- By Shailvee Tiwari
- Fri, 09 May 2025 10:57 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Google Googly Of The Day: Cricket is full of surprises, and one of them is just how many ways a batter can be sent back to the pavilion. We all know about being caught or bowled, but did you know there are 11 official ways to get out?
Let’s explore these dismissals from the everyday to the unusual, in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to read.
1. Bowled
When the ball crashes into the stumps and the bails fall off, it’s game over for the batter. Even if the ball touches the bat or pad first, if the stumps are broken, it counts.
2. Caught
If a batter hits the ball and any fielder catches it before it hits the ground, they’re out. Doesn’t matter if it’s the keeper, a slip fielder, or the bowler himself.
3. LBW
LBW stands for Leg Before Wicket, and it’s all about blocking the ball with your pad instead of the bat. If the ball is heading for the stumps and hits your leg in line, the umpire may raise that finger.
4. Run Out
You go for a quick run, but before you make it to the crease, the stumps are broken. That’s a run out — one of the most thrilling and frustrating ways to fall.
5. Stumped
Bowlers, especially spinners, love this one. The batter steps forward, misses the ball, and the keeper flicks off the bails in a flash. It’s not a run-out, just a moment of poor footwork.
6. Hit Wicket
Sometimes, a batter knocks off the bails with their own bat or body. It might happen after a wild swing or a misstep. Either way, out.
7. Obstructing The Field
If a batter gets in the way of a throw or distracts the fielding team on purpose, they can be given out. This includes touching the ball with the hand or intentionally blocking a run-out.
8. Hitting The Ball Twice
A batter isn’t allowed to hit the ball twice, unless it’s to protect the stumps and not to score. Deliberate second strikes for runs? That’s a no-no.
9. Timed Out
A new batter must reach the crease within three minutes of the previous one getting out.
If they don’t? They’re out without even facing a ball.
10. Retired Out
This is different from being injured. If a batter walks away without the umpire’s approval and doesn’t return, it’s considered out. Usually happens in practice games or unusual match situations.
11. Handled The Ball
Earlier, handling the ball used to be a separate rule. Now, it falls under obstructing the field. If the batter intentionally touches the ball without permission, it’s considered obstruction. Only a few cases have ever happened.
So, next time you watch a match, keep your eyes peeled. You might just witness a batter getting out in a way you’ve never seen before. From simple dismissals to moments of complete chaos, these 11 methods show just how unpredictable and exciting cricket really is.
