The duration of a professional cricket match varies depending on the format of the match. A test match features three to five days of play, with each day’s play worth six hours. In limited overs cricket, a One Day International match lasts eight hours, whereas a T20 match is completed by three hours.
The popularity of the sport and the advances in broadcast media led to the advent of pre-match and post-match shows on channels where the match would be streamed. The pre-match shows feature an analysis of the players, teams, the pitch, and weather for the day’s play. Moreover, a coin toss between the two captains is aired live to show which team is put to bat first.
The pre-match shows can be prolonged, often leading to novice viewers of the sport ponder when the match play begins. The players and the umpires take to the field at the scheduled match time. The batters and the fielders take their positions. This is inspected by the two on-field umpires. They check the number of fielders, their positioning in accordance with the field restrictions, and a quick scan across the field to ensure there is no element of hindrance in play.
The two on-field umpires confirm if these prerequisites are fulfilled. The umpire at the non-striker’s end then extends his arm to the side from where the bowler will deliver the ball. This signal means that the bowler cannot bowl yet. The umpire then asks the batter, the bowler, and the fielding side captain if they are ready for play. Once all three confirm this, the umpire says “Play” out loud, and removes his hand from the lateral horizontal position to rest position. This indicates that the bowler can now deliver the first ball of the match.
To increase the anticipation of the start of the match, broadcasters these days feature a reverse countdown of ten seconds which coincides with the umpire’s signal. Umpires have to follow these protocols even if there is a resumption of match play following an interval or interruption.
