The game of cricket has been played in Malta for over a century, even though many will say, “What is Cricket”.

The game can be played by both males and females. A team consists of eleven players, plus the 12th man (substitute). The game is controlled by two umpires. The game explained in simple terms: one team has to score more runs (points) than the other to win the game, which is the one day version. This is the version which is played in Malta and is very exciting once you know the game.

The longer version of the game which is played at the highest level is based over five days. These are called Test matches where a team has to bowl out the opposition team twice to win the game.

This version of the game is played by the following countries; Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe. The most famous of these games are played between Australia and England and are named “The Ashes”.

In Cricket there are three main principles, Batting, Bowling and fielding. Batting is when a person is defending his wickets and making runs (points). Bowling is when a person is trying to make the batsman make errors. When a batsman makes an error he is deemed out and the next batsman enters until all ten batsmen are out. The batsman can be out in various ways and these are the main; Bowled, Caught, L.B.W, Hit Wicket, Run Out and Stumped. Fielding is when a person is placed in positions waiting to stop, chase or catch a ball which is going in his direction.

The Malta Cricket Association was set up in 1989 although the first cricket match to be played on the Maltese Islands was between the British Services regiments stationed at Cottonera and Valletta back in 1878 at the Verdala Palace Ground. By 1903 the game started to spread over to several keen Maltese enthusiasts and several competitions existed.

With the setting up of the association it became involved and was a founder member of the European Cricket Federation. In fact Malta is represented in the European Nations Cup which is held biannually with the participation of ten countries.

The MCA has a season long of activities ranging from organising the national league and a number of friendly matches against foreign opposition and has been trying hard to get the game going in schools over the years.

Recently a coaching clinic was re introduced at the Marsa Cricket Club. This is being held on Saturday mornings from 9.30am till 11.30am at the Marsa Sports club. There are four clubs in Malta. Two are based at the Marsa Sports Club, Marsa C.C. and Krishna C.C. The other two clubs are Melita C.C. and Overseas C.C. All games are played at the Marsa Sports ground being the only ground available. Marsa C.C. hosts games played against touring teams mainly from England. All players have a chance to play.

Those who are interested in this sport can contact the Malta Cricket Association c/o Marsa Sports Club, Aldo Moro Street, Marsa or by email on [email protected] as well as on telephone nos. 79330702.