Author Archives: The Cricket Dictionary

About The Cricket Dictionary

Documenting the delights of cricket, one definition at a time. Written by former Cricinfo, Times, Wisden and Johnny Miller 96* journalist John Houlihan.

Definition of the Day: Scissored-off

Posted on August 5, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

  An ignominious dismissal, whereby bat goes one way, body the other in an ungainly mass of flailing limbs and scything woodwork – presaging imminent departure to the pavillion.

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Definition of the day: Commentator’s Curse

Posted on July 23, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

The kiss of death for a player, following prolonged praise of his abilities, discretion and temperament by a pundit or analyst. The current doyen of the commentator’s curse is ex-England skipper and splendid fellow Michael Vaughan, followed closely by BBC … Continue reading →

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Definition of the day: A game of inches

Posted on July 22, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

Phrase which describes the fine margins between success and failure in the greatest of all games both literally and figuratively.

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Definition of the Day: Shadow Batting

Posted on July 15, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

Mime-like manoeuvring by a batsman as he rehearses a stroke, or practices the one he should have just played.

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Definition of the Day: cricket widow

Posted on June 10, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

A long suffering partner (and sometime sandwich maker), forever doomed to stand in the shadow of the greatest of all games. The male equivalent is the cricket widower.

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Definition of the Day: Nervous nineties

Posted on May 27, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

This one’s for the rather unfortunate Alex Hales, who’s yet to experience them after perishing for 83 today in the second Test against Sri Lanka. Still, if we got out for 80-odd every time we wouldn’t complain… Nervous Nineties: Used … Continue reading →

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Definition of the Day: Skittled

Posted on May 21, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

Definition of the Day: Skittled – to be rolled over, steamrollered –  bowled out for a truly puny score. Etymology: derives from the game of nine pins, rather than the multi-coloured confectionary.

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Definition of the day: Wagging Tail

Posted on May 20, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

Prolonged resistance, even passable run scoring from the lower order (the tail) leading to frustration amongst the bowling side, who would expect them to roll over with the minimum of fuss. Rocket science is not required to trace the canine … Continue reading →

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Definition of the Day: Top Order

Posted on May 19, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

The first three or, at a push, four batsman at the head of the scorecard – what England currently seem to be lacking in the early part of the summer of 2016. Usage: “The top order really aren’t firing at … Continue reading →

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Definition of the day: Gettable

Posted on March 30, 2016 by The Cricket Dictionary

A most achievable. not to say highly desirable total to chase, a target one is in imminent danger of accomplishing. Usage: “New Zealand make 153-8 from their 20 overs, that’s an eminently gettable total for England to progress to the World T20 … Continue reading →

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