Scotch College

Perfect pitch for the non-cricketer

Ed Batromey demonstrates the off

Sometimes listening to cricket stories and anecdotes can be difficult for those not immersed in the game. It’s certainly a game rich in jargon, and integral phrases and comments required for full appreciation may only be known to aficionados.

At Old Scotch Cricket Club headquarters, we thought a few well-chosen euphemisms and terminologies could help the average non-cricketer’s interpretation of the sport.

(Key: cricketer’s term: - ‘C:’ layman’s interpretation: - ‘M:’)

C: ‘… has a flicky action’
M: ‘… is a chucker’

C: ‘Lovely slog-sweep’
M: ‘Only Steve Waugh is revered enough to have an ugly cross-bat swipe like that one given such a formal name’

C: ‘This young state cricketer will be picked for Australia soon.’
M: ‘This young cricketer plays for NSW.’

C: ‘I played for the spin.’
M: ‘I was not good enough to hit that slow straight delivery.’

C: ‘Probably going down leg side.’
M: ‘As my mate is batting while I am umpiring, I need to provide a reason why that lbw appeal has been turned down.’*

(*Note: OSCC now plays with paid, impartial umpires.)

C: ‘It was a good shout for LBW.’
M: ‘Can’t believe that wasn’t given out.’

C: ‘I’m going to anchor the innings.’
M: ‘I’ll bat slowly without risk and win the averages, while you sacrifice your wicket to ensure we can obtain a good enough run rate.’

C: ‘Nice barbecue!’
M: ‘Well done on running out your batting partner with some poor calling, saving us, the fielding team, having to get him out.’

C: ‘… a handy lower-order batsman.’
M: ‘… makes plenty of low scores and can’t bat, but made a 50 a few seasons back.’

C: ‘… batting by numbers’
M: ‘… not enough discipline to continue to play each ball on its merits, and will soon have a wild swing.’**

(**Note: the ‘number’ is often 4 or 6.)

Old Scotch started season 2004–05 well, with two wins from two outings. Well done to Ed Batrouney (’02) for his debut 109 not out (that’s really anchoring the innings!), alongside excellent debuts from Dylan Best (’03) and Tom Bull (’02).

There’s still more than enough room for any interested cricketers to join our ranks. Training is at the bottom of the Lower West oval at Scotch on Thursday nights from 5:30pm, and you’re welcome to come along. Check out our page on the OSCAnet website for functions, match reports and fixtures. You’re also welcome to ring our President, James Parton (’88) on 0417 105 031. We’ll teach you to harp on endlessly about cricket in no time at all.