Book excerpt: An engaging look at the science behind one of the most popular sports in the world, this entertaining reference explains the fundamental impact of physics on all aspects of the game of cricket. Beginning with a brief history of the sport, the book then provides an empirical understanding of how it is played, from the handling of the ball and the design of the bat to the angle of the bowler’s arm and the quality of the playing surface. Discussing scientific concepts such as the laws of optics, hydrodynamics, ballistics, and probability, this informative exploration furnishes both a better understanding of the nuances of the game as well as some of the basic principles of physics and mechanics.