How can Test Cricket be a Draw?

Test cricket is a timed format and there is no restriction on the amount of overs that can be bowled in a day. Usually, games will be scheduled to last for a total of five days. 

Recently, some test matches have been scheduled for four days, and as I write this update, there is an upcoming test between England and Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in 2025.

If a result is not possible by the end of the final scheduled day’s play, it’s declared that the game is drawn.

Cricket Test Match Draw Rules

In test matches, both sides will play a maximum of two innings each. The objective is to score more runs than the opposition and win the game.

If the side batting last is set a target, they will win the match if they overtake that target and they still have wickets in hand. Similarly, if that team loses all ten wickets before they reach the target, the bowling team is declared the winner.

If, however, the team batting last doesn’t overtake the opposition total before time runs out on the game, the match will be declared a draw if they have wickets in hand.

This is the most common scenario of a draw in test cricket, but it’s not essential that all four innings are played. On occasions, the rain will intervene to the extent that very little cricket is possible.

As long as wickets are in hand and the final target has yet to be reached, the game is a draw.

How Often do Test Matches Draw?

The pace of test cricket has picked up in the last twenty years, so there will be fewer draws in the modern era than there may have been in the past. If we take the 1997 season as an example, around half of the tests played in that year ended in draws.

In the 15 years from 2002 to 2017, around one in four test matches ended in a draw. The game is even faster in the modern era, and we should see that figure drop even further in the years that lie ahead.

In summary, draws are very rare in the modern era unless weather has intervened at some point.

Examples of Draws in Cricket

South Africa v England – 1929/30

Perhaps the most famous instance of a draw in test cricket is also the longest match in the history of the game. We’ve mentioned that test matches usually last for five days, but this wasn’t always the case.

Between 1877 and 1939, there were 77 timeless tests where there was no limit on the number of days of competition. One of those tests took place in March 1939 in Durban. Chasing 696 to win the game, England had reached 654/5 on the tenth day when the match was finally called off.

How can a timeless test end in a draw? The game had been going on for so long that the tourists had to catch the boat that was scheduled to return to England. Had they stayed and won the game, they would have likely set a world record chase that may never have been beaten.

India v West Indies – 2011

There have been two games in the history of test cricket where the match has been drawn with the scores level. The second of these took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on the West Indies’ tour of India in 2011/12.

Chasing 243 on the fourth innings to win the game, India finished on 242/9. As the ninth wicket pair went for the winning runs on the final ball of the game, India’s R Ashwin was run out to ensure that the match finished in a draw by the tightest of margins.

2005 Ashes – England v Australia

There were two draws in the five-match Ashes series between England and Australia in 2005. Both were dramatic games and would have a huge bearing on the final outcome.

In the third test at Old Trafford, the last wicket pair of Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath held on for a few overs so that Australia remained in the series.

The second draw came at the Oval, and it confirmed that England had won back the Ashes. Rain had played a part, but some brilliant batting by Kevin Pietersen in particular had its say.

What’s The Difference Between a Draw and a Tie?

A tie is possible in any form of the game, and it is distinct from a draw. In test matches and first class cricket, a tie occurs when scores are level and the side batting last has lost all ten of their wickets.

In the history of test cricket, there have only been two tied games up until 2024. The first of these took place in Brisbane in 1960, and the game involved hosts Australia and the West Indies. 

The second tied test followed in 1986. Once again, Australia were involved as they tied their test with India in Chennai. Tied games are more common in domestic first class cricket, but they remain rare in comparison with drawn matches.

Test Match Draws in the Mid-2020s

When the West Indies and South Africa drew the first test match of their series in August 2024, it broke a world record. This was the first drawn game in 28 tests around the world, and that was the longest streak of wins and losses in the history of cricket.

Rain in Guyana played its part, and the run proves that draws are slipping out of the game. With test cricket being played at such a faster pace in the modern day, we might be updating that record once again before too long.

Why Can’t Limited Overs Matches be Drawn?

The objective in limited overs cricket is to score more runs than the opposition. If the side batting second finishes their innings with wickets intact, they will lose the match if they haven’t overtaken their opponent’s total. There is no value in batting out time as a draw isn’t possible in ODIs’ T20s or List A cricket. This is a good thing as it avoids any negative cricket.

It is, of course, possible that the scores will finish level at the end of the allotted amount of overs. At this point, different things will happen depending on the tournament. In some cases, the match will simply be declared a tie, as distinct from a draw. If the match forms part of a league format, the two sides will share the points.

In other tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and the Big Bash League, the teams will now enter a Super Over. Each side receives six legitimate balls to score as many runs as they can while keeping two wickets in hand. The team with the highest total after the single Super Over wins the match.

In the past, teams that had lost fewer wickets would win the match, and there would be no need for a Super Over, but this law seems to have gone out of the game.

Conclusion

Some will say that a draw is a boring aspect of the game and should be done away with. As we’ve seen with our examples, that doesn’t have to be the case, and I think they are important.

Draws can be exciting, but they should also be looked at as a legitimate result. In the context of a series, it’s important for a team not to lose so that they can regroup and try to win the next match.

They may be frustrating, but a draw really is a necessary part of the game.

The post Test Match Draw Rules – Examples of Draws in Cricket appeared first on Its Only Cricket.

In this guide we will explain all the possible positions and their value to the fielding team.

Set Your Own Cricket Field - Interactive Tool

Complete List of Cricket Fielding Positions

Here is a comprehensive list of fielding positions in common use in the modern game of cricket:

• Bowler
• Wicket Keeper
• Slip
• Fly Slip
• Gully
• Third Man
• Point
• Sweeper
• Long Stop
• Cow Corner
• Cover
• Cover Point
• Extra Cover
• Mid Off
• Mid On
• Mid Wicket
• Square Leg
• Backward Square
• Leg Gully
• Leg Slip
• Fine Leg
• Long Leg
• Long Off
• Long On
• Short Leg

Many of those positions can be prefixed with the terms, silly, short, mid, deep and long. For example, fielders may be placed at silly point, point or deep point. The positioning in terms of the angle to the wicket is the same, but the distance will be adjusted in each case. Silly is the shortest point from the wicket, while deep is the longest.

The Set Up

The cricket field is generally oval in shape and can be divided into two halves – the off side and the leg side. At any point in the game, 11 fielders are in position, together with two batsmen and two umpires. I’ve written a separate article explaining the difference between off and leg side, and you can read it here.

Only two members of the fielding side are in set positions at any specific point in the match. The bowler delivers the ball from one end of the pitch while the wicket keeper stands behind the stumps at the opposite end. The keeper can stand close to or away from the stumps, depending on the speed of the bowler.

The two batsmen are at opposite ends of the wicket. The striking batsman takes guard in order to receive the ball while his or her partner waits at the other side to complete runs and assume that strike when necessary. The two umpires stand at the bowler’s end and at square leg, respectively. The only possible time that a third member of the batting side is on the field is when one batter is injured and that have called for a runner.

The ultimate responsibility for setting the field lies with the captain. The skipper will consult with the bowler and other members of the team, but it’s down to the man or woman in charge to set those positions. The captain can stand wherever they like on the field, but because of the need for consultation, they will usually be as close to the bowler as possible. Mid off or mid on is a typical place for a captain to place themselves.

Off Side and Leg Side

The two hemispheres of a cricket field are referred to as the leg side (sometimes called the on side) and the off side. Each fielding position can be named according to its place in either section, and examples include leg gully and mid off.

The captain is largely free to place fielders wherever they like, subject to one strict law. No more than two fielders can be placed behind the wicket on the leg side. If there are three or more fielders when the ball leaves the bowler’s hand, a no ball shall be called. This law was introduced following the controversial ‘Bodyline’ Ashes series in the 1930s.

Basic Terms on the Cricket Field

Each fielding position can also be named according to its distance from the batsmen. The five most common phrases in this respect are silly, short, mid, deep and long. Those terms are listed in order so, for example, a silly point will be as close to the batsman as the laws, and the bravery of the fielder, will allow.

From the closest point, fielders will then be placed in short, mid, deep and long positions. At the furthest end of the field, those in ‘long’ positions, such as long off and long leg are likely to be situated right on the boundary edge.

Basic Field Setting

The majority of fielders will tend to be placed on the off side, simply because a batsman is more likely to hit the ball in this region. TV viewers may hear commentators refer to a 6-3 field or a 7-2 field, and this relates to the split between off side and leg side fielders. So, in that first example, there will be six fielders on the off side and three on the leg side.

An attacking field is usually in place at the start of a game, and, in test cricket, there is likely to be a number of slips. In order, based on their proximity to the wicket keeper, there may be a first slip, second slip, third slip and so on. Along with the ‘silly’ and ‘short’ fielders, any spot close to the wicket such as these are known as ‘catching positions’.

As the game progresses, that field may start to move out if the batting side is on top. The deep and long fielders may now move from catching positions into run saving positions.

Away from test cricket, one day games and T20 matches have specified fielding restrictions, also known as powerplay. Captains can still choose where to place their men, but there will be limits on the number of fielders who are allowed outside of a marked 30 yard fielding circle. Fielding restrictions can also be imposed as a punishment. Under new laws, if the bowling team hasn’t completed their overs in an allotted time, another fielder will be called into the circle for the final over. This leaves extra space in the deeper parts of the field, and the batters should have more options to score heavily.

All the Fielding Positions Explained

The bowler and wicket keeper positions have already been explained, but what about the others? Here is a brief description of each of the positions listed above:

• Slip: Slips stand next to the wicket keeper on the off side and are generally placed in an arc.
• Fly Slip: A fly slip is a slip who is further away from the wicket in a ‘mid’ position.
• Gully: A gully is close to the slips but is located just behind the line of the wicket on the off side.
• Third Man: A third man will either be deep or short. They are located behind the wicket on the off side. In modern cricketing terms, this is more frequently referred to as “third.”
• Point: A point fielder is square to the wicket on the off side
• Sweeper: This is a modern position and typically refers to a point fielder near the boundary. They are sweeping and saving four runs.
• Long Stop: Long stop is an outdated position, located directly behind the wicket keeper on the boundary. This position was common in the early days of cricket when the wicket keepers weren’t as skilled as they are today. With higher quality keepers involved, the long stop position has gone out of the game.
• Deep Mid Wicket: Also known as Cow Corner. Located on the boundary on the leg side
• Cover: On the off side between point and mid off
• Cover Point: At a specific position between point and cover
• Extra Cover: On the off side between Cover and mid off
• Mid Off: A relatively straight position, close to the bowler on the off side
• Mid On: Straight and close to the bowler on the leg side
• Mid Wicket: At a halfway point between the bowler and wicket keeper on the leg side
• Square Leg: At a position square to the wicket on the leg side
• Backward Square: Just behind the square position on the leg side
• Leg Gully: A catching position on the leg side, opposite to a traditional gully
• Leg Slip: Closer to the wicket keeper on the leg side, – the opposite to a traditional slip
• Fine Leg: At a 45 degree angle between square leg position and the wicket keeper on the leg side
• Long Leg: Similar to fine leg, long leg will be placed on the boundary.
• Long Off: As per Mid Off but on the boundary
• Long On: As per Mid On but on the boundary
• Short Leg: A close catching position, just in front of square on the leg side

Importance of Fielding Positions

As a bowler or a captain, understanding fielding positions is an essential part of your game. Having an effective field in place requires the ability to read the batters, and to understand where they are hitting the ball.

At a professional level, much of the work will be done before the game starts. The bowling side will be aware of certain batters’ favourite strokes. For example, if you are aware that a batsman likes to play the cover drive, you should look to have a cover fielder, an extra cover and a mid off. A square cover may also be a good option.

Amateur players won’t have access to the same kind of data as the professionals, but you will learn to understand certain batters over time. Another tip is to watch them warming up in the nets to see what types of shots they are playing. Make some judgements and set your fields accordingly.

Adjusting Positions During a Game

Fielding sides can change their field at any stage in the game. The important point to remember is that the ball must be dead. Therefore, a captain should not instruct a fielder to move while the bowler is running in.

Changing a field is all part of the game. As a batsman’s innings develops, they may be favouring a certain shot, and the fielding captain must react to these factors.

The fielding side will also look to adjust the field based on ground conditions and what the ball is doing. If, for example, the opening bowlers are getting a lot of swing and the batters are playing and missing, it’s likely they will add some more slips to the cordon. If a batter looks vulnerable to the short ball, a short leg will often be brought in. All of these adjustments, and more, are made in relation to the pattern of play. They can be attacking measures, with the aim of securing a catch, or the fielding side may be more defensive, putting more fielders on the boundary to cut down the flow of runs.

In Summary

There’s a lot to digest with regards to fielding positions, and this is a comprehensive list. A captain will initially set a field and then adjust the placings according to each batsman and as a reaction to the state of the game.

Finally, as a fielder, you should be able to understand your task in the match according to your position. How you catch the cricket ball as a fielder, or whether you shine one side of the ball, can ultimately impact the overall match result.

The post Cricket Fielding Positions Explained: A Simple Guide appeared first on Its Only Cricket.

What is an Innings?

An innings is a specific section within a cricket match. A team innings is the division within a game where the team takes a turn to bat.

An innings can also belong to an individual. In this context, it refers to the period in which a batsman is batting.

How Long is an Innings?

The answer to that question depends on the format of the game. If it’s a limited overs match, a team innings can last for 50 Overs in One Day Internationals and 20 Overs in T20 games.

In test matches and other first class games, there is no limit in terms of overs. These games are timed, and in the case of tests, they are scheduled to last for five days.

When Does an Innings End?

There are a number of ways in which an innings can come to an end. I’ll start with a team innings first. If it’s a limited overs match, the innings will usually end when a side uses up its allocation of overs. Remember, they have a maximum of 20 Overs in T20 cricket and 50 Overs in other one day games.

A team innings can also come to an end if the batting team loses all ten wickets.

In first class cricket, including test matches, time is the most relevant factor. An innings can end when the close of play is called on the final day. Alternatively, there will be a conclusion of innings when the team loses all ten of its wickets.

In first class cricket, teams have the option to declare if they feel that they have scored enough runs. When a captain declares, a team innings comes to an end.

When a team is chasing down a total, the innings can also come to an end when the side reaches their target. The game is finished, and the innings will, therefore, end at the same time. This principle applies to all forms of cricket.

For individual players, the scenarios are similar: Their innings can end when they are dismissed by the fielding team. Alternatively, in one day cricket, that innings can conclude when the team’s allocation of overs is complete.

If the team is batting second in any form of cricket and they reach their target, the innings of each individual batter will come to an end.

In test and first class cricket, a batsman’s innings can finish when the close of play is called on the final day. Also, there is that option for the batting side to declare. If a declaration is made, the batting team’s innings will conclude at that point.

How Many Innings are in Cricket?

There is a difference between first class and limited overs cricket. If this is a one day game such as a 50 Over match or a T20, each team is allocated just one innings. In test matches and all first class games, there is the potential for each team to play two innings. In those first class games, the weather could play a part and reduce time in the match. In these scenarios, it has been the case that there is only enough scope for one or both teams to play one completed innings.

You may have heard the term ‘winning by an innings’. This type of result can only happen in test matches and other forms of first class cricket.

Let’s say Team A bats first and scores 200 runs in their first innings. Team B now bats and scores 600 runs. Team A bats again and scores 300. Team A hasn’t overtaken Team B, and the match will end at this point.

In this type of scenario, Team B has won by an innings, and they will only need to bat once.

As for individual players, the amount of innings that they can play will follow these patterns. In all forms of one day cricket, they have the capacity to bat just once.

In first class cricket, including test matches, they can bat a maximum of two times, but there may be occasions when they will only bat once.

Why do we use the Word ‘Innings ‘?

If you follow sport from around the world, you may be aware that the term ‘innings’ is also used in baseball. Although you are more likely to hear them use the word ‘inning’ in its singular form. While there is that slight difference, the terms essentially carry the same meaning.

There is some dispute as to whether cricket or baseball first used the term, but I’d suggest that cricket is the winner here. According to research, the word was first used in connection to a cricket match back in 1735.

In terms of the meaning of innings, it’s thought that it derives from the old English word ‘innung’ which means a taking in or a putting in. This would make sense as you are putting in a side or an individual to bat. They then bat on and complete their innings.

So the meaning of the word is quite clear, even though two sports will continue to claim that they coined it first.

Closing Thoughts

The concept of an innings seems fairly simple at first. The definition is certainly straightforward, and it’s really just a period of time when a player or a team bats.

It either ends when a team or an individual has been dismissed or when they have chased down a target, but it can get complicated from there. The question of when an innings comes to an end can depend on a number of factors including whether or not this is a limited overs game.

In this round up, I’ve looked to simplify things by breaking it down and the question as to what is an innings should be easy to understand. However, as you will have noticed, there are so many variables used within the term. Hopefully, all of this is simple to follow, even if there are so many different aspects to the term ‘innings’ than you may have first thought.

The post What is an Innings in Cricket? – How Many Innings there are in a Cricket Game? appeared first on Its Only Cricket.

How Many Bouncers Are Allowed in An Over?

Laws relating to bouncers differ depending on the form of the game. In test matches and other forms of first class cricket, two bouncers are allowed in each over.

In ODI cricket, two bouncers are allowed in each over. In T20 matches, only one bouncer is permissible in an over.

Differences in Laws on Bouncers Between Different Forms

Test Cricket

In test matches and in all first class cricket matches, two bouncers per over are allowed. This is the longest form of the game, and it’s acceptable for a bowler to use more short pitched deliveries without straying into the realms of intimidation. The length of the game is key here, and it’s all about striking a good balance between bat and ball. If the bowler has only one bouncer, they have less scope for variation. This could potentially lead to games where batsman have a bigger advantage, and we could end up with more high-scoring boring draws.

ODI

One Day International cricket has seen the highest number of changes in relation to bouncers. When the law was initially brought in, in 1994, only once bouncer per over was allowed.

There was, however, a change to that particular law in 2012 and, since that point, up to two bouncers per over are permitted in ODI cricket. Once again, this makes sense when put in context. This is a one-day game, but batting sides get a maximum of 50 overs, so we still have that need for balancing the bat and the ball.

T20

Bouncers can be seen as a negative tactic. The batter’s first instinct is to protect themselves, rather than score runs from the delivery.

T20 cricket is the shortest form of the game and there is more of an emphasis on batting here. The batters will look to score heavily from the first ball, and everyone involved, with the exception of the bowlers, wants to see big runs. That’s why only one bouncer is allowed in a T20 over.

There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. We’ve seen in T20 franchise cricket around the world that some leagues like to tinker with the laws. In the Indian Premier League, the current legislation at the time of writing states that up to two bouncers per over are permitted.

Bouncer No Ball Rule in Cricket

When related to bouncers, no balls can be called in two different sets of circumstances. Under law 21.10, a no ball shall be called if a bouncer passes over the head height of a batter. The measurement is an assumed one, based on that batter standing up in the popping crease.

That’s a law for one-off bouncers but no balls can also be called when the laws on the restriction of bouncers are broken.

Rules When the Maximum Number of Bouncers is Exceeded

No balls will also be called when a bowler has exceeded the legal number of deliveries allowed in an over.

In test match cricket and other first class games, a no ball would therefore be called on the third bouncer. There is no free hit law in test matches at present so there would simply be an extra run added to the batting team’s total, and the bowler would have to bowl that delivery again.

In ODI cricket, a no ball would also be called if the bowler sends down a third bouncer in the over. In this instance, two runs are added to the batting team’s total. The ball will need to be delivered again and this time the batter has a free hit.

A free hit means that the batter cannot be given out by most of the dismissal methods including Bowled, Caught and LBW. The exceptions to this law are Run Out and Obstructing the Field.

In T20 cricket, the rules are similar to that of ODIs. The only difference lies in the number of bouncers that are allowed. In this form of the game, a second bouncer in the same over will lead to the umpire calling a no ball.

Once again, two runs are added to the batting team’s score. An extra ball must be bowled and the follow up delivery will be a free hit. Remember that some tournaments will allow bowlers to deliver two bouncers. In these cases, the no ball should therefore be called when a third bouncer is sent down.

What is the Definition of a Bouncer?

Under the laws of the game, a bouncer is defined as a short pitched delivery that reaches the batter at head height. The ball has to bounce once, and if it doesn’t bounce, it is considered as a beamer.

There are separate laws relating to beamers which are especially dangerous. If a bowler delivers two beamers in an innings, they should be withdrawn from the attack by the umpires.

As for bouncers, we’ve seen how many of these are permitted in each over, depending on the format of the game. If the bowlers exceeds that amount, a no ball should be called. Similarly, if the ball passes clearly above head height, this should also be called as a no ball.

In terms of the head height rule, the umpires need to judge this. If the ball reaches the batter below head height, this is a regular delivery and no action is needed. The square leg umpire has the best view, but often, when the match is televised, this decision will be referred to the third umpire.

This is why we see teams push the boundaries at times. On occasions, sides may deliver a barrage of short pitched bowling, and spectators will wonder why the umpires aren’t taking any action. The likely reason is that the umpires don’t consider every delivery as a bouncer, so the bowling side continue with this approach until they take a wicket or they get bored with trying.

Why are the Laws Different for Certain T20 Tournaments?

T20 competitions that have a two-bouncer law will do this for different reasons. Perhaps they believe that the bowler should have more weaponry in a format where the batters have more of an advantage. Under the one bouncer rule, if a bowler uses that bouncer on the first or second delivery, the rest of the over will be predictable. The batter knows that they have to pitch the ball up, and in theory the next few deliveries will be easier to play.

Organisers may have other reasons for allowing the second bouncer and each will take their own approach to the decision. It’s a way of standing out from the rest of the game, but others will argue that cricket’s laws should be uniform around the world.

Conclusion

A bouncer can certainly be an effective weapon in any form of cricket, but nobody wants to see it overused. In test matches, we’ve probably all watched passages of play where the bowlers are sending down many short pitched deliveries and the batters are simply getting out of the way. These are negative tactics and often used when the pitches are flat and the batsmen are on top.

Overuse of the bouncer can lead to boring cricket, but there is also the question of intimidation. For the sake of the batter’s safety, bouncers should be kept to a sensible level and that’s the main reason why these laws have been introduced.

It’s all about common sense and striking a balance. There is a danger with bouncers, and there have been serious injuries and deaths on the cricket field, and that’s something that nobody wants to see.

The post How Many Bouncers are Allowed in an Over? – Laws on Bouncers in Different Forms appeared first on Its Only Cricket.

Cricket Umpire Signals

Umpire Signals Quiz

We’ve compiled a quick quiz about umpire signals. Test your knowledge before and after reading this article and see how you have progressed.

1. Out

An Out decision means that the umpire has upheld an appeal by the fielding side, and the batsman has been dismissed.

Umpire signal: Raised index finger in the air.

Effect: The batsman is now ‘out’ and must leave the field of play.

2. Not Out

If an ‘out’ decision is successfully overturned on review, the umpire should confirm that the batsman is ‘not out’

Umpire Signal: The signal is made by waving the arms in a sweeping motion out in front of the chest.

Note that if the umpire is turning down an on-field appeal without a referall, they do not have to signal not out. A shake of the head or a call of ‘not out’ is sufficient.

3. No Ball

This signal is made when a bowler has sent down an illegal delivery which constitutes a No Ball under the laws.

Umpire Signal: One arm fully extended horizontally.

Effect: One run is added to the batting side’s total (two runs in certain limited overs forms of cricket)

Note that no balls can occur in a number of circumstances including the bowler overstepping or pitching the ball off the cut part of the wicket.

4. Free Hit

A Free Hit will follow certain types of No Ball deliveries.

Umpire Signal: This is one of the newer umpire signals with one hand held above their head and making a circular motion.

Effect: The batsman can now hit the ball without being dismissed, other than by run out, obstructing the field or hit the ball twice.

5. Wide Ball

If a wide ball passes the batsman and is deemed to be out of reach when they are standing in their normal stance, the standing umpire should call a wide.

Umpire Signal: Both arms extended horizontally.

Effect: One run will be added to the batting side’s total, and the bowler must deliver that ball again.

Note that wides can also be given based on height.

6. Four Runs

Four runs are signalled when the ball passes the boundary after bouncing at least once.

Umpire Signal: The signal is made by sweeping the right hand across the body three or four times.

Effect: Four runs will be added to the batting side’s total.

If the four runs come as a result of byes, leg byes, no balls or wides, the umpire will make the relevant signal before signalling four runs.

7. Six Runs

Six runs are scored when the batsman hits the ball over the boundary without it bouncing.

Umpire Signal: Both arms held high above the head.

Effect: Six runs are then added to the batting side’s total

8. Bye

A bye is scored when the ball travels past the stumps and the batsmen are able to run. The ball must not hit the bat or any part of their body.

Umpire Signal: One arm held extended above the head.

Effect: The number of runs completed will be added to the team total

9. Leg Bye

Leg byes are scored when the batsmen run after the ball has hit the batter’s leg or any part of their body, excluding the glove. If the ball hits the glove, then these are counted as runs and are credited to the batter.

Umpire Signal: Raising a knee and tapping it with the hand.

Effect: The number of completed runs is added to the batting team total.

10. Bouncer

If a ball bounces above shoulder level, the umpire will signal a bouncer.

Umpire Signal: The signal is made by the umpire tapping their right shoulder.

Effect: The bowler and batsmen are made aware that a bouncer has been called and the relevant restrictions on short pitched bowling apply.

11. DRS or Third Umpire

The batting or fielding side can call for the decision review system if they want an on field decision reviewed by the third umpire.

Umpire Signal: Forming a square with the hands.

Effect: The third umpire will review the decision and either uphold or overturn it.

12. Dead Ball

A dead ball can be called in a number of circumstances. Typically, the batter may pull away when the bowler is in their delivery stride.

Umpire Signal: The umpire will sweep both arms across their knees and call ‘dead ball’.

Effect: The dead ball is not counted as a delivery and must be bowled again.

13. Short Run

If a batsman fails to ground their bat beyond the popping crease, the umpire should declare a short run.

Umpire Signal: The umpire will tap their shoulder with their arm extended and call ‘one short’

Effect: The incomplete run will not be added to the batting side’s total.

14. Penalty Runs

Penalty runs are awarded to batting or bowling sides for a number of different offences.

Umpire Signal: The umpire brings his or her hand across their chest and places it on their shoulder. If they tap their shoulder, runs go to the batting side but, if the hand stays in place, runs go to the fielding side.

Effect: The number of runs, usually 5, will be added to the respective team’s total.

15. Revoke Decision

A decision is revoked if it is overturned by the third umpire on review

Umpire Signal: The umpire will cross their arms across their chest and then make a sweeping motion below their waist.

Effect: The original decision is then overturned.

16. Powerplay

Powerplays apply in limited overs cricket with fielding restrictions in place.

Umpire Signal: The umpire rotates their arm in the air in a ‘windmill’ motion.

Effect: The relevant powerplay will now commence.

17. Soft Signal

The soft signal is an indication to the third umpire as to what the decision is more likely to be.

Umpire Signal: The umpire will make either the regular out or not out signals.

Effect: The third umpire has to disprove the soft signal beyond doubt or they will uphold it.

18. New Ball

A new ball can be taken after every 80 overs in first class cricket.

Umpire Signal: The umpire holds the new ball in the direction of the scorers.

Effect: The fielding side will now take the new ball.

19. Last Hour

First class cricket has a final hour in place on the last day of the match.

Umpire Signal: Wrist held above the head and pointing to their watch.

Effect: The last hour will now commence.

20. Cancel Call

If, for any reason, the umpire has made an incorrect decision, they can use the cancel call signal.

Umpire Signal: Arms crossed and touching the shoulders with the opposite hand.

Effect: The original signal is now cancelled and will no longer stand.

Additions Specific to The Hundred

I wanted to make an addition to this list, but because the signal in question is specific to one tournament, I had to make a separate section. The competition I’m talking about is The Hundred, and one of cricket’s unique hand signals appears here.

Instead of employing overs, this tournament has sets of five balls. At the end of each set, the standing umpire holds a sheet of paper above their head to signify that five legal deliveries have been sent down. It’s one of the oddest cricket signals, but The Hundred is an unusual competition.

Signals in Other Tournaments

Along with The Hundred, there are specific signals for T20 tournaments that won’t appear in other forms of the game. As I write this update in April 2025, the Indian Premier League is in full swing, and there are two additional signals that I see for virtually every game.

The first is for the strategic timeout. This is a break of two minutes and thirty seconds, called by the batting side and the bowling side in each innings. The umpire makes the signal for this timeout by raising their hand in the air and tapping their watch.

The second signal that I wanted to mention was the one for the impact sub. At any stage in the game, a team can withdraw a player and replace them. The rules are quite complicated, but the important point here is the signal. The umpire raises both hands above their head and crosses their arms. I haven’t included these signals in the quiz, as you won’t see them in test cricket, but it’s worth mentioning them as the IPL is such a popular tournament, and it helps to know what they mean.

Does the Square Leg Umpire Make Any Signals?

The umpire standing at square leg may be called upon to make a signal. Usually, this will be in the case of a run out or stumping appeal at the batter’s end. If the square leg umpire is happy that the batter is out of their ground, they will raise their finger to confirm that the batter is out.

If the umpire is unsure about the decision, they will make the signal which refers the matter to DRS.

The square leg umpire can also assist the umpire at the bowling end by making soft signals. Usually, these will apply in limited overs matches. For example, if a ball is over head height, they can make the wide or no ball signal. Similarly, if a ball is delivered at above waist height without bouncing, the no ball signal is made once again.

Does the Third Umpire Make Any Signals?

No, the third umpire does not need to make any hand signals during their duties off the field. They will, however, need to make decisions on run outs and stumpings that will need to be conveyed to the spectators via the big screen.

Based on the umpire’s decision, technicians will press a button that states whether the batter is out or not out.

You could argue that this is one of the legitimate umpire signals in cricket, but it isn’t made on the field of play.

Closing Thoughts

Having read through these signals, you should now be able to have a greater understanding of cricket. Who knows, you may even take that knowledge a stage further and become a local umpire yourself.

The post Cricket Umpire Signals: What They Mean Illustrated with Images appeared first on Its Only Cricket.

What is an Over in Cricket?

In the present day, an over in cricket consists of six legitimate deliveries. At the end of the sequence of six balls, ‘over’ is called and a new bowler starts a new over from the opposite end.

If there are any illegal deliveries, such as no balls or wides, they will not be counted as one of those six balls. It doesn’t matter how many of those wides or no balls are sent down, and the over will only end when six legal deliveries have been sent down.

The Course of an Over

This is how an Over develops during a game of cricket.

1. The umpire, batsmen, bowler and fielders get into position
2. The over is considered to have begun when the bowler starts their run up
3. Six legal balls are then delivered
4. When the sixth ball of the over is considered to be ‘dead’, the umpire shall call ‘Over’
5. The next over will commence from the opposite end

If there are wides or no balls in the over, these will not count as legitimate deliveries. Only legal deliveries will count towards those six balls, and the bowler must send the ball down again if a wide or no ball is called.

There is, therefore, scope for seven balls, eight balls, nine balls or more but because only legitimate deliveries will count, an over is considered to consist of six balls only.

Law 17 in cricket’s rule book covers all of the aspects relating to an Over. In this part, various subsections discuss the amount of balls, how an over is constructed, and what the umpires and scorers need to do in the event of illegal deliveries.

In this section, the rule book and the MCC official website go on to state what happens in the event of an umpire miscounting and when a ball is considered to be ‘dead’. My article here explains all you need to know about overs in a concise manner, while Law 17 will list every single ruling in full.

Number of Overs in Different Formats

There are three distinct formats of the game that are played globally:

• First Class Cricket,
• One Day Cricket,
• and Twenty20.

In First Class Cricket, which also covers Test Matches, there are no restrictions on the amount of overs that can be bowled. These are timed games with first class fixtures generally taking four days while most test matches require five days.

Within each day’s play, the bowling team must deliver a minimum number of overs, but there is no maximum limit.

In One Day Cricket, the two innings are restricted to a maximum of 50 Overs a side. This applies to One Day Internationals and any 50-Over domestic competitions which are in place.

In T20 cricket, each side receives a maximum of 20 Overs each. Once again, this applies to international and domestic T20 games. It’s also important to note the restrictions relating to the maximum number of overs that a bowler can bowl.

In test and first class cricket, there are no such restrictions, but in ODI and T20 games, there are limits. These will generally be 20% of the total allocation. Therefore, in a 50-Over a side match, bowlers can deliver a maximum of 10 Overs each. In T20 cricket, that limit is reduced to four overs per bowler. If rain affects the game and the number of overs has to be reduced, the calculations will change, but that 20% rule will apply. So, for example, if rain restricts a T20 match to ten overs per side, each bowler will be able to deliver a maximum of just two overs.

In some parts of the world, T10 cricket is played while England now has a 100-Ball competition known as the Hundred. The Hundred doesn’t actually have overs and the series of deliveries are known as ‘sets’, but because those formats have yet to be played globally, the main focus is on the three established forms.

Historical Number of Deliveries in an Over

The laws of cricket now state that Overs should contain six legitimate deliveries, but this hasn’t always been the case. Throughout the history of the game, countries have applied their own rules, and different numbers of deliveries had previously been used to define an over.

Throughout the majority of the 1800s, matches in England consisted of four-ball overs. This was increased to five in 1889, six in 1900, and eight in 1939. English cricket went back to six-ball overs in 1945.

Over in Australia, I can remember eight ball overs being used for some time. The first Ashes series that I watched was England’s 1974/75 tour, and eight ball overs were in place at that point. In fact, those eight ball overs were employed in Australia for much of the 1970s. This must have put an extra strain on the bowlers, and it would likely have been difficult for the England tourists to adapt and to concentrate for the full eight balls.

In the subcontinent where draining conditions took their toll on the bowlers, shorter overs were employed in countries such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

As cricket’s popularity began to grow across the world, the lack of uniformity led to a confusing landscape. It was difficult for some of the bowlers too: Those who were used to sending down six-ball overs might find themselves touring Australia where extra stamina was required to deliver those additional two balls. It was time to bring all countries into line.

When Did Cricket Go to Six Ball Overs?

Finally, the laws were changed ahead of the 1978/79 season. The International Cricket Council (ICC), decreed that right across all forms of the professional game, six ball overs should be employed.

With some countries using four deliveries per over and others using eight, it seems that six was a good compromise and if you think about it, it’s a logical decision. Four is too short, while eight seems too long, so six must be about right.

Related Terms

Six ball overs look set to stay, and it’s unlikely that the situation will change in the future. The law has been established for almost fifty years now, and everyone seems happy, so there’s no reason why things should be changed.  Meanwhile, across the history of cricket, other terms have cropped up relating to overs, and it’s useful to understand them.

Super Over

A Super Over is a new introduction to the game, and it’s used to decide a winner in a limited overs match. In games where the Super Over is employed, it will come into play when the game ends in a tie. A single bowler sends down six deliveries to the batters. The batting side have two wickets intact, and the team with the most runs at the end of the Super Over wins the game.

Maiden Over

A Maiden Over occurs when a bowler sends down six deliveries, and no runs are scored. Any batting extras such as byes or leg byes are not debited to the bowler’s figures, but no balls and wides are counted.

Wicket Maiden Over

If no runs are scored and a wicket is taken which is credited to the bowler, this is classed as a Wicket Maiden.

Two wickets in that Over would be called a Double Wicket Maiden – three would be triple, and so on.

Perfect Over

A perfect over would see a bowler take six wickets with each legitimate delivery. It’s yet to happen in any form of the professional game, although there have been a number of cases where players have taken four wickets in four balls.

Death Over

A death over, as the name suggests, is delivered towards the end of an innings. It specifically relates to limited overs forms of cricket, and you’ll hear commentators use the term in both T20 and ODis.

There is no specified point when the death overs start: In one day, 50-Overs a side matches, the term will generally be used when there are ten overs left to bowl. In a T20 game, the death overs may commence from the start of the 16th over.

The rise of the term has led to the phrase ‘Death Over Bowlers’ or Death Bowlers. This is the point in the match when batsmen are looking to score quick runs in order to boost their team’s total. Bowlers will then start to use all of their skills, such as yorkers, slower ball bouncers, and other variations, in an attempt to stem that run flow.

Powerplay Overs

The Powerplay is a term used in limited overs cricket to describe a passage of play when fielding restrictions apply. These overs will usually appear at the start of an innings, but there are occasions when additional powerplays are employed later on.

For example, at the beginning of a T20 match, the first six overs are considered to be the Powerplay and this is a point when the fielding side are only allowed to have two fielders outside of the 30 yard circle. At the end of that sequence, those restrictions are relaxed.

Any over bowled during that initial phase of the game forms part of the Powerplay Overs. There have been some additions to this rule and there can be some changes, depending on the competition. For example, in Australia’s Big Bash League, batting teams can call a second powerplay of two overs later on in the innings. Those fielding restrictions will come back in and it will leave some gaps in the field for the batters to take advantage of.

Last 20 Overs

In first class games, when the last hour of play is reached, teams enter into a final phase of the match. During this phase, the fielding team must bowl a minimum of 20 overs with a view to achieving a result. If there is time, they can bowl more than 20 overs in that final hour.

If, at any stage, the two captains agree that a result is unlikely, they can shake hands, end this 20 Over phase early and the match will have ended in a draw.

All of these terms are based around the concept of an over. They have become part of cricket’s wide dictionary, and each is important in its own right. It’s useful to understand what each of them means, while they are all tied in to the fact that, in the present day, an over in cricket consists of six legitimate deliveries.

The post What is an Over in Cricket? – How Many Balls are in an Over? appeared first on Its Only Cricket.

But how does cricket scoring work? This guide will explain all of the ways in which runs can be allocated and this includes runs from the bat, extras and penalties.

In Short: How is Cricket Scored?

Having considered the question how does scoring work in cricket, we need to separate the way in which runs can be allocated.

In any cricket match, the majority of runs will be scored if the batsman hits the ball. Their individual aim is to add runs to their score and, hopefully, to make centuries which will advance their career. Ultimately, every run that a batsman scores will also be added to the team total which defines who wins or loses the match.

Additionally, runs can be awarded to the batting team via actions made by the bowling side:

In any game of cricket, it’s likely that the fielding team will have made a small contribution to the batting team’s total. ‘Extras’ can be separated into two sections – fielding extras and bowling extras. Finally, runs can be allocated as penalties via a range of law infringements.

4 Ways to Score in Cricket

The score in a cricket match is determined by ‘runs’. They are the equivalent of goals in football or points in a basketball match. The object of any cricket match is to score more runs than the opposition. In the established limited overs formats of One Day and T20, the team that scores the most runs will win the game.

This concept is carried over to test and first class cricket too although there is scope for the game to be drawn. If the team batting last hasn’t reached the target to win and they haven’t lost all of their wickets, the match is declared as a draw. Runs may not, therefore, guarantee a win in test matches, but they remain important in the context of the final result.

In Summary, no matter what the form of the game may be, runs are pivotal to the outcome but how are they achieved?

1. Completing Runs

Batsmen are aiming to score runs by hitting the ball into gaps in the field. At the same time, there are two batsmen at each end of the pitch, one of them is the striker, and the other one is the non-striking batsman. After the striker hits the ball, if the two batsmen cross and successfully make it to the other end of the pitch, they will score runs, adding them to the individual and the team total. If they do this once, the batting side are allocated one run. If the batsmen successfully cross twice, they score two runs, and so on.

In theory, the batsmen can cross as many times as they like and score any number of runs, but it’s exceptionally difficult to score more than three runs in this way. In all probability, the fielding side will have retrieved the ball and thrown it back to the bowler or wicket keeper. Alternatively, it will have crossed the boundary before the third or fourth run.

2. Hitting Boundaries

The cricket field is confined within a boundary and, if the batsman hits the ball beyond that boundary, they will score additional runs.

Four runs are scored if the ball is hit beyond the boundary and it bounces at least once before it leaves the field of play.

Six runs are awarded if the ball is struck over the boundary without bouncing before it leaves the field. Similarly to scoring a century, scoring sixes is considered somewhat of an achievement, therefore the batsmen with the most sixes are held in high regard.

It should be noted that boundary fours and sixes are not added to any runs that the batters have made. For example, if the batsmen cross once and the ball then reaches the boundary rope, only four runs will be added to the batter’s and team’s total.

3. Losing Wickets

A lost wicket does not add any runs to either team score but it is important for a number of reasons. A team has 10 wickets intact before the game starts and, when all 10 are lost, the innings is complete and they cannot score any more runs.

Secondly, in some limited overs matches, the result can be determined by lost wickets if a game is tied. For example, a side scoring 225 for the loss of five wickets will beat the team scoring 225 runs with seven wickets lost.

The important point to note is that in professional cricket, no runs are lost when a wicket falls. This factor has been used in fun games among friends, but it doesn’t apply to official matches.

4. Extra Runs

Additional runs can be scored that don’t come from the bat. These are known as ‘extras’ and they can be split into two categories – fielding extras and bowling extras. Fielding extras are byes and leg byes and these are not debited to the bowler’s figures.

Bowling extras are wides and no balls. These add runs to the batting team and they are debited to the bowler’s figures.

Finally, there are penalty runs which can be awarded for a number of reasons. Generally, they relate to law infringements on behalf of the fielding side such as slow over rates, fake fielding or illegally fielding the ball with a cap or another part of the player’s clothing or equipment. Such penalties will be added to the total of the batting team.

What is An Overthrow in Cricket?

Additional runs can be awarded to the batting team for overthrows. These will generally occur when the fielding team throws the ball at the stumps with the aim of running out one of the two batsmen.

If the ball travels beyond the wicket, that is the ball is “thrown over”, the batsmen are entitled to carry on running. The ball could also travel to the boundary in which case, four extra runs will be added to the batting total.

Who is Winning?

How do You Read Cricket Scores?

We’ve answered the question how does cricket scoring work but what does this mean in a match situation? Cricket enthusiasts will tell you that neither side is actually ‘winning’ until the game is over. The term isn’t widely used but we can use the scores in order to study the pattern of the match and decide who is most likely to win.

If, for example, a team has lost just two wickets and they need ten runs to win with six overs left, they are more likely to win the game. In contrast, if a side has one wicket left, with twenty-six runs needed off the final over, they are more likely to lose. This is, however, a generalisation, and we’ve seen many teams win a game from seemingly ‘lost’ positions.

Cricket Scorers and Umpires

In modern day cricket, scoreboards are constantly updated and we only need to glance at them to understand the match situation. If we are watching on television at home, the score is now permanently displayed on the screen, unless the technology has failed.

During the game, the umpires and scorers are pivotal in terms of keeping score and making sure that those scoreboards are updated correctly. As defined by the laws of the game, the umpire makes a series of signals depending on what has just happened.

For example, if the bowler has delivered a wide, he will turn to the scorers with both arms outstretched. The scorers must then acknowledge the signal.

Scorebooks and Scorecards

When a scorer acknowledges any umpire signal, they must mark it in the scorebook. Every game at professional level must have each scoring shot noted in writing and this is implemented within the scorebook.

According to the laws of the game, that scorebook must be marked in a clearly defined way and scorers at professional level will have attended courses that educate them in the practice. At professional and amateur league levels, it’s likely that each side will bring its own scorer.

At the end of the game, the scores should be verified between the umpires and each of the scorers involved. At professional level, there are unlikely to be any mistakes as the match result is confirmed by the scoreboard in real time.

At professional cricket matches, the home side may also publish a scorecard. This is a printed card with details of the two teams and space to insert information such as batsman’s runs and how they were dismissed.

A scorecard is not essential to the match itself and is generally published for spectators who want to follow the score but don’t want to write down every single detail of the game.

Average Scores in a Cricket Match

Cricket is a game where statistics play an important role and they can help us to predict the results of matches moving forward. After a certain period of time, statisticians can analyse previous games in order to determine some average scores.

If two one day internationals in a series have provided first innings scores of 350 and 300, the average is 325. And, if both of those scores have been winning totals, it may be fair to assume that a team making an above average total of 330 in the third game will have a very good chance of winning the match.

The above figures include a very small sample size and may not be enough to predict future results with any level of certainty. However, when applying average scoring, it is possible to take many other factors into consideration.

For example, if England are playing India, the statisticians may be able to take results from the previous five years of games between the two sides. This uses a bigger sample size and may be able to predict what is a good score in the future.

Average scoring can also be calculated in relation to specific grounds. As an example in this instance, let’s assume that the final of the Indian Premier League is due to be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In eight previous matches in the tournament, there has been a total of 1400 runs scored on first innings.

This means that the average first innings score across those eight games is 175.

Six of the eight games have been won by the side batting first. Therefore, in the final, Team A scores 185 in the first innings of the game. By using those average scores, we can see that they have a higher probability of going on to win the match.

Average scores are used mainly in One Day and T20 cricket but they can also be useful in test matches too. For example, results from The Sydney Cricket Ground may tell us that the average first innings score is 425. If South Africa bat in the next test match and make 300 on first innings, they are below that average score and may struggle to win the game as a result of that below par performance.

Importance of Analysis

All of this analysis is important to teams, and it’s certain that coaches and statisticians will know all about average scores. Before the sides go out onto the pitch, they will know what makes for a good or bad total.

Like a lot of sports, stats have become increasingly important in cricket. They are useful for spectators too, and also for those who are betting on the game. If, for example, you are staking in-play on a match, you’ll need to know all about average scores in order to make a judgement.

The amount of statistics used can be baffling at times, but they are important, and if you like numbers, it’s fascinating to study them.

Conclusion

We’ve answered the question how is cricket scored and by now, you should be able to follow a match and keep up with the total as it builds. Runs are usually scored by the batsmen who are using their bats to hit the ball into the field or beyond the boundary.

Scoring as many runs as possible in one’s career is also highly indicative of the player’s performance. Batsmen with the most runs in their career are regarded to be among the best cricketers.

Meanwhile, the fielding team can also add runs to the batting team’s total via extras such as wides, byes and leg byes. Penalty runs are rarer but this is another way in which the fielding team can add runs to the batting side’s total. Runs win matches so it’s important to study this guide and to understand how the whole system works.

The post How does Cricket Scoring Work? – 4 Ways to Score Runs appeared first on Its Only Cricket.

Dismissals play a major role in any cricket match and they are pivotal to the overall result. The fielding side needs to claim dismissals in order to progress towards a win while the batting team has to avoid them.

All 10 Ways to Get Out in Cricket

These are the ten methods of dismissal in cricket as of 2026.

1. Caught

This dismissal is covered by law number 33 and it relates to the bat hitting the ball and being caught by a fielder before touching the ground. This catch needs to be judged as fair and the delivery must be a legal one. If the bowler has delivered a no ball, the dismissal will not be upheld.

Catches claimed by outfielders are usually obvious and the umpire does not need to make a decision. The general exception to that rule relates to catches claimed by the wicket-keeper (see chart below) where the ball strikes the edge of the bat. The batsman has the right to stand their ground and allow the umpire to adjudicate as to whether the batter is out or not.

There are some points to the law which need to be kept in mind. In order for a catch to be fair, the ball must not hit the ground before it reaches the fielder or be in contact with the ground as the catch is claimed. The fielder must be in full control of the ball before they release it and they must not be in contact with the boundary markers.

If all of those points are met, the catch is deemed to be fair and the bowler is dismissed.

Catches to the wicket keeper can be reviewed by the Decision Review System to see if the ball has struck the batter’s bat or glove. DRS can also be called upon for catches in the outfield. We frequently see fielders in the deep claiming a catch when the ball is close to the ground. If there is any doubt, the standing umpires will ask the third official to adjudicate on this point.

Caught is the most common form of dismissal in cricket with over half of wickets falling in this fashion. Using figures relating to test cricket which will be similar in all forms, statistics show that 58.6% of dismissals are caught.

2. Bowled Out

Law 32 covers this particular dismissal. The batsman is deemed to have been bowled if a legal delivery strikes their wicket and puts it down. In order for that wicket to be deemed as ‘put down’ at least one of the bails must be dislodged and fall to the ground.

The delivery can strike the wicket unimpeded or it can hit the bat or any part of the batsman’s body before it hits the stumps. The dismissal, once it has occurred, should be obvious and would not usually require the umpire to adjudicate.

Once again, this must be a legal delivery, and if the bowler has sent down a no ball, the batter cannot be bowled out.

Bowled dismissals are also very common no matter what the form of the game may be. Official figures indicate that 21.3% of batsmen are out in this way.

3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)

LBW dismissals are governed by law 36 and this was introduced to prevent batsmen from deliberately blocking the wicket with their legs or any other part of their body. A batsman can, therefore, be dismissed if a legal delivery strikes any part of their body and is adjudged to have been hitting the stumps. That delivery does not necessarily need to hit the legs and the batsman’s act does not have to be deliberate.

There are certain caveats regarding the LBW law which makes it the most complex of all dismissals. Firstly, the ball cannot pitch outside of the leg stump and if it’s judged to have been the case, the batsman should not be given out.

The delivery must also hit in line with the stumps. If the ball is deemed to have struck the batsman outside of the off stump and he or she is playing a shot, lbw should not be upheld. However, if the batsman is not playing a shot, LBW is permissible. Finally, LBW should not be given if the ball hits the bat or the batsman’s glove before striking their body.

LBW dismissals are entirely down to the judgement of the umpire. A fielding team will appeal and it’s down to the umpire to make the decision. In the modern game, however, there is the option for the batter or the bowling side to refer any final decision to DRS.

The figures relating to LBW laws show that 14.4% of all batters are dismissed by this method. It will be interesting to see if those numbers have increased since the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS).

4. Run Out

Governed by Law 38, a batsman is deemed to be run out if a member of the fielding team puts down the wicket while that batsman is out of their ground. In order to be within their ground, the batter should have some part of the bat or their body behind the popping crease before the wicket is broken. If the bat or part of the body is on the line, the run out appeal should be upheld.

The point at which that wicket is put down is defined as the moment that the bail is dislodged from the stumps and subsequently falls to the ground. In limited overs cricket, those bails that light up when they are dislodged are extremely helpful to the umpires. In most cases, a run out dismissal takes place when the batsmen are attempting a run. However, a run out can occur if the batter simply falls or wanders out of their crease and the wicket is put down by a fielder.

Run outs are often tight calls and the adjudication, in the majority of cases, is undertaken by the third umpire. However, it should be remembered that in games when there is no TV replay available, the decision is solely down to the standing officials.

Run out is a less common dismissal in test cricket with just 3.46% of wickets falling in this fashion. Those numbers are likely to increase in limited overs cricket, but this is still a relatively rare way to get out.

5. Stumped

Stumped is a form of dismissal that is carried out specifically by the wicketkeeper (see chart below). This is covered by law 39 and it starts when a batsman leaves their crease in order to play a delivery. If the ball passes the stumps and the wicket is put down by the wicket keeper, the batter is deemed to be out if no part of their bat or body is behind the popping crease.

If a batsman is attempting a run, the dismissal is marked down as run out but if they have simply left the crease to play the ball, the batter is ‘stumped.’

Statistics relating to stumped dismissals show that 2.02% of test batsmen are out in this manner. Once again, that number could potentially increase in limited overs formats but stumped is likely to remain as the fifth most common way of being given out.

An interesting point to note is that a batter can be given out stumped from a wide delivery, but they cannot be stumped from a no ball. On that subject, if a wicket keeper takes the ball in front of the stumps, it should lead to a no ball call from the square leg umpire.

6. Hit Wicket

Hit Wicket dismissals are covered by cricket’s law 36. A batsman is deemed to be out hit wicket if they break the wicket with their bat or any part of their body while playing a shot or attempting their first run. A dismissal can also be affected if a part of their equipment is dislodged and breaks the wicket as a result of that delivery. This happens on occasions when the batsman’s helmet has dropped down onto the stumps.

The delivery must be a legal one (meaning, that it’s not a no ball) and, once again, the wicket is deemed to be put down if the bail is dislodged and subsequently falls to the ground.

Hit wicket dismissals are relatively rare in all forms of the game with 0.230% of all dismissals falling in this fashion. I can remember one of the most memorable hit wicket occasions came in the 1975 ODI World Cup final when the West Indies’ Roy Fredericks trod on his stumps after hitting the ball for six.

7. Obstructing the Field

Obstructing the Field covers the now defunct dismissal of ‘handled the ball.’ It is covered by law 37 which states that the batsman can be given out if he wilfully obstructs the fielding side either with their body or with words or other actions.

Typically, an appeal for obstructing the field will be upheld if a batsman deliberately prevents a fielder from taking a clean catch. Another common dismissal occurs when a batter changes their course of direction to prevent a run out. The fielding side is required to appeal and both umpires can consult before coming to a decision.

The handled the ball dismissal was part of the laws prior to the change. This occasionally occurred when the batsman stopped the ball from hitting the stumps by using their hand.

We’re into the realms of real rarities now and less than 0.01% of dismissals come from obstructing the field. Examples of this include Ben Stokes who was given out when he handled the ball in an ODI against Australia in 2015.

8. Hit the Ball Twice

Governed by Law 34, Hit the Ball Twice is an exceptionally rare dismissal. As the name indicates, if the batsman hits the ball willfully a second time after it has initially hit the bat or a part of their body / clothing, the batsman can be given out.

There is an exception to this rule as batsmen can use their bat, or any part of their body other than their hands, to prevent the ball from hitting the stumps. If this is the case, the second hit is deemed to be lawful but if the strike is wilful for any other reason, the umpire can uphold an appeal for Hit the Ball Twice.

This is another dismissal where the percentage figures are way below 0.01. This is the second rarest form, just ahead of timed out. There have been no instances of Hit the Ball Twice in test cricket and it’s said that there have only been 21 such dismissals in all formats as of 2021.

9. Timed Out

Once a batsman has been dismissed for any reason, the incoming batter has three minutes in which to take to the field and assume their position at the crease. If they wilfully do not comply with this limit, the fielding side can appeal and the umpire should uphold the dismissal as ‘timed out’.

This comes under law 40 of the laws of cricket and timed out is another exceptionally rare dismissal.

Timed Out is exceptionally rare and there have been no instances of this in test cricket. In the long history of first class cricket, only seven batters have been given out in this way. In 2023, Angelo Mathews became the first batter to be given out Timed Out in test cricket. Playing for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh, a broken helmet strap meant that he wasn’t ready within the three minute timeframe.

As a footnote to this dismissal, certain T20 franchise competitions have played around with this law. In order to speed up the game, they have shortened the timeframe for a batter to reach their crease.

10. Retired Out

During their innings, a batsman can leave the field of play for a legitimate reason – usually injury or some other form of incapacity. This should be done with the umpire’s consent but if the reason is obvious and admissible, they are clearly going to allow it.

However, if the batter leaves the field without permission or for a reason that is not justified, they can be dismissed as retired out. This has happened on rare occasions and it usually occurs when a batsman leaves the field with a view to giving their colleagues some time at the crease. Therefore, it’s often the case that ‘retired out’ will sometimes appear on a scorecard for practice games.

This has never happened in test cricket and I think that it’s very unlikely that a test batsman will retire ‘out’. We only tend to see this dismissal in early tour matches where a batter retires after making a good score so that his teammates can get time at the wicket.

In limited overs cricket, I think we will start to see Retired Out becoming more common. If a batter is struggling and returning a low strike rate, they can retire and allow a more powerful batsman to take their place. We’ve seen it happen in T20 franchise competitions, and it will become more regular in the future.

What is a Dismissal in Cricket?

Dismissals are also referred to as ‘ways of getting out’. They are methods in which to claim the batsman’s wicket by getting him or her ‘out’ and to end their innings. The batting side starts their innings with ten wickets in hand so the fielding team needs to achieve ten dismissals to end that innings.

Sides will now change and the fielding side will bat. The process continues with the new batsmen having ten wickets in place. This is, essentially, the whole objective in cricket and this is why a dismissal is so critical to the game. By taking ten wickets for a low score, fielding teams gain an advantage. Similarly, by keeping those wickets intact and scoring as many runs as possible, that advantage switches to the batting side.

On the other hand, in the rare case of the batsman not scoring even a single run before getting dismissed, he or she risks scoring a duck, which affects their statistics and may give them a poor reputation.

Conclusion

Dismissals are an essential part of the game and it’s important to understand them. The laws of cricket can be complex but these are pivotal to gameplay and will enhance a viewer’s understanding and enjoyment if they are studied.

Cricket continues to evolve and we may see subtle changes to those laws in the future but the ten dismissals are well-established and should remain so for the time being.

On the other hand, there are cases when dismissals occur in incomprehensible ways, due either to the batsman’s mistake or a bad umpiring decision. At those particular occasions these dismissals seem to be less clear and up for debate.

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Six Hitting Distances

At the big tournaments such as the Indian Premier League, we often see a six distance come up almost as soon as the ball comes to rest. The confusion for me lies in the fact that that ball will often hit seating in the stand or some other part of the building, so how do they know how far the ball would have travelled before it hit the ground?.

If it lands on the stadium roof, that would also disrupt its final landing point. Even if the ball travels cleanly and lands on the ground without any interference, just how is that measured?

The answer lies in the Hawkeye technology that is seen in other areas of cricket.

How is a Six Measured in Cricket?

In every game where  technology is used, Hawkeye is involved. They have six cameras strategically placed around the ground and these are used to monitor the flight of the ball as it travels away from the batter’s bat.

Those six cameras then combined to form a 3D image of the ball’s trajectory. That image will then help to gauge the final distance and where the ball would land.

Speed is naturally important too. The speed is calculated from the moment the ball leaves the bat. The time it takes to travel 22 yards (the length of a cricket pitch) is also recorded and this is projected forward.

Using calculations involving that 3D Image plus the trajectory and speed of the ball, the final distance is then determined.

Alternative Methods

A radar gun, similar to that which is used to measure bowling speeds, can also be used in this process. In terms of six hitting, it will calculate the speed of the ball as it leaves the bat and travels across the cricket field.

The gun is often used in games where Hawkeye isn’t available. When this happens, the measuring applies a law of physics which is known as the Range of Projectile.

As you might have imagined, range of projectile can be used in missile technology where it’s essential to know how far something can travel, but it can also be applied to six hitting in cricket. The calculations involved can be quite complex.

Essentially, the physics uses the speed of the ball, its trajectory and the time that it stays in the air. A system of divisions and calculations is then employed to get a final answer.

How Accurate is the Technology?

As with many areas of cricket technology, the systems used to calculate six hitting are not 100% perfect. In terms of the Range of Projectile Calculations, there is a problem in the sense that it uses the time that the ball stays in the air.

As we’ve seen, there are potential issues with this. That ball, for example, can connect with a part of the stand while it is still travelling in an upwards direction.

With the Hawkeye method, speed is measured but any drops in that speed, for whatever reason, can be variable. However, the margins of error are small ones, and the technology is certainly much better than it would have been in the past.

Why is Measuring Distance Important?

Naturally, a big part of this is down to entertainment. The crowd love to see big sixes, particularly in the shorter formats where the bat dominates the ball. When a six extends beyond 100 metres, the crowd goes wild and the commentators get pretty excited too.

It may also be useful to monitor whether there are more 100+ metre sixes in the game. Cricket could eventually get to the same point as golf, where the courses just aren’t big enough for the power hitters of the modern day. It could also be an issue with equipment where heavier and bigger bats continue to give the batsmen the edge.

There’s not much that can be done about this factor: Organisers are restricted by the grounds that are already in place, but they could look to push boundaries back as far as they possibly can. In time, bigger stadiums could be built, but that simply isn’t feasible in countries where cricket doesn’t generate huge revenue.

Batters and coaches would also use stats relating to the biggest sixes in the game. It’s a sign of who is in form, and the figures would have some influence at the IPL and other franchise auctions.

For now, it’s all about another fun element, but there are some serious reasons for measuring six hits in cricket.

The Biggest Sixes in Cricket

My interest in this subject increased when I saw Liam Livingstone hit a monster six for Punjab Kings at the IPL in 2022. It was measured at 117 metres but it had hit the stadium roof so how did they know this was accurate?

Hopefully we’ve now cleared that up. If you’re interested, I have also written an article on the biggest sixes in the game. Livingstone is a power batter with a long range but he has plenty of competition from the past and in the modern day.

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What does Concussion Substitute Mean in Cricket?

The concussion substitute ruling means that a player can be substituted if they have a concussion or suspected concussion. The replacement can take a full role in the game and they are able to stand in fully for the injured player, even if they are unable to return to the match before its conclusion. This means that the substitute can bat or bowl.

The Concussion Substitution Rule

The law was introduced by the International Cricket Council in 2019. Head injuries were becoming an increasing concern in many sports and cricket was no exception. With no provision for full substitutes, there was a danger that a player might want to continue in the match when it wasn’t safe to do so.

The concussion rule was therefore brought in to make cricket safer.

What Can a Concussion Substitute Do?

This is a very important part of the rule and the reason why it’s different to the regular substitute law. Cricket has traditionally allowed teams to have a substitute if a player was injured for any reason. As an example, let’s say that a player has pulled a hamstring and can take no further part in the game.

A sub can be used in this example but they cannot do anything other than field. They are not allowed to bowl and they cannot take the injured player’s place in the batting order.

Under the concussion substitute ruling, the sub can bat, bowl and field and this is the crucial point to the new ruling.

In What Formats of the Game Can a Concussion Substitute Be Used?

At the time of writing in August 2021, concussion substitutes are allowed in all forms of international cricket. This ruling has come from the ICC themselves and therefore covers test matches, one day internationals and T20 internationals for both men and women.

Away from the international arena, decisions lie with the governing bodies of individual countries around the world. In most cases, all forms of the game are covered but it may be the case that only first class cricket will allow for concussion substitutes in certain nations.

What Is a Like for Like Replacement?

Like for like means that the substitute must be a similar type of player to the one that they are replacing. For example, if a specialist batsman has been concussed and has to leave the match, another batter must replace them.

It would be unfair, in this scenario, to bring in a specialist spinner if the pitch is starting to turn and that’s why the like for like rule is in place. Similarly, a bowler should be replaced by a similar bowler in the event of the concussion rule being brought into play.

Cricket Substitutes FAQ

Who was the First Concussion Substitute?

The first concussion substitute under the ICC ruling was Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne who deputised for Steve Smith at Lord’s in 2019. Smith had been hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer and subsequently left the game.

It was unfortunate for Smith but a good break for Labuschagne who scored 59 in the second innings and went on to enjoy a successful international career.

Other Notable Concussion Substitute Examples

(Matt Parkinson on England debut (c) Matt Harris)

In the 2022 test match between England and New Zealand at Lord’s England spinner Jack Leach picked up a concussion while fielding on the boundary. The incident came in New Zealand’s first innings and Leach hadn’t bowled at that point.

The selectors called up Matt Parkinson as his replacement. This was an interesting one, as Parkinson is a right arm leg spinner and Leach is left arm orthodox. While their stock deliveries turn the ball in the same direction, it shows that there is a deal of flexibility in the law.

Parkinson didn’t play a huge role, but he did claim a test match wicket as Tim Southee was caught by Joe Root in the slips. Unlike Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Parkinson was unable to take advantage of his inclusion, and this is likely to remain as his one and only test match appearance.

What is the Difference Between a Concussion and a Tactical Substitute?

A concussion substitute is now allowed under the laws and players are able to replace those who have been concussed during the course of the game. A tactical substitute might be brought in to replace an underperforming player or to exploit a change in conditions.

In general, tactical substitutes are not allowed in cricket although they have been trialled in competitions such as the Big Bash. The Indian Premier League has also introduced a tactical sub ruling.

What is a Covid-19 Substitute in Cricket?

This rule was introduced in June 2020 as a reaction to the Covid Pandemic. Under the law, a player could be replaced by a substitute if they tested positive for Coronavirus. The affected player would then be quarantined and be unavailable for the rest of the match.

The substitution is intended to follow similar guidelines to the concussion ruling so the player coming into the game would be able to play a full part in the match.

Examples of Covid Substitutes

There have been a number of Covid substitutes since 2020, and there will be many more while the condition is still with us. The first ever Covid Sub was Ben Lister, who replaced team mate Mark Chapman, in New Zealand’s domestic Plunkett Shield in October 2020.

In international cricket, the first switches saw a double substitution arise for South Africa. In a test match against Zimbabwe in April 2022, Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder were replaced by Khaya Zondo and Glenton Stuurman.

Closing Thoughts

I think it’s good that some common sense has come into cricket with this ruling, but there is some way to go. While batting in a County Championship match for Essex in 2024, Jordan Cox had to leave the field in some pain, and eventually he had to have his appendix removed.

Under the current ruling, there was no scope for a full substitute, and Cox’s replacement could only field. This seems harsh, and maybe there should be scope for the law to be widened to include other medical cases in the future.

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