Whether you’re new to the world of cricket or a curious fan trying to understand its intricate rules, one term you’ll hear often is “innings.” But what is an innings in cricket? Why do some matches have two while others have four? And how does an innings impact the strategy of the game?
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about innings in cricket, from its meaning and format-based variations to unique rules like declaration, follow-on, and more. We’ll also cover frequently asked questions and use real-life match examples to make things easier to understand.
What Does “Innings” Mean in Cricket?
The term innings refers to the phase of the match where one team takes turns to bat while the other bowls and fields. This continues until the batting team is all out, the allotted number of overs are completed, or the team declares the innings closed.
In simple words:
An innings is the period during which one team bats.
The plural and singular form of “innings” in cricket are both the same, unlike baseball, where the singular is “inning.”
According to Wikipedia, “An innings is one of the divisions of a cricket match during which one team takes its turn to bat. Innings also mean the period in which an individual player bats (acts as either striker or nonstriker). Innings, in cricket and rounders, is both singular and plural; this contrasts with baseball and softball, in which the singular is “inning”.
Key Points:
- A team innings begins when two opening batters take the field and ends when:
- 10 wickets fall (“all out”)
- The allotted overs are bowled
- The batting side reaches the target score
- A captain declares (only in multi-day formats)
- Time expires (in Tests)
- An individual innings refers to one player’s batting period—from when they start until they get out or retire
- Example: When Brian Lara reached 400*, that was his personal innings within the team’s innings.
Also Read: Innings Break Time in Test Cricket
Types of Innings Based on Format
Different formats of cricket follow different rules about the number and length of innings.
Innings in T20 Cricket
In T20 matches, each team gets one innings of 20 overs. A T20 inning is designed to be fast-paced and usually lasts around 80–90 minutes, depending on how quickly the overs are bowled.
Example:
In an IPL match, both teams get one 20-over innings. If one team is bowled out in 14 overs, the innings ends early.
Innings in ODI (One Day International)
In ODIs, each team is allotted 50 overs per innings. A full innings takes about 3.5 hours to complete.
This format is more strategic, with teams focusing on rotating the strike and saving wickets for the final 10 overs.
Innings in Test Cricket
Test cricket allows for two innings per team, making a total of four innings in a complete match.
There’s no over limit in Test innings — they end when:
- 10 wickets fall
- The captain declares
- The match ends in a draw, win, or tie
Innings in T10 Cricket
In T10 leagues, each team has just 10 overs in their innings, lasting only about 45 minutes. It’s the shortest official format of the game.
How long is one inning in Cricket?
| Format | Overs Per Innings | Expected Duration |
|---|---|---|
| T10 | 10 | 45 minutes |
| T20 | 20 | 80–90 minutes |
| ODI | 50 | 3.5 hours |
| Test | Unlimited | Varies (can last 2 days or more) |
What is Innings Declaration in Cricket?
Innings declaration is a unique concept mostly seen in Test cricket.
When a captain believes that his team has scored enough runs and time is limited, he can declare the innings closed voluntarily — even if all 10 wickets haven’t fallen.
This is a tactical move used to try and bowl out the opposition within the remaining time.
Example:
If Team A bats first and scores 550/6, the captain might declare to give his bowlers more time to dismiss Team B twice.
What is Follow-On in Test Matches?
In Test matches, if Team B scores significantly fewer runs in their first innings compared to Team A, they may be asked to bat again immediately — this is known as the follow-on.
Rule:
- If Team B trails by 200+ runs, the follow-on can be enforced (in 5-day Tests).
This rule helps the leading team push for a win instead of settling for a draw.
Also Read: What is DLS Method in Cricket?
Team Innings vs Individual Innings
It’s important to understand that “innings” can refer to:
- Team Innings – The entire team’s turn to bat.
- Individual Innings – The time an individual batsman spends at the crease before getting out or the innings ends.
Example:
When Virat Kohli scores 183* in an ODI, that’s his individual innings, part of the team’s innings.
Real Match Examples of Notable Innings
Here are examples to help solidify your understanding of innings in different contexts:
Kolkata Knight Riders – 67 All Out vs Mumbai Indians (2008)
Date: May 16, 2008
Venue: Wankhede
MI Bowlers: Shaun Pollock (3/12), Dwayne Bravo (2/13)
A full team innings was bowled out in just 15.2 overs, showing how short an innings can be.
India – 36 All Out vs Australia (2020)
India’s second innings in the 1st Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy lasted just 21.2 overs, ending in their lowest ever Test score.
Related Reading: Lowest Score in IPL History
Difference Between Innings and Overs
Overs refer to sets of 6 legal deliveries bowled by a bowler.
Innings is the entire turn a team gets to bat, which may consist of a certain number of overs.
So while an innings can be 20, 50, or unlimited overs long, an over is a fixed unit within an innings.
Key Takeaways
- An innings is a team’s turn to bat in a match.
- Formats like T20 and ODI have 1 innings per side; Tests have 2 innings per side.
- An innings ends when 10 wickets fall, overs run out, or the captain declares.
- Follow-on and declarations are key concepts in Test matches.
- Both teams and individual players have “innings” in a match.
Conclusion
Understanding what an innings in cricket means is essential to following the game better. From format rules and time limits to declarations and follow-ons, innings shape how matches unfold and strategies evolve.
Whether you’re watching a fast-paced IPL match or a five-day Test thriller, now you’ll understand how each innings plays a crucial role in determining the winner. Keep this guide handy next time you tune in!
Also Read: Fielding Positions in Cricket
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Innings in Cricket
Q. How many overs are in ODI?
A. 50 overs.
Q. How many innings in cricket?
A. All formats of cricket have two innings, except Test cricket, where the total number of innings can go up to 4, with each side getting a maximum of two innings.
Q. What is an innings in cricket in simple words?
An innings is when one team bats and the other bowls. Each team gets at least one inning in a match.
Q. How many innings in a Test match?
Up to 4 — each team gets to bat twice.
Q. Can a team declare their innings in T20?
Technically, yes, but it’s extremely rare. Declarations are mainly used in Tests.
Q. Does every player get to bat in an innings?
Not always. If a team wins before the lower-order batsmen are needed, they may not bat.
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