In How Many Ways Can a Batter Be Dismissed in Cricket?
Cricket, known for its strategic complexity and diverse rules, offers a range of dismissal methods for batters. While spectators are most familiar with dismissals like bowled, caught, or run out, there are several other legitimate ways a batter can be sent back to the pavilion. This article explores all legal methods of dismissal in cricket, offering insights into each with examples and historical context.
Introduction to Dismissals in Cricket
In cricket, the fielding side’s primary objective is to dismiss ten batters of the opposing team. According to the Laws of Cricket, maintained by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), there are 11 recognized ways a batter can be dismissed. While some are common in every match, others are rare and even controversial when they occur.
Understanding these methods is crucial not only for players but also for fans and analysts who want to appreciate the nuances of the game.
The 11 Official Ways of Dismissal in Cricket
Here is a breakdown of all 11 official methods by which a batter can be dismissed:
1. Bowled
Definition: The ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails after being delivered by the bowler.
- Most Basic Form: If the batter misses the ball completely and it crashes into the stumps.
- Edge Cases: Even if the ball touches the bat or pad before hitting the stumps, the batter is out bowled.
- Key Point: No other dismissal overrides “bowled.”
Example: A yorker by Jasprit Bumrah dismantling middle stump.
2. Caught
Definition: The batter hits the ball with the bat or glove, and a fielder catches it before it touches the ground.
- Types:
- Caught by fielder
- Caught by wicketkeeper (caught behind)
- Caught and bowled (by the bowler)
- Conditions: The ball must not touch the ground, and the catch must be clean.
Example: MS Dhoni’s classic behind-the-stumps catches off edges.
3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
Definition: The batter is out LBW if the ball would have hit the stumps but is intercepted by any part of the batter’s body (usually the pad) without touching the bat.
- Key Conditions:
- Ball must pitch in line or on the off side.
- Impact must be in line (except when not offering a shot).
- Ball must be going on to hit the stumps.
Example: Shane Warne’s magical LBW dismissals in Tests.
4. Run Out
Definition: A batter is run out if at any time while the ball is in play, the fielding side breaks the stumps with the batter out of their ground attempting a run.
- Common Scenario: Batters attempting quick singles and failing to make the crease before a direct hit or throw to the keeper.
- Third Umpire: Frequently used in close cases.
Example: Ravindra Jadeja’s lightning throws from the boundary.
5. Stumped
Definition: A batter is stumped when the wicketkeeper removes the bails while the batter is out of their crease and not attempting a run, usually after being lured out by a spinner.
- Requires: Swift glovework and a momentary lapse from the batter.
Example: Muralitharan and Sangakkara’s stumping duo in Sri Lanka.
6. Hit Wicket
Definition: A batter is dismissed hit wicket if they dislodge the bails with their bat or body while playing a shot or setting off for a run.
- Often Occurs: When batters lose balance after a pull or hook shot.
Example: Inzamam-ul-Haq’s famous hit-wicket dismissals.
7. Handled the Ball (Now included under Obstructing the Field)
Former Definition: A batter was out for intentionally handling the ball without the consent of the fielding team.
- Merged Rule (Since 2017): Now categorized under Obstructing the Field.
Example: Rare and controversial; Michael Vaughan’s incident in 2001.
8. Obstructing the Field
Definition: A batter is out if, by word or action, they deliberately obstruct or distract the fielding side.
- Scenarios:
- Changing path to prevent a run-out.
- Handling the ball deliberately.
- Umpire Discretion: Critical in such calls.
Example: Inzamam-ul-Haq in 2006 vs India.
9. Hit the Ball Twice
Definition: A batter is out if they hit the ball twice intentionally, except to protect their wicket.
- Rare: The second hit must be deliberate and not an instinctive action to defend the stumps.
Example: Very few such dismissals in professional cricket history.
10. Timed Out
Definition: A batter is timed out if they do not arrive at the crease within three minutes of the previous batter’s dismissal.
- Applies in: Professional matches with strict adherence to time.
- Rare but Real: Happens due to confusion, protest, or miscommunication.
Example: Andrew Jordaan (South Africa domestic), timed out due to being stuck in traffic.
11. Retired Out
Definition: A batter who retires without the umpire’s permission and does not resume their innings is considered retired out.
- Not Common: Usually occurs in practice matches or strategic scenarios.
Example: Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Marvan Atapattu retired out for practice in a Test match vs Bangladesh (2001).
Summary Table of All Dismissals
| Method | Commonality | Example Player(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Bowled | Very Common | Jasprit Bumrah, Brett Lee |
| Caught | Very Common | Virat Kohli, Joe Root |
| LBW | Common | Shane Warne, R Ashwin |
| Run Out | Common | Ravindra Jadeja, Jonty Rhodes |
| Stumped | Occasional | MS Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara |
| Hit Wicket | Rare | Inzamam-ul-Haq |
| Obstructing Field | Very Rare | Inzamam-ul-Haq, Len Hutton |
| Hit Ball Twice | Extremely Rare | – |
| Timed Out | Extremely Rare | Andrew Jordaan |
| Retired Out | Rare | Jayawardene, Atapattu |
Dismissals in T20 and Modern Cricket
In T20 cricket, dismissals like stumped, run out, and caught are far more common due to aggressive play. Unusual dismissals like “timed out” or “hit the ball twice” are virtually unheard of in modern international cricket but remain part of the game’s laws.
With the introduction of Decision Review System (DRS), LBW and caught decisions are now more accurate, while run-out decisions are frequently reviewed using video replays.
Explore:
- Who has the record for scoring the most runs in one over in Test cricket?
- Who is the First Indian to Score 100 in All International Cricket Formats?
📌 Conclusion
There are 11 legal ways a batter can be dismissed in cricket, ranging from the everyday “caught” to the exceptionally rare “timed out.” While some dismissals are integral to every match, others showcase cricket’s rich tradition and legal precision.
Understanding all dismissal types enriches your appreciation of the game’s tactical depth and quirky charm. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a budding cricketer, knowing these rules helps decode the drama that unfolds on the pitch.
