Cricket Superstitions Explained
Cricket is full of superstitions — from Nelson scores to favourite bats and pre-match rituals. This guide explains the most famous cricket superstitions and the psychology behind them.
Why Cricket Has So Many Superstitions
Cricket's slow pace and individual duels between batter and bowler create time for superstition to flourish. Hours of standing in the field or waiting to bat gives players time to develop rituals and beliefs. The game's long history — and the high-pressure moments that determine careers — create fertile ground for pre-match routines, lucky charms, and number taboos.
The Nelson: 111 and Its Multiples
The number 111 — called 'Nelson' in English cricket — is considered unlucky because its three vertical shapes (1-1-1) resemble a man with no arms, no legs, and no eyes. The legendary umpire David Shepherd famously stood on one leg whenever the scoreboard showed 111, 222, or 333. Some grounds still show camera shots of players or umpires lifting a leg when Nelson appears.
The Dreaded 87 in Australia
In Australia, 87 is considered the unlucky number — it is 13 less than 100. Australian batters have traditionally felt a score of 87 brings increased risk of dismissal, as the devil lives there. Many of the great Australian batters have been dismissed for 87 in their careers, reinforcing the superstition.
Pre-Match and Mid-Innings Rituals
Cricket players are famously wedded to routine. Batters often put on gear in the same order, walk to the crease the same way, take guard the same way. Steve Waugh carried a lucky red handkerchief. Brian Lara wore the same helmet padding for 17 years. Sachin Tendulkar wore left pad before right, without exception. Teams sometimes refuse to change a winning combination — even wearing unwashed kit after a win.
Five-Day Tests and the Tea Curse
A persistent belief exists that wickets often fall just before or just after a drinks break or tea — the batters lose concentration when they know a break is coming. Statistics do show a slight uptick in dismissals near intervals, though how much of that is superstition and how much is real is debated. Many coaches now brief batters specifically on this interval effect to counteract it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nelson in cricket?
Nelson is the score of 111 — considered unlucky in English cricket because the three 1s look like a man with no arms, legs, or eyes. Umpire David Shepherd famously hopped on one leg when Nelson appeared on the scoreboard.
Why is 87 unlucky in Australian cricket?
87 is 13 less than 100, and 13 is considered unlucky. Australian batters have traditionally treated 87 as a danger zone, reinforced by a long list of famous dismissals at that score.
Do cricketers really believe in these superstitions?
Most modern players acknowledge superstitions with a mix of humour and genuine habit. Even if they do not truly believe, the ritual provides psychological comfort — a sense of control in a sport where a single delivery can end an innings.