Cafeteria Bowling:

Refers to subpar bowling that allows batters to easily score runs, akin to a self-service cafeteria or buffet. Often employed intentionally as declaration bowling.

Call:

A verbal announcement made by a fielder while the ball is in the air, typically “mine,” indicating an attempt to catch. Prevents collisions between fielders.

A brief instruction from a batsman to their partner, indicating whether to attempt a run. Responsibility lies with the batter who has the best view. Common calls include yes, no, wait, push, one, two, or three.

Captain (or Skipper):

The designated leader of the team who makes strategic decisions, including bowler selection, field placements, batting order, and DRS usage. The captain’s decisions significantly influence the match’s outcome and involves off-field responsibilities like team selection and media representation.

Carrom Ball:

A slow bowling technique where the ball is flicked between the thumb and a bent middle finger to impart spin.

Catch:

A fielder gaining control of the ball before it touches the ground. Wicketkeepers can use gloves, others can’t. A successful catch results in the batter being out.

Centurion:

A player who scores a century, i.e., at least 100 runs in an inning, a notable personal achievement.

Chance:

An opportunity to dismiss a batter not seized by the fielding side, like dropped catches or missed run-out chances.

Charge:

Batter swiftly moved towards the bowler to gain momentum for a powerful shot, often attempted in the death overs.

Clean Bowled (or Bowled):

Dismissed without the ball touching the bat or pad.

Club Cricket:

Organized cricket played by skilled amateurs, a level above recreational cricket but below professional leagues.

Come to the Crease:

Phrase indicating a batter beginning their innings by walking onto the pitch.

Contrived Circumstances:

Unusual tactics aiming for legitimate outcomes but resulting in abnormal statistics, like deliberately poor bowling for a quick declaration.

County Cricket:

The highest level of domestic cricket in England and Wales.

Cover (or Covers):

Fielding position on the off side between point and mid-off.

Waterproof tarpaulin used to protect the pitch and field from rain.

Cow Corner:

Area between deep mid-wicket and wide long-on where few shots are aimed deliberately; named as cows could graze there undisturbed.

Cow Shot:

A hard shot across the line, aiming to hit the ball over the boundary at cow corner, regardless of proper technique; a type of slog.

Crease:

A painted line near the stumps used to judge runs, run-outs, no-balls, and wides.

Cross-bat Shot:

Shot played with the bat parallel to the ground, like a cut or pull, considered risky.

Cut:

Shot played square on the off side to a wide short-pitched delivery, resembling a cutting motion.

Cutter:

A surprise delivery by fast or medium-pace bowlers, similar to a spin bowler’s action but at a faster pace, used to deceive the batsman.