Each team bats for one innings (comprising a set number of overs), bowls for a certain number of overs, and fields for the rest.

Test matches are played between international teams of eleven players each over four innings; each team bats twice.

During an innings, one team bats while the other team bowls and fields.

In each half, one team bats until three outs are made, with the other team playing defense.

After the opposing team bats in its own order and three more outs are recorded, the first team's batting order will continue again from where it left off.