Cricket Umpires Signals: How Umpires Communicate Decisions on the Field
Cricket umpires use a variety of hand signals to communicate their decisions to players, scorers, and spectators during a match. These signals convey everything from dismissals to scoring rules, and understanding them is essential for anyone watching or playing cricket. In this guide, we’ll break down the most important umpire signals and explain what they mean.
The Role of Umpires in Cricket
Umpires are responsible for enforcing the laws of cricket and making decisions on the field. There are typically two on-field umpires in a match—one standing behind the stumps at the bowler’s end and the other positioned at square leg. In international matches, a third (television) umpire may also be involved to assist with video replays. The hand signals used by umpires help ensure clear communication, especially in large stadiums where verbal communication may not be heard.
Key Umpire Signals and Their Meanings
Here are the most important umpire signals you’ll see during a cricket match:
1. Out
When the umpire gives a batsman out, they raise their index finger straight up in the air. This signal is used for all types of dismissals, such as bowled, caught, leg before wicket (LBW), or stumped. If a fielding team appeals for a wicket and the umpire agrees, this signal indicates that the batsman must leave the field.
2. No Ball
The no ball signal is used when the bowler delivers an illegal delivery. The umpire extends one arm horizontally to the side. A no ball can be called for several reasons, including overstepping the crease (front foot no-ball), bowling an underarm delivery, or delivering a dangerous bouncer. The batting team is awarded an extra run for a no ball, and the next delivery is often a free hit in limited-overs cricket.
3. Wide Ball
If a ball is bowled outside the batsman’s reach and is considered unfair, the umpire signals a wide ball. The umpire extends both arms horizontally to either side. This signal indicates that the delivery is too far from the batsman to play a shot, and the batting team is awarded an extra run. The bowler must also re-bowl the delivery.
4. Four Runs (Boundary)
When the ball is hit along the ground and crosses the boundary, the umpire signals a four by waving one arm back and forth, parallel to the ground. The batting team is awarded four runs.
5. Six Runs (Boundary)
If the batsman hits the ball over the boundary without the ball touching the ground, the umpire raises both arms above their head to signal a six. This is one of the most celebrated moments in cricket, as it indicates the maximum number of runs that can be scored from a single shot.
6. Leg Bye
A leg bye is awarded when the ball hits the batsman’s body (not the bat) and the batsman scores runs by running between the wickets. The umpire signals a leg bye by touching one hand to their raised knee. This indicates to the scorers that the runs should be credited as leg byes and not to the batsman’s individual score.
7. Bye
A bye occurs when the ball passes the batsman without making contact with the bat or body, and the batsmen run to score. The umpire signals a bye by raising one arm above their head. Like leg byes, these runs are added to the team’s total but not to the individual batsman’s score.
8. Dead Ball
The umpire calls a dead ball when the ball is no longer in play. This can happen for several reasons, such as if the ball slips out of the bowler’s hand before delivery, or if play is stopped for any other reason. The umpire signals a dead ball by crossing both arms in front of their chest.
9. Free Hit
In limited-overs cricket, when a no ball is called, the next delivery is often a free hit. The batsman cannot be dismissed in most ways (except for run-out) on a free hit. The umpire signals a free hit by rotating one arm in a circle.
10. New Ball
In Test cricket, the fielding team can choose to take a new ball after 80 overs. The umpire signals the use of a new ball by holding it aloft. A new ball is harder and bouncier than an old ball, making it advantageous for fast bowlers.
11. Third Umpire (Referral)
When the on-field umpire needs assistance from the third umpire for a decision, they signal for a referral by drawing a rectangle in the air (mimicking the shape of a TV screen). The third umpire uses video replays to review the decision.
12. DRS (Decision Review System)
Teams can use the Decision Review System (DRS) to challenge an umpire’s decision. When a player requests a review, the umpire signals DRS by mimicking the TV screen signal to refer the decision to the third umpire. DRS is commonly used for LBW and caught-behind decisions.
How Umpire Signals Impact the Game
Umpire signals are essential for maintaining clear communication in a cricket match. These signals allow players and spectators to follow the game’s progress, understand the rules being enforced, and ensure the correct decisions are recorded. In international matches, where crowds can be large and noisy, hand signals are often the only way to communicate key decisions effectively.
For example, signals for no balls and wides are crucial in limited-overs cricket, where every extra run can have a significant impact on the match. Similarly, the use of the DLS method (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) in rain-affected matches often requires the umpire to signal revised targets, ensuring both teams are aware of the updated game situation.
Conclusion
Umpire signals are a critical part of cricket, helping to communicate decisions quickly and efficiently during a match. From dismissals and extras to boundary calls and referrals, understanding these signals will enhance your experience as a spectator and help you follow the game with greater clarity. To explore more about the rules that umpires enforce, check out our guide on the Laws of Cricket.