A test wicket, in cricket, refers to the set of wooden structures that a bowler aims to hit to get a batsman out. More specifically, a cricket wicket has a specific physical structure.
Structure of a Cricket Wicket
The wicket consists of the following elements:
- Stumps: Three wooden stumps stand vertically, each 28 inches (71.12 cm) tall.
- They are placed along the batting crease, equally spaced.
- The total width spanned by the three stumps is 9 inches (22.86 cm).
- Bails: Two small wooden bails sit in shallow grooves atop the stumps.
The configuration of these elements is what defines the physical target of a cricket bowler. A successful hit with the cricket ball, knocking at least one of the bails off the stumps, results in the dismissal of the batsman.
| Element | Description | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Stumps | Three wooden posts | 28 inches (71.12 cm) tall |
| Bail | Two small wooden pieces on top of the stumps | N/A |
| Total Width | Width of three stumps across | 9 inches (22.86 cm) |
The term "wicket" can also refer to the playing area and pitch conditions, however, this explanation is focusing on the physical object.
