What Happens After an Over is Completed in Cricket?

In the cricket game, several intriguing things happen after an over is finished that affect how the game will play out. Let’s look at what happens after over ends and how the umpires, fielding teams, batters, and bowlers all contribute to this process.

Feilding team

The changing of ends for the bowlers and the fielding team is one of the noticeable alterations that take place after an over. In cricket, bowlers switch sides of the pitch after each over, or “end,” to bowl. This adjustment enables the bowlers to experience various pitch conditions, make use of changes in their bowling technique, and adjust to the direction of the wind. Bowlers can obtain a new perspective and modify their tactics by switching ends. The bowling ends are switched after every six balls, so the wicketkeeper also switches positions after each over. 

Batting team

After an over, the batters do not switch sides. Except when they score runs or hit boundaries, they stay in their respective spots for the duration of the inning. The batters may switch ends if they manage to score a run such that the non-striker receives the next pitch as the striker. However, after the over is through, the hitters go back to their starting ends to wait for the subsequent bowler.

Umpires

Umpires are essential in regulating the game after an over, in addition to bowlers and batters. The job of the umpire is to enforce the rules, rule on appeals, protect fair play, and preserve the spirit of the game. The umpires also switch places after each over. The umpire, who was previously positioned at the bowler’s end, shifts to the square leg position and assumes the bowler’s end. This rotation ensures that each umpire has the chance to officiate from both ends and lowers the likelihood that bias or exhaustion may influence their judgment.

Also Read: 7 Interesting Devices Used by Cricket Umpires

Other Changes

Other significant changes can also occur after an over is finished, aside from these particular ones. For instance, the fielding team can utilise this break to strategically modify their fielding placements based on the situation and the skills of the particular bowler. During this period, captains frequently speak with their team members, offer advice, and go over strategies to improve performance.

Also Read: The Cricket Fielding Positions – Explained

Additionally, the interval between overs provides a little lull in the game’s excitement. Fielders may use this time to rehydrate, gather their thoughts, and recharge for the forthcoming deliveries. Players can also converse briefly, joke around, or assess the game’s development during this period. These interludes of socializing and unwinding add to the general atmosphere of the game and offer a break from cricket’s competitive aspect.

Final Thoughts

In cricket, the fielding team and bowling team switch ends after an over is finished, while the batsmen stay put. In order to officiate from various ends of the pitch, umpires rotate their positions. These adjustments enable bowlers to adjust to changing pitch characteristics and formulate appropriate strategies while the batsmen continue to bat from their respective ends.

Players enjoy a brief respite to refuel and communicate, and captains and fielders can make tactical adjustments. Knowing what happens after an over ends helps us appreciate the strategic and dynamic elements of cricket, which makes it more exciting for both players and spectators.

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