There’s something uniquely magical about playing cricket in the rain. For most of us growing up in cricket-loving countries, rain didn’t stop the game—it transformed it. Suddenly, the rules bent, the pitch turned into a puddle-strewn minefield, and every run became a triumph of balance and grit. One of the most iconic rules to emerge from this setting is: “One tip, one hand out.”
In this blog, we’ll explore the charm of rainy-day cricket, break down the beloved street rule of “one tip, one hand out,” and offer some practical advice to make the most of your rain-soaked cricket matches.
🌧️ Why Play Cricket in the Rain?
While professional matches are suspended at the first drop of rain to preserve the pitch and ensure player safety, casual or street cricket thrives in the drizzle. Why? Because it’s less about technique and more about pure, unfiltered joy.
Rain adds a sense of unpredictability to the game. The ball becomes slippery, the field turns into a skating rink, and batting becomes an adventure. It’s no longer about who’s the best—it’s about who adapts the fastest.
The atmosphere shifts—players laugh more, dive more, and care a little less about getting dirty. It’s about fun, not form.
🖐️ What is “One Tip, One Hand Out”?
This rule, popular in informal cricket matches (especially in parks, rooftops, gullies, and schoolyards), changes the dynamics of dismissal:
If the batter hits the ball and it bounces once before a second tip fielder has to catches it, the batsman is out—but only if the catch is made with one hand.
This rule evolved to balance the playing field when:
Surfaces are slippery.
Visibility is poor.
It’s harder to field and harder to hit cleanly.
It rewards reflexes, coordination, and a touch of bravery—because taking a one-handed catch with a wet ball flying toward you is no small feat.
🏏 Why It Works So Well in the Rain
1. Enhances the Challenge and Promotes Fair Play
In wet conditions, fielding can be challenging. The “one tip, one hand out” rule helps level the playing field by giving fielders a fair chance to get a batter out without excessive risk.
2. Keeps the Game Moving
Rainy days can slow down cricket, but not with “one tip, one hand out”! This rule speeds up the game, boosts dismissals, and keeps energy levels high. Get ready for thrilling rain-soaked matches!
3. Encourages Creativity
Fielders learn to anticipate awkward bounces. Batters learn to hit softer or place their shots better. The game becomes less about power and more about finesse and smart play.
4. Builds Bonds
Nothing brings a group of players closer than slipping and sliding in the mud, shouting over the rain, and pulling off miraculous one-handed grabs. These are the stories that stick around for years.
5. The Winner Of the Game.
The player who bats first is the one who plays the highest number of balls. The next turn goes to the player who played the second-highest number of balls, and so on, in descending order. Once every player has had a turn, the cycle repeats in the same order.
🧠 One Crucial Tip for Rainy-Day Cricket
Use a tennis or soft rubber ball instead of a standard leather cricket ball.
Here’s why:
Safety: A hard ball becomes dangerously slippery and can cause injuries.
Performance: Tennis balls absorb less water and still bounce decently on wet ground.
Fun: Their unpredictable skids and turns on wet concrete or grass make every delivery exciting and unique.
Also, consider wearing rubber-soled shoes or even playing barefoot if it’s safe—just for better grip!
⚠️ Safety Considerations
While fun is the goal, always keep basic safety in mind:
Avoid playing near traffic or on slippery concrete that could lead to injury.
Be cautious of lightning if it’s storming—not worth the risk.
Don’t dive head-first on slick surfaces. Save your knees and elbows!
🏆 Final Thoughts
Playing cricket in the rain isn’t just a pastime—it’s a memory factory. It’s about friendship, resilience, improvisation, and, most of all, joy. The “one tip, one hand out” rule is more than a quirky twist—it’s a brilliant way to adapt the game to nature’s curveballs.
So next time the clouds roll in and everyone else heads indoors, you’ll know what to do: grab a bat, round up your friends, and let the rain add its own magic to your match.
Your Turn:
Have you played with the “one tip, one hand out” rule in the rain? Share your funniest or most heroic moment in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!
