Cricket vs Baseball: Similarities vs Differences

The conversation on cricket and baseball differences is a common conversation in the world of American sports. With cricket emerging as a more popular sport in the United States, taking a closer look at the two disciplines can help to identify the transferable skills between the two bat-and-ball sports. Everyone in the U.S. knows baseball, but how much do they know about cricket? Use this cricket and baseball comparison to find out more about the sport and see why baseball players should be giving cricket a try.

Cricket vs Baseball History: Which Came First?

Cricket was ‘founded’ and played first, mostly by the British Empire who took cricket around the world as it colonised territories such as India, Australia and the Caribbean. Despite versions of it being around for centuries, first standardised rules were documented in 1744. Much later on, baseball was most derived from games like rounders with its rules finalised being formalised in 1845 in New York City. Baseball is said to have been formed in a way that captures the stronger American values of fast-paced rivalry and competition. Cricket is more about endurance and grinding down your opponent over a longer game session.

Similarities Between Cricket & Baseball

To address the obvious, both sporting disciplines are bat and ball sports with batters hitting the ball bowled to them by the other team. In cricket and baseball, the goal is to score runs. Hits are strategic and players are looking to not get caught out by the opposing team. Longer and better hits often score more points as there are more opportunities to get more runs. Strategies are used by the bowlers and batters to try and outwit the other team to either prevent them getting points or get more points for themselves.

Both are team sports with similar roles such as batters, bowlers, fielders and a backstop (known as a wicket keeper in cricket). Points, scored as runs, are counted when players either complete an entire lap of the bases or between two points (wickets).

Differences Between Cricket & Baseball

There are plenty of differences between the two sports that greatly change how the game works and how it plays out. Many of the differences are obvious and visible: 

• Cricket vs Baseball Ball Differences - typically a cricket ball is made from a red leather cover or a white leather cover. In terms of dimensions, a cricket ball is heavier in weight but smaller in size. Both balls are made from cork, string and leather.
• Cricket vs Baseball Bowling Differences - baseball bowls are done underarm whilst cricket is done overarm. A cricket bowl bounces before it meets the batter, the bounce causing it to potentially change trajectory. Baseball bowls are more direct.
• Cricket vs Baseball Bat Differences - a baseball is rounded whilst a cricket bat is flat on one side. The baseball bat is held up to hit the ball whilst a cricket bat is held downwards - normally to protect the wickets and catch the ball once it has bounced.
• Cricket vs Baseball Game Length - baseball is typically a shorter game, made up of nine innings that can be completed in a matter of hours. Cricket can potentially last for multiple days where teams can play additional innings if there is a tie.
• Cricket vs Baseball Field Layout - the shape of the pitch differs greatly with cricket having an oval-shaped field with a 22-yard pitch. Baseball has the iconic diamond-shaped field with a pre-defined infield leading out to the outfield.

These are just a few of the differences between the two types of games. This doesn’t even start to mention the number of players and what is expected of them during the game. Cricket players have to be all-rounders with batting, bowling and fielding whilst baseball players are more specialised to their roles and abilities. So next time you watch a game of cricket or baseball, you can have a look at the differences and similarities between and get a better idea of the sport for yourself.

Why Should Baseball Players Try Cricket?

As with any sporting discipline, the ability to diversify your gameplay, skills and techniques can greatly improve your existing game. With cricket and baseball, there is a natural overlap in playstyle and skills that can enhance your ability in each sport. Both sports will tap into your hand-eye coordination, agility and general fitness. Cricket is a great option for players just looking to branch out that little more into a similar sport. We can see no reason why even seasoned baseball players would get some enjoyment from having a swing at cricket.

Our Player Courses at Liam Plunkett Cricket are a great introduction for baseball players looking to try something new. Our Master The Basics course is a great way to get to grips with some of the key differences between the two sports. See how you hold the bat differently, how the bowling technique varies and start to see the intricacies that make the games so different.