International cricket happens to be an international sport, and millions of players enjoy the game at an international or at commercial level. Numerous benefits of playing cricket tend to arise, including psychological, social, and physical aspects that lead to improvement in problem-solving, health, or working as part of a team. Though formal competitive cricket requires specialized equipment and a specifically marked area, the recreational version is played everywhere with a bat, ball, and a few players. Just flip through the today match live video, and you will be surprised at the comments of the people who themselves consider them to be experts.
The game of cricket is an active physical game, and it contributes to weight loss. Since it requires movement along with cardio exercise, whatever the role of a player in a game of cricket, they are bound to lose weight. The players who are going to bat and ball have a dynamic role to play and end up losing calories. There are some forms of cricket that are played at a slow pace to facilitate the involvement of amateur players. But still, the players are expected to enjoy the benefits of weight loss irrespective of the activity they indulge in a game of cricket.
The things we learn when playing a game of cricket
There are health benefits to playing cricket, but there are various opportunities to learn more about the game of cricket and develop your mental skills.
Concentration
It is not only about physical stamina; players are known to develop mental stamina when they play a game of cricket. At the highest level of the game, long periods of concentration are required. But this is a skill that requires practice and is built over a period of time. In a game of cricket, a loss of concentration may turn out to be fatal. That may lead to dropped catches and additional runs in the form of overthrows, and check whether there are no balls or unnecessary mis fielding.
Tactics
Any competitive game requires the knowledge of tactics. In cricket, this is applicable to a match situation or a practice session in the nets. A tactical situation in a game of cricket starts with the batsman and the bowler. The bowler is bowling a ball to get a batsman out, and the objective of the batsman is to score runs. In a formal match, this may extend to field placement and ends up putting a lot of pressure on the batting team. Playing the game of cricket does require a lot of tactical knowledge and input on your end. This is developed when you are playing the game first-hand, and you can also improve when you watch the game on TV.
Discipline
In a game of cricket, discipline is often mentioned, and it is one of the skills that is learned through constant practice. The batsman should not give away their wicket with a mistimed short, or the bowlers should not give away needless runs due to poor discipline. Though players are in a position to practice any form of cricket, when it is played for leisure or competition, there is no substitute when it comes to an in-game experience. The moment the stakes are higher, there is a lot of discipline that is needed. This requires a lot of practice on your end.
The benefits of cricket as a team sport
The game of cricket has 22 players that comprise two teams, and numerous social and health benefits tend to arise from the sport.
Teamwork
The bowlers and the batsman are the central points when it comes to success in a cricket game. But all the 11 players have an important role to play in a game of cricket, and the key to their success is to work together. Individual tactics used by players for the benefit of their team are well known. An example is when players are told to back up their teammates when someone throws the ball at the stumps or when a player chases the ball towards the boundary. It is a common sight that another player will chase the ball to provide practice.
It improves social interaction along with social skills.
Communication on a cricket pitch takes place among the players, batsmen, and fielders and, in some cases, with the umpires too. Most of the time, the social interaction is interactive and supportive too. But the art of sledging, poking fun at an opponent to gain a psychological benefit, is part and parcel of the game. This contributes to enhancing the enjoyment levels of the game of cricket and is a historic feature of the game. This contributes to the enjoyment of the game of cricket, and players from both teams enjoy this at a considerable level.
Winning and losing are part and parcel of the game.
In a game of cricket, like any competitive sport, there are bound to be winners and losers. The highs and lows of the game can be severe for the team and the players. When you are a team, losing by one run is a terrible feeling, or even scrapping by a single wicket is a great feeling in itself. The highs and lows of this game are enormous, and this is one of the main reasons why the popularity of the game has touched new levels.
There are various benefits to indulging in a game of cricket. Being an active supporter has an important role to play towards a healthier lifestyle. However, the social and mental benefits of participating in sports are an added bonus. Most of the benefits can be achieved even if you have not played the game as a professional or at the highest standard. You just need to use an old bat along with a tennis ball. The players are expected to reap the benefits of playing cricket and enjoy the game too.