AIBU to ask what people actually enjoy about watching cricket?

[Dovesono]

Someone took me to watch a cricket match the other day and I was bored senseless. Didn't have a clue what was going on, although most of the time it seemed to be nothing very much at all.

Please can someone explain the appeal? And why are the rules so bloody complicated?

It was county level in case that makes a difference.

I feel the same about tennis. Just a ball going backwards and forwards

Oh no. T20 cricket isn’t real cricket. You need to start with a Test Match.

I really enjoy cricket, I play softball cricket after swapping from football, as I found that really clicky and cricket were welcoming. T20 is probably my favourite format. County championship is slow, methodical with different tactics, and you really do need to know the rules for that though.

50 over matches are good too, and similar to club level cricket which is good fun too, especially if you know some of the players and can cheer/wind them up as needed

It's my favourite sport to watch! It's not too difficult to learn the basic rules, but the long days spent outside with friends are why I like it the most.

AGREE. A Test on a sunny day at Lords is my happy place.

"The bowler's Holding; the batsman's Willy" Or was it the other way round?

YANBU. The only reason I can think of to watch cricket is if I was having difficulty getting to sleep.

What an incredibly insightful post. So glad you took the time to post that

It’s mostly about the drinks, snacks, chats and people watching for me. DH takes me to Lord’s and you can bring in picnic and a bottle champagne per person.

First session is about getting settled and having a coffee. Maybe first cork pops around midday. Second session have a snooze if it’s dull or listen as the buzz grows as people have a drink, prop second cork. After tea it’s there’s a big buzz, singing, beer chains etc. Go for a drink and curry afterwards.

"The bowler's Holding; the batsman's Willy" Or was it the other way round?

And the classic 'He didn't quite get his leg over'.

And Lillee caught Willey bowled Dilley.

Zen out for a sunny day with the delicious contents of hampers and wine coolers.
Clap when alerted.
Menfolk kept happy.

"I find cricket boring." Fair do's, each to their own.

""Cricket is boring." Ignorant bollox, speak for yourself.

"Cricket is just rounders" ODFOD. Is netball just basketball?

Cricket used to be really boring when each match lasted 5 days and often fizzled out into a draw.
T20 has made it more interesting and accessible.

I didn't understand it but spent a summer watching it and am fairly au fait with most of it. I love watching matches from somewhere hot and sunny when it's freezing here

Yes I don’t get why so many on here say it’s difficult to follow/understand what’s going on. It’s not that complicated.

Love cricket. But I can't stand tennis. But obviously thats cause everyone likes different things.
Grew up watching local teams is yorkshire and love listening to tms. Some matches can drag on but when its down to the laat few overs, its so exciting. My kids enjoy the hundred as it takes less concentration.
I also love stats... so enjoy spending time looking them over. I'm not making myself sound interesting but I really do love a good cricket stat and match analysis.

Priceless. Ditto the "legover" commentary with "Jonners" and "Aggers":

There’s a village team near me that plays on an old pitch surrounded by grazing sheep and apple trees, with a Victorian pavilion in the background. It’s near the road, so whenever we drive past them on the way to the shops, playing in their cricket whites, lads of all ages, it’s like catching a glimpse of a timeless moment in history through the trees.

It’s a strategy game rather than a one off thing. I don’t watch it but I like listening to people who know about it.

Rugby is brilliant. It’s hard to follow but it’s a game where either team can win right up to the end ( and it can carry on into extra time). Tense in a way other team sports aren’t as the scoring can be done in multiple ways.

I love it. I look after 3 teens who all play. 1 for 1 team and 2 for another team. We are busy every Saturday and every Sunday without exception from April to September. I pack up a big picnic lots of isotonic drinks for them, wine for me. I take a camping chair, a DC lack of coffee, a fleecy blanket, an umbrella, sun cream and a sun hat, cold packs and hot packs in case of injury and I'm all set. We also go to watch The Blast and Hundred too. 50 Over Saturday games start at 12.30 and often go on to 7.30pm. Then after teens change into the club house for a drink. We have all made lots of good friends through cricket. It's a very social sport.

I also score for 1 DS's team as I'm there watching anyway I think I might as well make myself useful.

I'd rather get a bit of Dulux and watch it dry.

I love cricket , grew up watching my dad play at weekends and can’t think of many better ways to spend a day . I suppose it is like most sports you either like watching or you don’t . I also love rugby union and athletics but you couldn’t pay me to watch tennis or snooker .

One of my kids plays cricket and I still don't understand the appeal 😂

Often at the end of games I can't tell who won and neither can she 🤔

There's some great fiction written around cricket matches.

🤣🤣😎