First-Class and List A Cricket
Also known as: first class cricket, first-class cricket, list a cricket, list a match, first class match, domestic cricket formats
First-class cricket is a match of two innings per side, scheduled for three or more days, between two teams of eleven on natural turf. Tests are the top level of first-class cricket. List A is the one-day version: one innings per side, with at least 40 overs each, at state, county or provincial level or above.
The ICC's Classification of Official Cricket defines these statuses. First-class matches follow ICC standard playing conditions in substance. Full Members decide the status of matches played in their countries, and the ICC decides for its own events. Major domestic competitions, such as county championships and state leagues, are usually first-class.
List A limited-overs matches are one-day games of one innings per side with a minimum of 40 overs each. Every ODI counts as List A. A List A match keeps its status even if weather cuts it below 40 overs. The ICC also has a List A Twenty20 category. It covers 20-over matches at the same level, including every T20 international.
These labels matter mainly for records. Career statistics are often listed separately for first-class, List A and T20 cricket. That is why a player's first-class average can differ from their one-day average.
Tips by skill level
When you read a player's stats, check which format they come from.
Domestic first-class cricket is the usual pathway to Tests. List A and T20 records matter for white-ball selection.
Example
A young batter makes a century in a four-day county match. It counts in her first-class record. Her one-day runs for the same county go into her List A record.
Why it matters
The format a record comes from changes what it means. Knowing these labels helps you read career statistics and understand domestic pathways.
Common mistakes
- Comparing first-class and List A averages as if they were the same
- Assuming every multi-day game is first-class
- Thinking a weather-shortened one-day game loses its status
Frequently asked questions
What is first class cricket?
It is cricket of two innings per side, scheduled for three or more days, between teams of eleven on natural turf. Tests and major domestic multi-day competitions are first-class.
What is List A cricket?
It is one-day cricket with one innings per side and at least 40 overs each, played at state, county or provincial level or above. All ODIs are List A.
Sources
Related terms
- Test CricketTest cricket is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious format of the sport — played over up to five days between two national teams, with each side receiving two innings and ten wickets to be dismissed.
- One-Day International (ODI)A one-day international is an international match where each team bats once, for up to 50 overs. Each bowler can bowl no more than 10 overs. The fielding side is limited to two fielders outside the 30-yard circle in overs 1 to 10, four in overs 11 to 40 and five in overs 41 to 50. A tie is settled by a Super Over.
- T20 FormatT20 (Twenty20) cricket is the shortest mainstream format of the game — each side bats for a maximum of 20 overs — producing fast-paced, high-scoring matches usually completed in under three hours.
- Batting AverageA cricket batting average is total runs divided by the number of times the batter was out. Not-out innings add runs but do not add a dismissal. So 300 runs in 10 innings, with 2 not outs, is an average of 37.5.
- The Hundred (100-Ball Cricket)The Hundred is a 100-ball-per-innings competition in England and Wales. Bowlers deliver five or ten balls in a row, as the captain chooses, and ends change every 10 balls. Each bowler may bowl up to 20 balls. Each side has a 25-ball powerplay with two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.