Player Dismissals: Understanding the 10 Ways to Get Out in Cricket
In cricket, the ultimate goal of the bowling and fielding side is to dismiss the batsmen, thereby restricting the batting team’s run-scoring potential. There are 10 recognized ways a batsman can be dismissed, ranging from the common methods like bowled and caught to rare dismissals like obstructing the field. Understanding these dismissals is key for players, fans, and umpires alike. In this guide, we will explore each method of dismissal in detail, explaining how and when each one occurs.
1. Bowled
Bowled is one of the most straightforward and satisfying dismissals for a bowler. A batsman is bowled when the ball, delivered by the bowler, hits the stumps and dislodges the bails. The batsman is out regardless of whether the ball has touched their bat, body, or any other equipment before hitting the stumps.
Bowled is often the result of a fast or accurate delivery that the batsman fails to defend. It is considered a clean dismissal, as it relies entirely on the bowler’s skill and accuracy.
2. Caught
A batsman is caught when the ball, after being hit with the bat or the glove, is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground. This includes catches taken by the wicketkeeper, slips, or any other fielder positioned to intercept the ball.
Caught is one of the most common forms of dismissal in cricket. Batsmen can be caught while playing both defensive and aggressive shots, particularly when they mistime the ball or hit it too high in the air.
Subtypes of Caught Dismissals
- Caught Behind: When the wicketkeeper catches the ball directly behind the stumps.
- Caught in the Deep: When a fielder positioned near the boundary catches a lofted shot.
3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
Leg Before Wicket (LBW) is one of the most contentious forms of dismissal in cricket. A batsman is out LBW if the ball hits any part of their body (usually the leg) and would have gone on to hit the stumps if not for the obstruction. The batsman cannot be given out LBW if the ball pitches outside the leg stump or if the batsman makes a genuine attempt to play the ball and it strikes them outside the off-stump.
The LBW rule requires the umpire to make a judgment call about whether the ball would have hit the stumps, making it one of the more controversial and debated forms of dismissal.
4. Run Out
A run out occurs when the fielding side breaks the stumps with the ball while the batsmen are attempting to run between the wickets. If the batsman has not grounded their bat or any part of their body behind the crease by the time the stumps are broken, they are considered run out.
Run outs often happen when the batsmen attempt risky runs or miscommunicate while running between the wickets. It is a team effort by the fielders, as accurate throws and quick reactions are required to execute a run out.
5. Stumped
Stumped is a dismissal that occurs when the wicketkeeper breaks the stumps with the ball while the batsman is out of their crease, usually after playing and missing a delivery. Stumping is common when a batsman advances down the pitch to play a shot, only to be beaten by the bowler’s delivery, allowing the wicketkeeper to remove the bails.
Stumping is more frequent in matches with spin bowlers, as they tend to lure batsmen out of their crease with flighted deliveries.
6. Hit Wicket
A batsman is out hit wicket if they accidentally dislodge the bails or break the stumps with their bat or body during their shot or while setting off for a run. This often happens when batsmen step too far back in their crease or lose balance after playing a shot.
Hit wicket is a relatively rare form of dismissal, but it can be an embarrassing way for a batsman to get out.
7. Handled the Ball
The now-rare handled the ball dismissal occurs when a batsman deliberately uses their hand to touch the ball while it is still in play. If a batsman uses their hand to stop the ball from hitting the stumps or to prevent a fielder from catching it, they can be given out for handling the ball.
With modern revisions to the laws of cricket, this dismissal has largely been subsumed under obstructing the field, but it remains part of the history of the game.
8. Obstructing the Field
Obstructing the field occurs when a batsman deliberately interferes with a fielder’s attempt to gather the ball or complete a run out. For example, if a batsman deliberately changes their running path to block a throw from a fielder, they can be given out for obstruction.
This form of dismissal is also rare but is taken seriously, as it goes against the spirit of the game.
9. Timed Out
A batsman is timed out if they fail to reach the crease and be ready to face the next delivery within a specified period (usually three minutes) after the previous batsman is dismissed. Timed out is extremely rare and typically only happens in cases of injury or miscommunication.
10. Hit the Ball Twice
Hit the ball twice is a dismissal that occurs when a batsman deliberately hits the ball twice in one delivery. While the batsman is allowed to stop the ball from hitting the stumps with their bat or body after playing a shot, they cannot deliberately strike the ball a second time.
This form of dismissal is uncommon, as most batsmen are cautious to avoid hitting the ball twice.
Conclusion
Understanding the 10 ways to get out in cricket is crucial for both players and fans. Each form of dismissal has its own rules and intricacies, and knowing them helps batsmen avoid careless mistakes and fielders plan their tactics accordingly. Whether it’s a bowler’s skill in taking a wicket or a fielder’s sharp reaction in running out a batsman, dismissals are what drive the game forward. For an in-depth look at how dismissals and other factors affect team performance, check out our Bowling Strike Rate Calculator and Fielding Efficiency Calculator to analyze how bowlers and fielders contribute to a team’s success.