In cricket, a batter can be dismissed in several ways, each with its own specific rule. These different types of outs play a big role in how the game unfolds. While some dismissals, like bowled or caught, are seen often, others, like timed out or obstructing the field, are rare and happen in unique situations, making the game even more exciting for fans.
From the most common to the least expected, the laws of cricket cover a wide range of dismissals. Understanding these rules helps fans, especially beginners and casual viewers, enjoy the game with better insight.
This article is a complete guide to all the ways a batter can be given out in cricket, explaining how each dismissal works and when it applies.
Types of Dismissals In Cricket
In cricket, a batter can be dismissed in several ways, each defined by the official Laws of the game. These dismissals, often referred to as types of “outs,” play a vital role in deciding the course of a match.
While some are commonly seen in every game, others occur rarely but are equally important to understand for a complete view of how cricket is played.
Most Common Dismissals In Cricket
Every team and bowler aims to take these common wickets, as they provide crucial advantages and can shift the momentum of the game.
1. Bowled
A batter is out bowled when the bowler’s legal delivery hits the stumps and dislodges the bails. This can happen directly or after the ball touches the bat or the batter’s body.
If the ball is a no-ball or wide, the batter cannot be out bowled. It’s one of the most straightforward dismissals and occurs frequently in matches.
2. Caught
A batter is out caught when a fielder, including the wicketkeeper or bowler, catches the ball on the full after it has made contact with the bat or the glove holding the bat.
Variations include caught behind by the wicketkeeper and caught and bowled by the bowler. This is one of the most common ways a batter gets out.
3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
LBW is given when the batter blocks the ball with any part of their body (except the hand) when the ball would have otherwise hit the stumps. The umpire considers where the ball pitched, point of impact, and trajectory.
Modern technology like DRS assists in making accurate LBW decisions, which often involve close judgment calls.
4. Stumped
A stumping occurs when the wicketkeeper removes the bails while the batter is outside the crease and not attempting a run, usually after being deceived by a spin bowler. Quick reflexes from the wicketkeeper are essential.
Stumping is a specialized dismissal typically seen in spin bowling situations and requires sharp coordination.
5. Run Out
A batter is run out if, while trying to complete a run, they fail to reach the crease before the fielding side breaks the stumps with the ball.
This can happen at either end and often results from miscommunication or quick fielding. Run-outs are crucial as they test the batters’ running and coordination skills.
Rare Types of Dismissals in Cricket
Occasionally, cricket sees rare types of dismissals that happen only in specific and unusual situations. These unique outs reflect the detailed rules of the game and make cricket even more interesting.
1. Hit Wicket
Hit wicket happens when a batter accidentally dislodges the bails with their body, clothing, or equipment during the act of playing a shot or running.
It usually results from losing balance or stepping too far back. Though relatively rare, it highlights the importance of body control during batting.
2. Obstructing the Field
A batter is out obstructing the field if they deliberately hinder a fielder’s attempt to field the ball or throw it, such as by changing running direction to block or deflecting the ball intentionally.
It’s a rare dismissal and depends heavily on the umpire’s interpretation of the batter’s intent to obstruct.
3. Hit the Ball Twice
This dismissal occurs if a batter intentionally hits the ball twice with the bat or body, except to protect their wicket. The second strike must be deliberate.
It is one of the rarest dismissals in cricket and usually happens when a batter tries to stop the ball from rolling onto the stumps by hitting it again.
4. Retired Out
If a batter leaves the field without the umpire’s permission and does not return to resume batting, they are declared retired out. This differs from retired hurt, where a player leaves due to injury and may return.
Retired out is uncommon and can be used tactically, especially in limited-overs matches.
Bizarre Type Dismissals In Cricket
Cricket is full of surprises, and some dismissals are truly bizarre. These unusual ways a batter can be out are very rare but still fall within the laws of the game.
Such dismissals often leave fans and players shocked or amused. They highlight the unpredictable side of cricket, showing that the sport’s rules cover even the strangest scenarios.
1. Timed Out
A timed-out dismissal occurs when a batter fails to be ready to face the next delivery within the stipulated time after the previous batter’s dismissal.
This rare dismissal was highlighted during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup when Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews was ruled out for not being ready within the required time, marking a significant moment in cricket history.
2. Mankading
Mankading is a form of run out where the bowler dismisses the non-striker by breaking the stumps at their end before delivering the ball if the non-striker leaves the crease early.
It is a legal dismissal, but often controversial. The term comes from Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad, who famously used this method in the 1940s.
3. Handling the Ball
Handling the ball was a dismissal given when a batter deliberately touched the ball with a hand not holding the bat, without the fielders’ permission. This rule was merged into ‘Obstructing the Field’ in 2017.
It was rare and punished intentional interference with the ball while batting, aimed at preventing unfair advantage.
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Conclusion: Cricket Has Many Legal Ways to Get a Batter Out
Cricket’s depth and charm lie in the variety of ways a batter can be dismissed. From common methods like bowled and caught to rare ones such as Mankading or handling the ball, each type of out brings its own twist to the game.
These dismissals not only challenge a player’s skill and awareness but also rely on the sharp decision-making of the umpires. With modern technology, decisions have become more accurate, supporting fair play and the true spirit of cricket.
Knowing these different ways of getting out helps fans better understand the game’s strategy and tension, making every match more exciting and unpredictable.
