French Cricket

Based on Cricket, but much simpler, quicker and funnier.

How To Play

Step 1.
Find a flat space at least 30m square. Set up a "wicket" of 3 sticks stuck in the ground vertically about 30cm wide and 60cm high. Add a marker for the bowler to bowl from about 15m away. Mark another point for the batter to run to and from at 90 degrees to where the bowler is bowling from.
Step 2.
Nominate one batter, one bowler and ideally one wicket keeper who stands behind the wickets. Everyone else acts as a fielder.
Step 3.
The bowler bowls underarm towards the wicket and the batter tries to hit the ball. If he hits the ball he must run at least once to the side marker. The fielders try to retrieve the ball as soon as possible and get it to the bowler who can bowl immediately at the wicket without waiting for the batter to get back. The batter can run more than once if they wish and they are fit enough!
Step 4.
Every time the batter runs to the marker and back they record one run (1 point). However, if the bowler hits the wicket or the batter hits the ball in the air and it is caught by a fielder, then the batter is out.
Step 5.
Players takes turns to bat and bowl. Bowlers normally bowl one "over" (6 balls). Once each player has batted twice the game is over.
The winner is the player who scores the most runs overall.
Tips / Variations

If there are more than 10 players you could opt to form 2 or more teams of 5 or more who alternate batting and fielding.