Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players on
a field at the centre of which is a 20-metre (22-yard) pitch with a wicket at each end, each comprising two bails balanced
on three stumps. The batting side scores runs by striking the ball bowled at the wicket with the bat, while the bowling and
fielding side tries to prevent this and dismiss each player (so they are "out"). Means of dismissal include being bowled,
when the ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, and by the fielding side catching the ball after it is hit by the
bat, but before it hits the ground. When ten players have been dismissed, the innings ends and the teams swap roles. The
game is adjudicated by two umpires, aided by a third umpire and match referee in international matches. They communicate
with two off-field scorers who record the match's statistical information.
There are various formats ranging from Twenty20, played over a few hours with each team batting for a single innings of
20 overs, to Test matches, played over five days with unlimited overs and the teams each batting for two innings of
unlimited length. Traditionally cricketers play in all-white kit, but in limited overs cricket they wear club or team
colours. In addition to the basic kit, some players wear protective gear to prevent injury caused by the ball, which is a
hard, solid spheroid made of compressed leather with a slightly raised sewn seam enclosing a cork core which is layered
with tightly wound string.
