In cricket, a "rabbit" is a batsman who is considered a very poor batter, typically someone who bats at number 10 or 11 and struggles to score runs. They are essentially selected for their bowling or fielding abilities, with their batting being a significant weakness.
Characteristics of a Rabbit
- Poor Batting Ability: The defining characteristic is a demonstrable lack of batting skill. Rabbits often struggle with technique, temperament, and decision-making at the crease.
- Low Batting Average: Rabbits typically have very low batting averages, often in the single digits.
- Late Order Batters: They are almost always found batting towards the end of the batting order (positions 10 or 11).
- More Known for Bowling or Fielding: Rabbits are usually bowlers or wicketkeepers who are selected primarily for their skills other than batting.
Rabbit vs. Bunny
It's important to distinguish between a "rabbit" and a "bunny" in cricket terminology:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Rabbit | A batsman who is generally a poor batter against most bowlers. |
| Bunny | A batsman who is particularly vulnerable to a specific bowler. Often dismissed repeatedly by the same bowler. |
Example
Consider a bowler who consistently bats at number 11 and has a batting average of 3. He is generally considered a poor batsman and thus would be labelled a "rabbit." If a particular batsman, despite having a decent average, is consistently dismissed by a certain bowler, he can be called that bowler's "bunny."
Importance
The term "rabbit" is often used lightheartedly, but it acknowledges the disparity in batting ability across a cricket team. While every player is expected to contribute, it's understood that some players are primarily selected for their other skills.
