Batsmen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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batsmen

[ˈbæts.mən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cricket player

A batsman is a player in the sport of cricket whose primary role is to score runs by hitting the ball bowled at them with a bat. They can play defensively or aggressively to protect their wicket while seeking to accumulate runs for their team. In cricket, each team has a batsman who takes turns to bat until they are dismissed.

Synonyms

cricketer, hitter, slugger.

Examples of usage

  • The batsman scored a century in the last match.
  • He is a skilled batsman known for his powerful strokes.
  • The batsman carefully analyzed the pitch before his innings.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sports History

  • Cricket, the sport where batsmen play, originated in England in the 16th century and has since grown into a major global sport.
  • The first official Laws of Cricket were established in 1744, formalizing the role of the batsman in the game.

Cultural Impact

  • Batsmen have become iconic figures in various cricketing nations, often celebrated in literature and media, symbolizing national pride.
  • In countries like India and Australia, successful batsmen are regarded as heroes and have substantial influence beyond the sport.

Statistics and Records

  • Legends of the game, like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, have set records for the most runs scored by a batsman in international cricket.
  • Scoring a century, which is when a batsman reaches 100 runs, is one of the most celebrated achievements in cricket.

Technical Aspects

  • Batsmen use various techniques such as footwork and shot selection to adapt to different styles of bowling.
  • The cricket bat is typically made from willow wood due to its resilience and ability to absorb shock, providing batsmen with better control.

Origin of 'batsmen'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'batsman' dates back to the 17th century, evolving from earlier cricket terminology.
  • In cricket, there are different roles, and 'batsman' specifically refers to the player who bats; it's gender-neutral in modern usage, but traditionally referred to men.

The term 'batsman' originates from the sport of cricket, which dates back to the 16th century in England. The word is a compound of 'bat' and 'man', indicating a player who uses a bat to play the game. The use of the bat in cricket has its roots in early bat-and-ball games, where various implements were used to hit the ball, eventually evolving into the specialized bat we see today. The formalization of cricket rules in the 18th century established specific roles, including that of the batsman, as the game became more organized and recognized. Over the years, the role of the batsman has evolved, with distinct batting styles developed, but the fundamental goal remains the same: to score runs and help their team succeed.