Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, typically of 11 players each. One team bats, aiming to score runs by hitting the ball and running between wickets, while the other team bowls and fields to restrict runs and dismiss the batters. The game is played on an oval field with a central pitch and can last from a few hours (Twenty20) to several days (Test cricket). Popular in countries like England, India, Australia, and Pakistan, cricket is known for its strategy, skill, and rich traditions.