Cricket is quite popular around the world. The popularity of this game is growing, and more than 100 countries across the globe play it. Though it looks quite similar to baseball for those who are learning this sport. But it has some totally different rules. Some rules are so tricky that even international players are not aware of them.
Not just rules; there are some interesting terms in cricket as well. One such famous term used in this sport is “Carry the bat.” Now, many would think that it is used for batters who are carrying the bat while batting. Well, but it is totally different from what you have in mind. So let’s check on this term in brief.
What is “Carry the Bat” in Cricket
The term “carry the bat” is only associated with the opening batters (No. 1 or 2). It is used when an opening batter remains not out throughout the inning. This is used when all ten wickets are dismissed except for the opening batter. In another situation, it can also be used if one or two players are retired hurt (unable to bat) and the other remaining players get out.
But it will not be used when the designated overs are finished or the innings has ended but the batting team has wickets in hand. It is also not used when a team chases down the target or declares an inning and an opener is batting at the crease. This situation of “carrying the bat” is pretty rare in international cricket.
“Carry the Bat” Instances in Cricket
In the history of 150 years of test cricket, there have been only 56 instances when an opener remained not out when his team lost all ten wickets. Bernard Tancred, from South Africa, was the first batter in history. It happened in March 1889 in a test match against England in Cape Town. He was 26 not out from 96 balls, and his team was dismissed for 47 runs.
On the other hand, in ODIs, there have been only 13 recorded instances of “carry the bat.” Grant Flower (Zimbabwe) was the first batter in ODIs. He scored an unbeaten 84 off 143 against England in 1994 at the SCG, when his team was bundled out for 205.
Meanwhile, in T20Is, Chris Gayle is the only player. He remained unbeaten on 63 off 50 balls against Sri Lanka during the 2009 T20 World Cup semi-final, when the West Indies were all out for 101.