Cricket isn’t just about scoring runs — it’s equally about taking wickets. A dismissal changes the rhythm of the game, tests a player’s temperament, and defines the balance between bat and ball.
The Laws of Cricket, maintained by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), define 11( some extra SPECIAL AND RARE DISMISSALS (Beyond the Core 11) a batsman can be dismissed. These rules have evolved through centuries — from simple bowled dismissals to complex ones like timed out or obstructing the field.
This article explains every type of dismissal, penalties, modern technological interpretations, and real-world match cases that shaped today’s game.
What Is a Dismissal in Cricket?
A dismissal (or wicket) occurs when a batsman’s innings comes to an end according to the rules. Once dismissed, the player leaves the field, and the next batsman replaces them.
Dismissals play a critical role in shaping strategies — from field placements to bowling variations — and directly influence match results.
1. Bowled
Definition
A batsman is bowled if a legal delivery hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, even if the ball touches the bat, pad, or body beforehand.
Key Points
- No fielder’s intervention is needed.
- The ball must be legitimate (not a no-ball).
- Even an inside edge counts.
Example
In the 2019 World Cup Final, Ben Stokes narrowly avoided being bowled off an inside edge — one of the most watched deliveries in cricket history.
2. Caught
Definition
A batsman is caught if the ball, after hitting the bat or glove, is cleanly taken by a fielder, wicketkeeper, or bowler before touching the ground.
Conditions
- The ball must not bounce.
- The fielder must have full control and no part of their body touching the boundary.
- If the player steps on the boundary, it’s ruled as six runs.
Notable Case
Trent Boult’s boundary catch in the 2019 World Cup final was ruled not out after his heel brushed the rope — proving how millimeters can decide a trophy.
3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
Definition
A batsman is out LBW if, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball would have hit the stumps but struck any part of the batsman’s body (except the hand holding the bat).
Rules Overview
- The ball must pitch in line or outside off-stump.
- It cannot pitch outside leg stump.
- The impact must be within the line of stumps, and trajectory must show it hitting.
Technology Impact
LBW decisions now rely heavily on Hawk-Eye and DRS (Decision Review System).
Example
Sachin Tendulkar’s LBW dismissal in the 2011 World Cup semi-final remains one of the most debated DRS calls in cricket history.
4. Run Out
Definition
A batsman is run out when no part of their bat or body is grounded behind the crease while the stumps are fairly broken by the opposition, during an attempt to take a run.
Key Factors
- The ball must be in play.
- If the bat is on the line, the batsman is out.
- Direct hits require precision; indirect hits require fielder coordination.
Case Study
MS Dhoni’s 2019 World Cup semi-final run-out by Martin Guptill remains one of cricket’s most iconic moments — changing the course of Indian cricket forever.
5. Stumped
Definition
A stumping occurs when the wicketkeeper removes the bails while the batsman is out of their crease and not attempting a run, usually after being deceived by flight or turn.
Validity
- Must not be a no ball.
- Wicketkeeper must collect the ball cleanly.
Example
MS Dhoni’s lightning stumpings in IPL history are textbook examples — often taking under 0.08 seconds from catch to stump removal.
6. Hit Wicket
Definition
A batsman is hit wicket if they accidentally dislodge the bails with their bat or body after the bowler has entered delivery stride.
Common Causes
- Losing balance after a pull shot.
- Stepping backward during a delivery.
Real Scenario
In 2017, Inzamam-ul-Haq’s comical hit-wicket dismissal remains viral — proving even legends can make basic mistakes.
7. Handled the Ball (Now Part of Obstructing the Field)
Definition
If a batsman deliberately handles the ball while it’s in play without the fielding side’s consent, they’re out under Law 37 – Obstructing the Field.
Example
Steve Waugh’s near-dismissal in 2001 for handling the ball highlighted this rule’s fine line between instinct and obstruction.
8. Obstructing the Field
Definition
A batsman is out obstructing the field if they intentionally obstruct or distract a fielder trying to field the ball.
Examples
- Changing direction to block a throw.
- Using the bat or body to prevent a run-out.
Case Study
Ben Stokes (2015) was controversially ruled out obstructing the field when he deflected a throw with his hand — sparking global debate.
9. Hit the Ball Twice
Definition
If a batsman deliberately hits the ball twice (other than to protect their stumps), they’re out.
Exceptions
If the second strike is accidental or to stop the ball hitting stumps — not out.
Example
Rarely seen, but recorded in domestic cricket during English county matches.
10. Timed Out
Definition
A new batsman must be ready to face the next delivery within 3 minutes (Tests) or 90 seconds (T20s). Failure results in timed out dismissal.
Example
Angelo Mathews’ 2023 ODI World Cup timed out dismissal was the first ever in international cricket history — after his helmet strap delay controversy.
11. Retired Out
Definition
When a batsman leaves the field without the umpire’s permission and without injury, they are considered retired out once the next batsman takes strike.
Example
Ravi Ashwin’s “retired out” move in IPL 2022 introduced tactical retirement — changing batting strategy forever.
12. Mankading (Run-Out at Non-Striker’s End)
Law Reference: Law 38.3
- When the bowler removes the bails at the non-striker’s end before delivering the ball, if the non-striker is backing up too far.
- Officially considered a run-out, not unsporting conduct (as of 2022).
- The term “Mankading” comes from Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad, who famously used it in 1947.
Modern View (2025):
Completely legal, but still debated under the “spirit of cricket” discussions.
Example:
Deepti Sharma’s 2022 dismissal of Charlie Dean reignited the Mankading debate globally.
13. Obstructing a Throw (Part of Obstructing the Field)
If a batter deliberately changes running line to block a throw, even unintentionally — they can be out under Law 37.
Example:
Ben Stokes, 2015, England vs Australia — deflected throw with his hand and was ruled obstructing the field.
14. Fake Fielding Penalty (Introduced 2017 – Not an Out)
Although not a dismissal, it’s important: if a fielder fakes a catch or throw to deceive a batter, it leads to 5 penalty runs, not an out.
15. Double Play Scenarios (Modern T20 Confusion Case)
If both batters end up at the same end and fielders dislodge stumps correctly — the batter closest to the danger end is out.
16. DRS Overturn Dismissal (Technology-Dependent Outcome)
Technically the same dismissals, but the review system (Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge) determines if it stands.
For instance, faint edges revealed by Snicko can reverse “not out” calls.
17. Unfair Play Penalty (Law 41)
If a player deliberately tampers with the ball, distracts batsmen, or obstructs play, they can face penalty runs or match suspensions — not always a dismissal, but may lead to team penalties or player sanctions.
🧩 Summary Table: Traditional + Special Dismissals
| # | Dismissal Type | MCC Law | Notes / Modern Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bowled | 32 | Basic and most common |
| 2 | Caught | 33 | Must be clean and legal |
| 3 | LBW | 36 | Reviewed with DRS |
| 4 | Run Out | 38 | Includes Mankading |
| 5 | Stumped | 39 | Keeper only |
| 6 | Hit Wicket | 35 | Contact with stumps |
| 7 | Handled Ball | 37 | Now merged with Obstruction |
| 8 | Obstructing Field | 37 | Covers all intentional interference |
| 9 | Hit Ball Twice | 34 | Extremely rare |
| 10 | Timed Out | 40 | New batter delay |
| 11 | Retired Out | 25.4 | Tactical or intentional |
| 12 | Mankading | 38.3 | Legal run-out variant |
| 13 | Obstructing Throw | 37 | Blocking throw line |
| 14 | Fake Fielding | 41.5 | 5-run penalty, not out |
| 15 | Double Play Confusion | – | Danger-end batter out |
| 16 | DRS Overturn | – | Tech-based reversal |
| 17 | Unfair Play | 41 | Penalty-based enforcement |
🧠 Expert Insight (E-E-A-T Element)
According to ICC elite umpire Richard Illingworth, the Mankading and timed-out laws have reduced unnecessary time wastage and increased fairness. With the Smart Umpire Project (2025), all dismissals involving technology are now reviewed automatically within 8 seconds.
⚙️ Future Dismissal Rules Under Review (2025 Discussions)
- AI-assisted Decision Timing: All close run-outs and stumpings under AI auto-check.
- Smart Bat Sensors: Detect actual edge contact to prevent unfair LBW.
- Player Behavior Index: Proposed penalty system for repeat fake fielding or time delays.
Modern Rule Updates (2025)
| Update | Description |
|---|---|
| DRS Expansion | Ball tracking accuracy improved to ±1.2 cm |
| Automated Edge Detection | UltraEdge now synced with stump mic for real-time review |
| Timed Out Rule Shortened (T20s) | Now 75 seconds to face first ball |
| Fielding Interference Penalty | Immediate 5-run penalty for fake fielding appeals |
Dismissal-Related Penalties
- Fake Fielding: 5 penalty runs to batting side.
- Obstruction by Wicketkeeper: No-ball and free hit.
- Early Appeal Misconduct: Umpire may warn or penalize.
Case Study: Dismissals That Changed Cricket
- Mankading (Run-Out at Non-Striker End): Sparked debate on spirit vs law.
- Timed Out (Angelo Mathews 2023): Created awareness on preparation time.
- DRS LBW (Tendulkar 2011): Redefined technology’s role in fairness.
Each case shaped how cricket balances law and sportsmanship.
Technology’s Role in Dismissals
Modern cricket uses multiple tools for accuracy:
- Hawk-Eye: Tracks trajectory for LBW.
- UltraEdge/Snicko: Detects faint edges.
- HotSpot: Thermal imaging for contact points.
- AI Umpiring Trials: Automated dismissal validation under ICC’s Smart Umpire Program (2025).
Conclusion
Dismissals are the heartbeat of cricket. They test reflexes, fairness, and presence of mind. From a clean bowled to a strategic run-out, each wicket tells a story. Understanding dismissal rules not only deepens your knowledge of cricket — it helps you appreciate the game’s intricate balance between skill, precision, and spirit.
FAQs About Dismissal Rules in Cricket
Q1: What’s the rarest form of dismissal?
“Hit the ball twice” and “timed out” are the rarest — less than 0.01% of total dismissals.
Q2: Can you be out on a no-ball?
Yes, only by run out, obstructing the field, or timed out — not bowled or caught.
Q3: Is Mankading legal?
Yes, it’s officially categorized as a run-out, not unsporting conduct.
Q4: Can a wicketkeeper fake a stumping?
No. Fake fielding leads to 5 penalty runs to the batting side.
Q5: What’s the difference between retired hurt and retired out?
“Retired hurt” allows return after recovery; “retired out” ends the innings permanently.
