French cricket is a simple game especially popular with children. It requires only a cricket bat and a soft ball. A tennis ball is often used. Any number of players can take part. French cricket is popular because it is easy to play, has almost no rules and no time limits, and requires no regulation field and no umpires or other officials.
The batsman stands with heels together so that the legs form the wicket. Any other player throws the ball at the batsman’s legs from any direction. The batsman tries to hit the ball. The batsman is out if the ball hits the legs, if he or she moves the feet, or if an opponent catches the batted ball before it hits the ground. The successful catcher or thrower takes the batsman’s place. If the batsman is out for moving the feet, the last thrower replaces him or her. The batsman scores runs by moving the bat around his or her body, rapidly shifting the bat from one hand to the other before the opponent throws the ball at the batsman’s legs again. The batsman scores one run for each complete revolution of the bat.
