Cricket Dismissals Explained: All Types of Wickets & How a Batter Gets Out

One of the first things a person learns about cricket is that a batter can be out.

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But cricket has far more ways of dismissing a batter than simply hitting the stumps.

A batter can be:

• Bowled
• Caught
• LBW
• Run out
• Stumped
• Hit wicket
• Hit the ball twice
• Obstructing the field
• Retired out

There are also specific Law-based situations involving the non-striker being run out, a batter leaving the crease before the ball is delivered, and other unusual circumstances.

Understanding dismissals is essential to understanding cricket itself.

This guide explains every major method of dismissal in cricket, how each wicket works, examples, common misconceptions and the difference between the various types of outs.

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What Is a Dismissal in Cricket?

(The Laws of Cricket contain specific provisions for each method of dismissal, from Bowled and Caught to LBW, Run Out, Stumped and Timed Out.)

A dismissal occurs when a batter is legally put out according to the Laws of Cricket or applicable playing conditions.

Once dismissed, a batter normally cannot continue batting in that innings.

The Laws contain specific provisions for each method of dismissal.

The most common dismissals seen in cricket are:

1. Bowled
2. Caught
3. LBW
4. Run out
5. Stumped
6. Hit wicket

Other dismissals are much rarer but remain part of the Laws.

How Many Ways Can a Batter Be Dismissed?

The Laws of Cricket recognize multiple methods of dismissal.

The major categories include:

• Bowled
• Caught
• LBW
• Run out
• Stumped
• Hit wicket
• Hit the ball twice
• Obstructing the field
• Timed out

In addition, a batter can retire under circumstances that affect whether they may return to the innings.

The exact legal conditions are important because simply seeing the ball hit something is not enough to determine whether a batter is out.

1. Bowled

Bowled is one of the simplest and most recognizable dismissals.

A batter is out Bowled when a legal delivery hits the wicket and puts it down, subject to the conditions specified in the Laws.

(The official MCC Law 32 defines the circumstances in which a striker is out Bowled and also explains when Bowled takes precedence over another possible dismissal.)

The ball may hit:

• The bat
• The batter
• The batter’s clothing
• Equipment associated with the batter

provided the relevant conditions of the Law are satisfied.

Example

A fast bowler delivers a ball.

The batter misses.

The ball hits the stumps and dislodges a bail.

The batter is Bowled.

What Does “Wicket Is Down” Mean?

For many dismissals, the concept of the wicket being “down” is important.

The wicket is considered broken when the relevant conditions in the Laws are met, such as a bail being completely removed from the top of the stumps or a stump being removed from the ground.

This distinction matters because the ball touching the stumps does not automatically mean the batter is out.

2. Caught

A batter is out Caught when a fielder legally catches the ball after it has touched the bat, subject to the conditions of the Law.

(The MCC Law on Caught also sets out what constitutes a fair catch and when the catch is considered complete.)

The catch must be completed correctly.

The ball must not have:

• Touched the ground before the catch is completed
• Become dead under the relevant circumstances
• Been illegally handled

Example

A batter hits a lofted drive.

The ball travels toward long-off.

The fielder runs underneath it and completes the catch before the ball touches the ground.

The batter is Caught.

Types of Catches

Cricket has many informal descriptions for catches.

Examples include:

• Slip catch
• Diving catch
• Running catch
• High catch
• One-handed catch
• Low catch
• Outfield catch
• Close-in catch

These are descriptions of how the catch happened, not separate methods of dismissal.

The dismissal remains:

Caught

Caught Behind

When the wicketkeeper catches a ball after it has touched the bat, the dismissal is commonly called:

Caught Behind

or simply:

Caught

The ball can produce a thin edge that travels directly to the wicketkeeper.

This is one of the most common dismissals against fast bowling.

Caught and Bowled

When the bowler catches the ball after the batter has hit it, the dismissal is recorded as:

Caught and Bowled

For example:

A bowler delivers the ball.

The batter plays a defensive shot.

The ball pops back toward the bowler.

The bowler catches it before it touches the ground.

The batter is out.

The bowler receives credit for the catch as well as the wicket.

3. LBW — Leg Before Wicket

(LBW is governed by specific conditions relating to the delivery, where the ball pitches, where it strikes the batter and whether it would have hit the wicket.)

MCC — Law 36: Leg Before Wicket

LBW stands for:

Leg Before Wicket

It is one of the most misunderstood laws in cricket.

A batter can be given out LBW when the ball strikes the batter’s person rather than the bat and the conditions required by the LBW Law are satisfied.

The decision depends on several factors, including:

• Where the ball pitched
• Whether the ball hit the batter in line with the wickets
• Whether the ball would have hit the wicket
• Whether the batter offered a genuine shot
• Whether the ball had previously touched the bat

The Law is more complicated than simply:

“Ball hit the leg = LBW.”

That is not correct.

How Does LBW Work?

In simplified terms, the umpire considers a sequence of questions.

1. Was the delivery legal?

If it was a no-ball, the batter cannot normally be dismissed LBW.

2. Did the ball pitch in a permitted area?

The pitching location matters.

3. Did the ball hit the batter’s person in the relevant circumstances?

The position of impact matters.

4. Did the ball hit the batter in line with the wickets under the Law?

There are specific provisions depending on whether the batter was attempting to play the ball.

5. Would the ball have hit the wicket?

The predicted path of the ball is important.

Because of these conditions, an LBW decision can be extremely difficult.

Why Are LBW Decisions So Complicated?

A delivery can:

• Pitch outside leg stump
• Strike the pad
• Be going toward the stumps

yet still not necessarily result in an LBW.

Likewise, a ball can hit a batter’s pad outside the conventional line and still result in an LBW in some circumstances depending on the batter’s shot and the other requirements of the Law.

This is why umpires evaluate multiple factors.

LBW and DRS

The Decision Review System can assist with LBW decisions where the competition uses DRS.

Technology can help officials assess:

• Ball tracking
• Pitching location
• Point of impact
• Projected trajectory

However, the final decision still follows the applicable playing conditions and review protocols.

4. Run Out

A batter is Run Out when the wicket is put down while the batter is out of their ground, subject to the conditions of the Law.

This can happen while:

• Running for a run
• Turning for another run
• Returning to the crease
• Attempting a second run

Example

A batter hits the ball toward cover.

The two batters attempt a quick single.

The fielder throws toward the wicketkeeper.

The wicketkeeper breaks the wicket while the batter has not made their ground.

The batter is Run Out.

Run Out at the Striker’s End

The striker can be run out while attempting a run.

For example:

The batter hits the ball toward mid-wicket.

They run toward the non-striker’s end.

A fielder throws at the striker’s original end.

If the batter has not made their ground when the wicket is legally broken, they can be run out.

Run Out at the Non-Striker’s End

The non-striker can also be run out.

This is particularly important when the non-striker leaves the crease before the delivery is released.

Modern cricket laws specifically address this situation.

It is sometimes discussed using the informal term:

“Mankad”

However, under the Laws, the dismissal is classified as Run Out, not as a separate category of dismissal.

5. Stumped

A batter is Stumped when:

• The wicketkeeper puts the wicket down
• The batter is out of their ground
• The batter is not attempting a run
• The relevant conditions of the Law are satisfied

Stumpings are particularly common against:

Spin bowling.

Example

A spinner delivers the ball.

The batter steps down the pitch to attack.

They miss the ball.

The wicketkeeper collects it and breaks the wicket while the batter is outside the crease.

The batter is Stumped.

Stumped vs Run Out

This is one of the most common cricket questions.

The distinction is important.

A wicketkeeper breaking the wicket does not automatically mean Stumped.

The circumstances determine the dismissal.

6. Hit Wicket

A batter can be dismissed Hit Wicket if, while the ball is in play, the batter breaks their own wicket under the conditions specified by the Law.

This can happen through:

• The bat
• The body
• Clothing
• Equipment

during the relevant period of the delivery.

Example

A batter attempts an aggressive shot.

During the movement, their bat swings backward and hits the stumps, dislodging a bail.

If the legal conditions are satisfied:

The batter is Hit Wicket.

Why Does Hit Wicket Happen?

It is relatively uncommon but can occur when:

• A batter moves dramatically
• The batter steps backward
• The bat comes around during a shot
• The batter loses balance

It can be particularly surprising because the batter effectively causes their own dismissal.

7. Hit the Ball Twice

This is one of cricket’s rare dismissals.

A batter is generally not permitted to hit the ball twice with the bat.

The Law contains specific exceptions, including actions taken to protect the wicket or prevent the ball from hitting the wicket.

Therefore:

A batter cannot simply strike the ball twice to score runs.

If the conditions for the dismissal are satisfied, the batter can be dismissed under this Law.

8. Obstructing the Field

A batter can be dismissed for Obstructing the Field if they deliberately obstruct or distract the opposition by word or action, subject to the specific conditions of the Law.

This is extremely rare.

The key word is:

Deliberately

An accidental collision or ordinary movement does not automatically result in this dismissal.

Examples of Obstructing the Field

Possible situations can involve:

• Deliberately blocking a fielder
• Deliberately distracting an opponent
• Deliberately interfering with the ball

The umpire must consider the circumstances and the requirements of the Law.

9. Timed Out

Timed Out is one of cricket’s most unusual dismissals.

When a batter is dismissed, the incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball or be ready for the other batter to receive it within the time specified by the applicable Laws and playing conditions.

If the incoming batter fails to meet the required time and the relevant conditions are satisfied, they can be dismissed Timed Out.

This dismissal does not require the bowler to deliver the ball.

Why Is Timed Out Rare?

It requires an unusual combination of circumstances.

For example:

• A wicket falls
• The incoming batter is significantly delayed
• The permitted time expires
• The fielding side appeals
• The umpire determines that the conditions for the dismissal are satisfied

Because professional teams closely manage their innings changes, this dismissal is uncommon.

10. Retired Hurt

Retired hurt is not the same as being dismissed.

A batter may leave the field because of:

• Injury
• Illness
• Another permitted reason

A batter who retires hurt may be able to resume their innings later, subject to the Laws and applicable playing conditions.

Therefore:

Retired hurt ≠ Out

This distinction is important when reading scorecards.

Retired Out

A batter who retires for a reason other than those recognized by the relevant provisions may be treated differently.

Under the Laws, a batter who retires without a reason acceptable under the relevant provisions may be recorded as Retired Out, subject to the applicable conditions.

This is very different from retiring hurt.

Can a Batter Be Out Without Facing a Ball?

Yes.

Several dismissals can happen without the batter facing a conventional delivery.

For example:

• Run Out
• Timed Out
• Some unusual Law-based situations

A batter can therefore be dismissed even without recording a ball faced in the conventional way.

Can a Batter Be Out Without the Ball Hitting the Stumps?

Yes.

Many dismissals do not require the ball to hit the stumps.

Examples:

• Caught
• LBW
• Run Out
• Stumped
• Obstructing the Field

This is why “the stumps must be hit for a wicket” is incorrect.

Can a Batter Be Caught Off a No-Ball?

Under the Laws, a batter cannot normally be dismissed Caught from a no-ball.

A no-ball changes which dismissals are available.

This is one reason bowlers must maintain legal delivery mechanics.

Can a Batter Be LBW Off a No-Ball?

No.

A batter cannot be dismissed LBW from a no-ball under the Laws.

Can a Batter Be Run Out Off a No-Ball?

Yes, in certain circumstances.

A no-ball does not automatically protect the batter from every form of Run Out.

The exact circumstances matter.

Can a Batter Be Stumped Off a Wide?

A batter cannot normally be dismissed Stumped from a wide because the relevant Law provides specific restrictions.

However, a wide can still create opportunities for other events, including certain run-out situations.

Can a Batter Be Run Out on a Wide?

Yes, under the circumstances permitted by the Laws.

A wide does not mean that the ball is automatically “safe” from all forms of dismissal.

Which Dismissal Is Most Common?

Caught is generally the most frequent method of dismissal across many forms of cricket.

However, dismissal patterns vary according to:

• Format
• Pitch
• Bowling style
• Batting technique
• Match conditions

Fast bowling can create many caught-behind and slip catches, while spin bowling can produce stumpings and catches around the bat.

Most Common Cricket Dismissals

A simplified ranking of frequently seen dismissals is:

1. Caught
2. Bowled
3. LBW
4. Run Out
5. Stumped
6. Hit Wicket

The relative frequency varies across matches and formats.

Dismissal by Bowler vs Fielder

Some dismissals are credited differently in scorecards.

Bowler Gets Credit

The bowler receives credit for dismissals such as:

• Bowled
• Caught
• LBW
• Stumped
• Hit Wicket

and certain other dismissals under the Laws.

Bowler Does Not Get Credit

A Run Out is not credited to the bowler.

Likewise, some rare dismissals have their own scoring treatment.

This distinction matters when calculating bowling figures and statistics.

Why Doesn’t a Bowler Get Credit for a Run Out?

A run out is primarily caused by the fielding team’s action rather than the bowler’s delivery producing the dismissal.

Therefore, the bowler does not receive a wicket in their bowling statistics.

For example:

Bowler delivers the ball.

Batter hits it.

Fielder throws the stumps down.

The batter is Run Out.

The bowler’s wicket tally does not increase.

What Happens When a Batter Is Out?

Once a batter is legally dismissed:

1. The umpire confirms the dismissal.
2. The batter leaves the playing area.
3. A replacement batter arrives, unless the innings has ended.
4. The new batter takes their position according to the applicable Laws.

The incoming batter then prepares to face or receive the next delivery as required.

Appeal and Dismissal

In many forms of cricket, the fielding side must appeal for an umpire to give a batter out, unless the batter is dismissed in circumstances where the umpire can act without an appeal under the Laws.

A common appeal is:

“How’s that?”

or simply:

“Howzat?”

The umpire then decides whether the batter is out.

What Is an Umpire’s Decision?

The on-field umpire makes the initial decision.

Depending on the competition, the decision may be reviewed using technology such as the:

Decision Review System (DRS).

DRS availability and review procedures vary according to the competition’s playing conditions.

Cricket Dismissals: Quick Comparison

The Rarest Cricket Dismissals

Some dismissals are rarely seen in professional cricket.

These include:

• Hit the Ball Twice
• Obstructing the Field
• Timed Out

They are nevertheless part of the Laws.

Their rarity makes them particularly memorable when they occur.

Why Understanding Dismissals Matters

Knowing dismissal rules helps you understand:

• Scorecards
• Match reports
• Commentary
• Umpire decisions
• DRS reviews
• Bowling statistics
• Batting statistics

For someone learning cricket, understanding dismissals is almost as important as understanding runs and overs.

Easy Way to Remember the Main Six

Remember:

B C L R S H

B — Bowled

C — Caught

L — LBW

R — Run Out

S — Stumped

H — Hit Wicket

These six account for the vast majority of dismissals viewers commonly encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cricket Dismissals

What are the main types of dismissal in cricket?

The main dismissals are Bowled, Caught, LBW, Run Out, Stumped and Hit Wicket. The Laws also recognize several less common forms.

What is Bowled in cricket?

A batter is Bowled when a legal delivery puts down the striker’s wicket under the conditions of the Law.

What is Caught?

A batter is Caught when a fielder legally completes a catch after the ball has touched the bat, subject to the Law.

What is Caught Behind?

Caught Behind generally refers to a catch completed by the wicketkeeper after the ball edges the bat.

What is Caught and Bowled?

It occurs when the bowler catches the ball directly after it has been hit by the batter.

What does LBW mean?

LBW means Leg Before Wicket. It is a dismissal governed by several conditions involving where the ball pitched, where it struck the batter and whether it would have hit the wicket.

Can a batter be LBW if the ball pitches outside leg stump?

Under the standard LBW Law, a ball pitching outside leg stump cannot result in an LBW dismissal.

What is a Run Out?

A Run Out occurs when the wicket is put down while the batter is out of their ground in circumstances covered by the Run Out Law.

What is a Stumping?

A Stumping occurs when the wicketkeeper puts down the wicket while the batter is out of their ground and is not attempting a run, subject to the Law.

What is the difference between Run Out and Stumped?

The circumstances are different. Stumping has specific conditions involving the wicketkeeper and a batter who is not attempting a run, while Run Out covers a wider range of situations.

What is Hit Wicket?

Hit Wicket occurs when the batter breaks their own wicket during the relevant period of a delivery and the conditions of the Law are satisfied.

Can a batter be caught off a no-ball?

A batter cannot normally be dismissed Caught from a no-ball.

Can a batter be LBW off a no-ball?

No. LBW is not available from a no-ball.

Can a batter be run out off a no-ball?

Yes, depending on the circumstances.

Can a batter be stumped off a wide?

A batter cannot normally be dismissed Stumped from a wide.

What is Timed Out?

Timed Out occurs when an incoming batter fails to be ready within the required time and the conditions of the Law are satisfied.

Is retired hurt an out?

No. Retired hurt is not itself a dismissal. The batter may be able to return depending on the circumstances and applicable Laws.

What is retired out?

A batter who retires in circumstances that do not qualify as a permitted retirement can be recorded as Retired Out under the applicable Law.

Which is the most common dismissal in cricket?

Caught is generally the most common dismissal, although frequencies vary by format and conditions.

Does a run out count as a bowler’s wicket?

No. A Run Out is not credited to the bowler’s wicket tally.

Does a stumping count as a bowler’s wicket?

Yes, provided the dismissal is legally recorded as Stumped.

Does a caught dismissal count as a bowler’s wicket?

Yes, a Caught dismissal is credited to the bowler.

Final Thoughts

Cricket dismissals are where the game’s tactical complexity becomes visible.

A fast bowler may search for an outside edge.

A spinner may tempt a batter out of the crease.

A fielder may create a run-out opportunity.

A wicketkeeper may react in a fraction of a second to complete a stumping.

And sometimes, a batter can even dismiss themselves by breaking their own wicket.

The important lesson is that being “out” in cricket is not one single event.

There are multiple methods, each with its own conditions.

For beginners, remember the six dismissals you will encounter most often:

Bowled • Caught • LBW • Run Out • Stumped • Hit Wicket

Once these become familiar, scorecards, commentary and match situations become much easier to understand.

And that is one of the great pleasures of cricket: behind what may look like a simple wicket is an entire world of technique, strategy and Law.

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