Fit in with Aussies by learning the basics of cricket

Cricket is one of the most popular games in the world, trailing close behind soccer (or football depending where you call home). Because of its wild popularity in Australia and New Zealand, brushing up on your knowledge when on your locum assignment could save you some potential embarrassment if ever asked to join a pickup game or watch a match at a local pub.

Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport, but it differs from baseball greatly. If you're planning on watching a professional match with friends, be sure to learn a few key terms so you can sound like you know what you're talking about.

The batsman, easily enough, is the player with the paddle-like bat in hand. The bowler is the equivalent of a pitcher (in baseball), standing 66 feet away from the batter. The distance between both players is called the pitch, and on both ends of the pitch is what cricket players call a wicket. The wicket, which consists of three poles hammered into the ground, is vital to the outs system. If a bowler knocks off the bails resting on top of the wickets with the ball, then the current batsman is out.

When in doubt, throw words like "wicket," "bowler" or "bails" into a conversation while watching the game. It'll be enough to get you by with your new friends.