How to Dismiss a Batsman in Cricket

How to Dismiss a Batsman in Cricket: 9 Key Methods

07 Mar 2024 | By Sixes Cricket

Cricket, known as the gentleman’s game, is a popular sport played by teams in which the objective is to score more runs than the opposing team and to take wickets. To understand how to dismiss a batsman in cricket, it is important to grasp the concept of scoring runs and taking wickets.

Scoring runs involves batsmen hitting the ball and running between the wickets to score points. Taking wickets refers to the bowling team dismissing (or getting out) the batsmen. There are different ways in which a batsman can be declared “out” in cricket, and it is essential to understand these dismissals to comprehend the game fully.

Some of the ways a batsman can be declared “out” include being bowled, caught, given out leg before wicket (LBW), run out, stumped, hit wicket, handled the ball, obstructing the field, or being timed out.

The decision-making process in cricket involves appeals from the fielding team and umpires assessing whether the dismissal criteria have been met. Understanding these rules and scenarios adds depth to the intricacies of the game and enhances the overall cricket experience.

Objective of Cricket

Objective of Cricket

In cricket, understanding the objectives of the game is crucial. Here, we’ll unravel the essence of cricket by delving into its main goals. From scoring runs to taking wickets, each sub-section encompasses vital aspects of the game.

So, brace yourselves for an exploration of the fundamental objectives that drive every batsman and bowler on the cricket field. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind the thrill of cricket and what it takes to achieve success on the pitch!

Scoring Runs

  • Batsmen exchange ends after completing a run.
  • Batsmen run twice between the wickets before the fielding team retrieves the ball.
  • Batsmen complete three runs by running furiously.
  • Ball reaches the boundary rope on the ground without being touched by fielders.
  • Ball is hit over the boundary rope without touching the ground.

To maximize scoring, batsmen strategically place shots and aim for boundaries. Good running between the wickets, communication, and speed are essential while scoring runs.

Scoring runs in cricket involves a combination of physical ability, technique, and careful decision-making. Batsmen must take advantage of opportunities to accumulate runs and put pressure on the opposing team.

Taking Wickets

Taking wickets is the primary objective in the game of cricket. It is the process of getting the opposition’s batsmen out, which can be accomplished through several techniques:

  1. Bowling: The most common method of taking wickets is by bowling the batsman out. Bowlers deliver the ball towards the batsman with the intention of hitting the stumps behind them. If the ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails while the batsman hasn’t prevented it with their bat or body, they are declared out.
  2. Catching: Fielders positioned strategically around the field aim to catch the ball after it has been struck by the batsman. If the ball is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground, the batsman who hit it is out.
  3. LBW (Leg Before Wicket): This rule comes into play when the ball strikes the batsman’s leg (or any part of the body) in line with the stumps, and the umpire judges that the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps if it hadn’t hit the leg. If the umpire believes the ball would have hit the stumps, and the batsman hasn’t made a genuine attempt to play the ball with their bat, they are given out LBW.
  4. Run Out: A run out occurs when the batsmen are attempting to score runs, and the fielding team successfully removes the bails from the stumps before the batsman makes it safely to the crease at the other end of the pitch.
  5. Stumping: Stumping happens when the batsman leaves their crease to play a shot, misses the ball, and the wicketkeeper, standing behind the stumps, collects the ball and breaks the wicket with it before the batsman can return to the crease.
  6. Hit Wicket: If a batsman accidentally dislodges the bails with their bat or body while playing a shot or taking a run, they are given out hit wicket.
  7. Handling the Ball: If a batsman intentionally handles the ball (other than to return it to the fielding team), they are considered out.
  8. Obstructing the Field: If a batsman intentionally obstructs the fielding side by preventing a fielder from attempting to catch the ball or by impeding a run-out opportunity, they can be given out.

How to Dismiss a Batsman in Cricket

How to Dismiss a Batsman in Cricket

In the fascinating realm of cricket, there exists a crucial aspect that keeps fans on the edge of their seats – how to dismiss a batsman in cricket. Delve into the thrilling world of cricket as we unravel the diverse ways in which a batsman can face this dreaded outcome.

From being bowled out or caught in the field to the intricate ruling of LBW or being run out, the game is replete with emotions and strategies that determine a batsman’s fate. Let’s embark on this exciting journey and explore the various ways a batsman can be declared “out” in cricket.

1. Bowled

If a batsman is bowled in cricket, it implies that the bowler has successfully hit the stumps and dislodged the bails while the batsman was in the process of playing a shot. This happens to be one of the most prevalent methods through which a batsman can be dismissed in this particular sport.

When the delivery strikes the stumps directly without any intervention from the batsman, the umpire announces the batsman as “out” and the opposing team secures a wicket. It is crucial for the bowler to target the off stump in order to enhance the likelihood of getting a batsman bowled.

2. Caught

The art of catching requires excellent hand-eye coordination, anticipation, and agility. Fielders must be ready to react quickly to the trajectory of the ball and adjust their position if necessary to make the catch.

A successful catch results in the umpire raising their finger and signaling the batsman as “out.” The fielding team celebrates the dismissal, while the batting side loses a wicket. Catching is often a game-changing moment, swinging momentum in favor of the fielding team and putting pressure on the batting side.

3. LBW

The LBW (Leg Before Wicket) dismissal is one of the ways a batsman can be declared out in cricket. It occurs when the ball strikes the batsman’s leg before hitting the bat and would have gone on to hit the stumps.

The decision is made by the umpire based on specific criteria, such as whether the ball pitched in line, impact with the pad, and whether the ball was going on to hit the stumps. The table below provides a summary of the LBW dismissal in cricket.

4. Run Out

Run Out

Run Out in cricket happens when a fielder successfully dislodges the bails from the stumps while the batsman is trying to complete a run.

There are situations where a batsman can be declared “run out”:

  1. When the batsman fails to make their ground before the fielder removes the bails.
  2. If the batsman intentionally obstructs the fielding team’s attempt to run them out.
  3. When a batsman leaves the crease before the bowler has released the ball for the next delivery during the limited overs format, resulting in a “backing up” run-out.
  4. If the batsman changes direction while running, causing a fielder to dislodge the bails.

To avoid being run out, batsmen must communicate well with their partners, run in straight lines, and judge their runs carefully. Running between the wickets is a crucial aspect of the game, so it’s important to practice and develop good running techniques.

5. Stumped

Being stumped is one of the ways a batsman can be declared “out” in cricket. This happens when the batsman misses the ball, steps out of their crease, and the wicket-keeper successfully removes the bails before the batsman can return to their crease, resulting in the batsman being stumped.

Some key points to understand about being stumped include:

    • The wicket-keeper must be in control of the ball when the bails are removed for a stumped dismissal to take place.
    • The batsman needs to be out of their crease at the time the bails are removed for them to be considered stumped.
    • Being stumped is considered a rare dismissal and requires quick reflexes from the wicket-keeper.
    • If the wicket-keeper fails to remove the bails and the batsman returns to their crease safely, they are declared “not out” and play continues.

6. Hit Wicket

In cricket, a batsman can be declared “out” if they accidentally hit their own wickets while attempting a shot. This is known as a “hit wicket” dismissal, which accounts for less than 1% of all dismissals in cricket. It is indeed a rare way for a batsman to be dismissed.

Hit wicket dismissals occur when the batsman loses their balance or misjudges their shot, causing them to unknowingly knock the bails off the stumps with their bat or body. Interestingly, hit wicket dismissals can sometimes happen due to unusual circumstances, like a batsman’s own helmet falling onto the stumps.

For the umpire to give this dismissal, the opposing team must appeal.

7. Handled the Ball

  • In cricket, a batsman can be declared “out” if they handle the ball. Here are the steps involved:
  • The ball must be in play.
  • The batsman intentionally touches the ball with their hand or hands.
  • The hand or hands must not be holding the bat at the time of contact.
  • The touching must be voluntary, without any pressure from the fielding team.
  • If the fielding team appeals and the umpire judges that the batsman has handled the ball, they will be declared “out”.

Handling the ball is a rare way of being dismissed in cricket, as it requires specific circumstances and actions. Batsmen are generally advised to avoid touching the ball with their hands to avoid being given “out” in this manner.

8. Obstructing the Field

One of the rare ways a batsman can be declared “out” in cricket is by obstructing the field. This dismissal occurs when a batsman willingly obstructs the opposing team from making a run-out or taking a catch.

Here are some key points about obstructing the field:

  • The batsman must deliberately obstruct a fielder who is attempting to field the ball.
  • The obstruction can be physical or verbal.
  • If the fielding team appeals and the umpires determine that the obstruction was intentional, the batsman will be given out.

9. Timed Out

Timed Out

  • Timed out is a rare and unique way for a batsman to be declared “out” in cricket.
  • The batsman must be in his position to receive the ball when the bowler is ready to deliver the ball.
  • If the batsman fails to take his position within a specified time, usually around three minutes, the umpire can declare him “out” for being timed out.
  • Prior to declaring him timed out, the umpire will give a warning to the batsman.
  • Being timed out is not a common dismissal and typically occurs when a batsman takes too long to get ready or intentionally delays the game.