Negative Bowling:

A persistent line of bowling down the leg-side of a batter to stymie the batter from scoring, particularly in Test matches

Nelson:

A score of 111, either for a team or for an individual batter. Superstition holds that this score is unlucky and more likely to lead to a dismissal due to its resemblance to the three stumps of the wicket (as if the bails had been removed). Tradition holds that bad luck may be averted if spectators stand on one leg. Scores of 222 and 333 are known as double Nelson and triple Nelson, respectively; these are sometimes also considered unlucky.

Nervous Nineties:

The period of a batter’s innings when their score is between 90 and 99 Many players bat nervously in this period because they are worried about getting out before they reach a century. The fielding captain often sets an attacking field to increase the psychological pressure. Some players are particularly prone to getting out in the nervous nineties.

Nets:

A pitch surrounded on three sides by netting is used for practice by batters and bowlers.

Net Run Rate (NRR):

In a match, the average run rate scored by a team minus the average run rate scored against them In a series, a team’s NRR is calculated as (total runs scored) / (total overs received) – (total runs conceded) / (total overs bowled).

New Ball:

In professional cricket, a new ball is used at the beginning of each inning. In timed matches, the fielding captain has the option of taking another ball after 80 overs have passed. A new ball is generally harder and shinier than an old ball, moves faster through the air (favorite pace bowling), and may swing after a few overs of polishing. In contrast, an old ball will be softer and rougher and will typically have been polished on one side but not the other, favoring reverse swing and spin bowling.

Nibble:

A small amount of movement by the ball off the seam

Nick:

Another term for edge is snick.

Nightwatchman:

In a first-class game, a lower-order batter is sent in when the light is dimming to play out the remaining overs of the day in order to protect more valuable batters for the next day’s play.

Nipbacker:

A delivery that pitches outside the line of off stump then deviates off the seam, moving towards the batter. Similar to an off cutter but using seam bowling. Usually bowled on a good length or slightly shorter.

No:

A batter’s call not to run

No-Ball:

An illegal delivery means the batting side is awarded one extra, the bowler must deliver another ball in the over, and the batter cannot be dismissed by the bowler on a no-ball.

No Man’s Land:

An area of the field where a fielder cannot save a single shot or stop a boundary.

No Result:

The outcome of a limited-overs match in which each team does not face the minimum number of overs required for a result to be recorded, usually due to a rain delay, This is generally equivalent to a draw, but differs in the recording of some statistics.

Non-Striker:

The batter is standing at the bowling end.

Nothing Shot:

An overly tentative shot by the batter: neither a committed attempt to hit the ball nor a deliberate leave. This often results in an edge, beating the bat, or playing on.

Not Out:

A batter who is in and has not yet been dismissed.

The call of the umpire when turning down an appeal for a wicket

Nurdle:

To score runs, usually in singles, by using low-risk shots to gently nudge the ball into vacant areas of the field.