots may also damage the pitch and could send the ball towards the cow corner.

Air – A delivery by a spin bowler with a higher trajectory than usual, often referred to as “giving it some air.” This term can be used interchangeably with “flight” and is employed to deceive the batter regarding the length of the delivery. Spin variations like top spin or backspin can be added to further deceive the batter.

All Out – Refers to an innings that ends because the batting side has lost all their wickets, typically when ten of the eleven batters are dismissed. It can also apply when, due to a combination of dismissals and players retiring or being absent hurt, the team has only one remaining batter. Notably, there is always one batter left not out.

All-Rounder – Traditionally, a player skilled in both batting and bowling. Some modern sources also categorize wicket-keeper/batters as a type of all-rounder, although this isn’t universally accepted.

Amateur – 1. A cricketer who plays for the enjoyment of the game and not for financial compensation. They are non-professionals. 2. In the 18th and 19th centuries, an official distinction between cricket players of varying social classes. Amateurs (also known as gentlemen) were typically upper-class individuals who had attended private schools and/or Oxbridge, receiving expenses but no other payment for playing. Professionals (also known as players) were working-class and earned wages as their primary source of income. This distinction became obsolete in the early 20th century and was officially abolished in 1962.

Analysis – Refers to a detailed examination of a bowler’s performance, commonly known as “bowling analysis.”

Anchor – A batter who stays at the crease for an extended period, maintaining a moderate strike rate and focusing on protecting their wicket by avoiding risky shots. An anchor is a less defensive and more flexible version of a blocker. Top or middle-order batters may assume an anchor role if other batters are facing a batting collapse.

Appeal – When a bowler or fielder appeals to the umpire to dismiss the batter, usually accompanied by shouting “howzat” (how’s that) or similar phrases. The umpire cannot give a batter out unless the fielding side appeals, even if the criteria for a dismissal have otherwise been met. Batters who are clearly out, like being bowled or indisputably caught, often leave the field without waiting for an appeal.

Approach – 1. Refers to the movements of the bowler before delivering the ball, also known as the run-up. 2. The ground the bowler runs on during their run-up. For instance, it might be described as slippery, affecting the approach.

Arm Ball – A variation bowled by a finger spinner that appears to be their stock ball but does not spin. This delivery travels straight, following the line of the bowler’s arm, hence the name “arm ball.” An arm ball might also swing.

Around the Wicket – When a right-handed bowler passes to the right of the non-striker’s stumps during their run-up, and vice versa for a left-handed bowler. The opposite of “over the wicket.”

The Ashes – The iconic trophy awarded to the winner of the Test match series between England and Australia. The Ashes have an intriguing origin story, stemming from a satirical obituary in a British newspaper in 1882, marking Australia’s first victory on English soil. The urn said to contain the ashes of cricket’s “body” has become the symbol of this historic rivalry.

Asking Rate – See “Required Run Rate.”

Attacking Field – A fielding configuration in which more fielders are positioned close to the pitch to enhance catching opportunities, despite the increased risk of allowing more runs.

Attacking Shot – A powerful, aggressive hit by the batter, intended to score runs.

Audi – A term describing two consecutive pairs or four consecutive ducks, referencing the four linked rings in the logo of the German car manufacturer Audi.

Average – 1. See “Batting Average.” 2. See “Bowling Average.”

Away Swing – Refers to outswing.