Cricket is more than just bat and ball—it’s a game of fine margins, quick decisions, and smart plays. One of the most crucial parts of the game is how a batter gets out. Understanding the different types of outs in cricket helps fans, beginners, and even young players appreciate the game on a deeper level.
If you’ve ever wondered how many types of outs in cricket there are, the answer is 10 primary ways. Each one has its own rules and unique moments. This blog will break down all types of outs in cricket in simple terms, with clear examples and insights that make the learning process fun and engaging.
Let’s jump into it!
Why Understanding Dismissals Matters
Knowing how many outs in cricket helps you understand the game’s flow. Dismissals shift momentum, change tactics, and create some of the most memorable moments. Whether you’re playing, watching, or just learning, it’s important to recognize each type of out.
1. Bowled
This is one of the most thrilling and clean dismissals in cricket.
What happens?
The bowler delivers the ball, and it hits the stumps. If the bails are dislodged, the batter is out.
Key Points:
- The ball may touch the bat or pad before hitting the stumps.
- It must not touch another player before doing so.
Real Example:
A bowler delivers a perfect yorker that sneaks under the bat and crashes into middle stump. The bails fly. That’s a classic bowled dismissal.
2. Caught
Simple but often dramatic.
What happens?
If the ball touches the batter’s bat or glove and is caught by a fielder without bouncing, the batter is out.
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Important to Know:
- It can happen anywhere on the field.
- It includes catches taken by the wicketkeeper and slip fielders.
Real Example:
A batter tries a lofted shot but mistimes it. The ball goes high and lands safely into the hands of a fielder at long-off. That’s caught!
3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
This one can confuse new fans, but it’s common in every format.
What happens?
If the ball would have hit the stumps but instead hits the batter’s leg or body (without hitting the bat), the umpire can give them out.
Key Rules:
- The ball must pitch in line with the stumps or outside off-stump.
- The impact must be in line unless no shot is offered.
Real Example:
A spinner bowls a straight delivery. The batter misses, and the ball hits the pad. It’s hitting the stumps. Umpire raises the finger. Out LBW.
4. Run Out
A run out adds drama and sharp fielding brilliance to the game.
What happens?
While running between wickets, if the fielding team hits the stumps before the batter reaches the crease, it’s a run out.
Happens Due To:
- Miscommunication between batters
- Fast, accurate throws
- Poor judgment of runs
Real Example:
The batter runs a quick single. A direct throw from mid-off hits the stumps. Replay shows the batter was inches short. Run out!
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5. Stumped
This requires lightning-fast reflexes—mainly from the wicketkeeper.
What happens?
If the batter steps out of the crease and misses the ball, the wicketkeeper can knock off the bails.
Important Facts:
- Common against spin bowling
- The batter must not be attempting a run
Real Example:
A batter charges down to a leg-spinner, misses the ball, and before they can get back, the keeper whips the bails off. Stumped cleanly.
6. Hit Wicket
Yes, you can get yourself out by hitting your own stumps!
What happens?
If the batter dislodges the bails with their bat, foot, helmet, or body during the act of playing a shot or starting a run, they are out.
Common Scenarios:
- Batters losing balance
- Swiveling while playing aggressive shots
Real Example:
While attempting a big pull shot, the batter’s back foot hits the stumps. The bails fall. Hit wicket!
7. Obstructing the Field
Fair play is key in cricket, and this dismissal ensures just that.
What happens?
If a batter intentionally blocks a fielder or alters the ball’s path using body or bat, they are out.
It Must Be Intentional:
- Unintentional obstruction isn’t out
- Can include verbal or physical interference
Real Example:
A batter stops the ball from hitting the stumps with his hand without permission from a fielder. That’s obstructing the field.
8. Timed Out
Rare, but it can happen in unusual situations.
What happens?
A new batter must be ready to face the next ball within 3 minutes of a wicket falling. If not, they are out.
Common in:
- Slow transitions
- Miscommunications in the dressing room
Real Example:
The next batter doesn’t arrive in time. Fielding team appeals. Umpire confirms—timed out.
9. Retired Out
Different from ‘retired hurt’, this one is deliberate and unusual.
What happens?
A batter walks off the field without a genuine reason (like injury) and doesn’t return. The scorecard will record them as retired out.
Used in:
- Warm-up games
- Strategic reasons in non-competitive matches
Real Example:
A batter in a practice match walks off to give others a chance to bat. They are marked retired out.
10. Hit the Ball Twice
Another rare but very specific dismissal.
What happens?
If a batter intentionally hits the ball twice (not in defense of the wicket), they are out.
Clarified By Law:
- First hit is legal
- Second intentional hit (except to protect stumps) is not
Real Example:
The ball hits the bat and starts rolling toward the stumps. The batter kicks it away. The fielding team appeals. Out—hit the ball twice.
Fast Facts: Dismissals in Cricket
- 10 primary types of dismissals
- Caught is the most common, making up over 50% of all outs in cricket
- Some dismissals are so rare they have happened fewer than 10 times in professional cricket history
Why It Matters to Know How a Batter Can Be Out
Understanding all types of outs in cricket makes watching and playing the game far more exciting. You’ll know when to expect an appeal, how decisions are made, and why certain dismissals are praised or criticized.
It also helps you:
- Learn match strategies
- Understand umpiring decisions
- Improve your own game if you play
Related FAQs
How many types of outs in cricket exist officially?
There are 10 officially recognized types of outs according to the laws of cricket.
What is the rarest type of dismissal?
Timed out and hit the ball twice are among the rarest. They’ve happened only a handful of times in top-level cricket.
Who decides if a batter is out?
The on-field umpire makes the decision, often with help from the third umpire in modern games.
Why is LBW sometimes controversial?
Because it involves multiple conditions—pitching, impact, and trajectory—it can lead to close calls and challenges using DRS (Decision Review System).
Will a batter be out if the ball hits their body?
Only if the LBW rules are satisfied. Otherwise, hitting the body alone doesn’t make the batter out.
Where can a batter be stumped?
Only at the striker’s end, and only by the wicketkeeper—not at the non-striker’s end.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the types of outs in cricket adds depth to your understanding of the sport. Whether you’re curious about how many outs in cricket can happen or want to follow the action more closely, this knowledge makes every match more enjoyable.
With fast bowlers rattling stumps, spinners tricking batters into stumping, or fielders pulling off lightning-quick run outs, each dismissal tells its own story.
Now that you know how many types of outs in cricket there are and how each works, you’re ready to enjoy the game like never before.
