Cricket
Bat and ball team game.
How to start
Try a casual or soft-ball session and learn batting, bowling and fielding basics. Short formats are quick to learn.
How to progress
Join a club and play weekly.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular sport. The general physical activity evidence applies.
Take care: Hard balls can injure. Wear protection and bowl with care.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly net or match.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 4.8 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Wear protection.
- Warm up shoulders.
- Stay hydrated.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the warm-up.
- Bowling too much.
- Ignoring sun protection.
Kit and cost
Moderate Approximate UK prices.
- Cricket kit (club supplies)
- Sun protection
- Club fees
Frequently asked questions
Is cricket exercise?
It is light to moderate, with bursts of activity.
Are there beginner options?
Yes, softball and indoor formats.
Can older people play?
Yes, at club level for all ages.
Good for: Fun & social Skill
Compare with similar options
| Cricket | Baseball and Softball | Walking Football | Walking Netball | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 180 min × 1/wk | 120 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 1/wk |
| Effort | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost |
| Equipment | Some equipment | Some equipment | Some equipment | Some equipment |
| Impact | Low impact | Medium impact | Low impact | Low impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Any level | Any level | Any level |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |