Harshvardhan Mishra
Cricket is a sport rich in rules, traditions, and technical nuances. Among its many layers, one of the most fascinating aspects is the variety of ways a batter can be dismissed. Dismissals form the core of any competitive cricket match, determining the fate of teams in formats ranging from T20 thrillers to five-day Test matches.
In total, there are 11 recognized ways in which a batter can be dismissed under the Laws of Cricket, as maintained by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Some are common and occur in almost every game, while others are so rare that even seasoned fans might never witness them live.
Let’s delve into each dismissal method, with examples and insights into how they occur.
1. Bowled
Description: The batter is out if the ball delivered by the bowler hits the stumps and dislodges the bails.
Conditions:
- The ball must not touch any other player or the umpire before hitting the stumps.
- It can deflect off the bat or the batter’s body and still count as bowled.
Example: A fast delivery sneaks through the bat-pad gap and hits the stumps, knocking the bails off.
2. Caught
Description: If the batter hits the ball (with the bat or glove while holding the bat), and it is caught on the full by a fielder, including the wicketkeeper or bowler.
Types:
- Caught behind: Edges caught by the wicketkeeper.
- Caught in the field: Outfield catches after lofted shots.
Example: The batter attempts a cover drive and edges the ball to the slips.
3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
Description: A batter is LBW if the ball, in the opinion of the umpire, would have gone on to hit the stumps but is intercepted by the batter’s leg or body (not the bat).
Conditions:
- The ball must pitch in line or outside off stump.
- It must strike the pad in line with the stumps or on the off side (if not offering a shot).
Example: A spinner traps the batter in front with a ball turning in from off-stump.
4. Run Out
Description: A batter is out run out if, while attempting a run, their bat or body is out of the crease when the stumps are broken by the fielding side.
Scenarios:
- Direct hits.
- Throws to the keeper or bowler who break the stumps.
Example: A sharp throw from the outfield finds the striker short of the crease.
5. Stumped
Description: A batter is stumped when the wicketkeeper breaks the stumps while the batter is out of their crease and not attempting a run.
Usually happens when:
- The batter steps out to a spin bowler and misses the ball.
Example: A batter charges down the pitch but misses a turning ball, allowing the keeper to whip off the bails.
6. Hit Wicket
Description: A batter is out hit wicket if they dislodge the bails with their bat or body after the bowler has entered the delivery stride.
Common causes:
- Overbalancing while playing a shot.
- Hitting the stumps on follow-through.
Example: A batter tries to hook a short ball and accidentally hits the stumps with the bat.
7. Handled the Ball (Now merged under Obstructing the Field)
Previously a separate category, this mode of dismissal is now included under Obstructing the Field. It applied when a batter deliberately touched the ball with a hand not holding the bat without the fielding side’s consent.
8. Obstructing the Field
Description: A batter is out if they deliberately obstruct or distract a fielder by word or action.
Examples:
- Changing the direction of a throw with a hand or bat.
- Verbally distracting a fielder.
Example: A batter blocks a direct hit with their hand without trying to make a legitimate run.
9. Hit the Ball Twice
Description: A batter is dismissed if they deliberately strike the ball a second time with their bat or body (except to stop the ball from hitting the stumps).
Note: The first strike must have come from a legitimate shot.
Example: A batter plays the ball, sees it rolling towards the stumps, and hits it again aggressively instead of just stopping it.
10. Timed Out
Description: A batter is timed out if they do not appear at the crease within 3 minutes (previously 2 minutes) after the previous batter is dismissed.
Example: In a Test match, if a new batter doesn’t arrive due to confusion or delay and the fielding side appeals, they can be given out.
11. Retired Out (Different from Retired Hurt)
Description: If a batter retires (without the umpire’s consent or due to injury) and does not return to resume the innings, they can be given “retired out.”
Notable use: This dismissal is rare in international cricket but has been used tactically in franchise T20 leagues.
Example: In the IPL 2022, R Ashwin retired out to allow a more aggressive batter to come in during the final overs.
Summary Table of Dismissals
| Dismissal Method | Common? | Involves Fielders? | Can Be Appealed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowled | Yes | No | No (automatic) |
| Caught | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LBW | Yes | No | Yes |
| Run Out | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stumped | Medium | Yes (keeper) | Yes |
| Hit Wicket | Rare | No | No (automatic) |
| Obstructing the Field | Very Rare | Yes | Yes |
| Hit the Ball Twice | Very Rare | No | Yes |
| Timed Out | Extremely Rare | No | Yes |
| Retired Out | Extremely Rare | No | Yes |
Explore:
- Who is the First Indian to Score a Century in All International Cricket Formats?
- How Many Wickets Constitute a Double Hat-Trick?
Conclusion
Understanding the various ways a batter can be dismissed adds depth to the appreciation of cricket’s strategic and technical beauty. While only a few dismissal types dominate everyday matches, the rare ones create memorable moments and spark debates across the cricketing world.
Whether you’re a budding cricketer, an armchair analyst, or a casual fan, knowing these 11 modes of dismissal not only enriches your cricketing vocabulary but also gives you a front-row seat to the game’s elegant complexity.
