From LBW to Run Out: All Types of Cricket Dismissals

Cricket is a game where every ball can change the match. One moment, a batsman is scoring runs; the next, they're walking back to the pavilion. But do you know all the types of outs in cricket?

From the classic bowled to the dramatic run out, cricket has many ways a batter can lose their wicket. Some dismissals are straightforward, while others spark heated debates among fans.

This guide breaks down every type of cricket dismissal, explaining the rules and sharing real-game examples. Whether you're new to cricket or a longtime fan, you'll learn something new about how batsmen get out.

1. Bowled – The Most Direct Way to Get Out

When the ball hits the stumps and knocks off the bails, the batsman is bowled out. This is one of the simplest types of outs in cricket—no fielders needed, just pure bowling skill.

How Does It Happen?

The bowler delivers a ball that beats the batsman's defense.
The ball strikes the stumps directly, dislodging at least one bail.
Even if the bat touches the ball first (an edge), it still counts as bowled.

Why Bowled Outs Are Exciting

Fast bowlers love clean-bowling batsmen with yorkers, while spinners trick them with sharp turns. Some unforgettable moments include:

Mitchell Starc’s 160 kph thunderbolt that shattered stumps.
Shane Warne’s "Ball of the Century" that bamboozled Mike Gatting.

2. Caught – Fielders Win the Game

A catch is when a fielder grabs the ball before it bounces after the batsman hits it. This is the most common type of cricket dismissal in all formats.

Key Rules for a Legal Catch

The ball must not touch the ground before being caught.
The fielder must have full control of the ball.
If the ball hits a helmet before being caught, it’s still out.

Greatest Catches in Cricket History

Jonty Rhodes’ flying run-out in the 1992 World Cup.
Kapil Dev’s game-changing catch to dismiss Viv Richards in the 1983 final.

3. LBW (Leg Before Wicket) – The Most Controversial Dismissal

LBW is one of the most debated types of outs in cricket. It happens when the ball hits the batsman’s leg in line with the stumps, preventing a likely wicket.

When Is LBW Given?

The ball must pitch in line or outside off stump.
It should hit the pad in line with the stumps.
The umpire must believe the ball would have hit the stumps.

Why LBW Causes Arguments

Even with DRS (Decision Review System), close calls divide opinions. Hawk-Eye predictions sometimes show the ball just clipping the stumps—leaving fans and players frustrated.

4. Run Out – Speed vs. Precision

A run out happens when fielders break the stumps before the batsman reaches the crease. It’s one of the most thrilling types of cricket dismissals, often changing the game in seconds.

How to Avoid Getting Run Out?

Quick communication between batsmen.
Sharp sprints between the wickets.
Avoiding risky singles under pressure.

Unforgettable Run-Out Moments

MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast stumpings.
Jasprit Bumrah’s direct hits in crucial matches.

5. Stumped – The Wicketkeeper’s Magic

When a batsman steps out of the crease, and the wicketkeeper removes the bails, it’s called a stumping. Spinners often create these chances by luring batsmen forward.

When Does Stumping Count?

The batsman must be outside the crease.
The keeper must collect the ball cleanly.
No part of the bat or body should be behind the line.

Best Stumpers in Cricket

Adam Gilchrist’s quick hands.
Kumar Sangakkara’s flawless technique.

6. Hit Wicket – When Batsmen Beat Themselves

A rare but funny dismissal, hit wicket occurs when the batsman accidentally knocks the stumps while playing a shot or moving.

How Does It Happen?

The bat or body hits the stumps during play.
Even losing balance and dislodging the bails counts.

Memorable Hit Wicket Moments

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s dismissal while attempting a pull shot in 2019.
Malcolm Nash hitting his own stumps in a 1969 match.

7. Retired Out – A Tactical Exit

Unlike other types of cricket dismissals, retired out is when a batsman leaves voluntarily, usually for team strategy.

When Do Teams Use It?

In T20s to send in a stronger hitter.
If a player is injured and can’t continue.

Famous Example

Ravichandran Ashwin became the first IPL player to retire out tactically in 2022.

Rare Types of Outs in Cricket

While the above dismissals are common, cricket has some unusual ways to get out:

8. Handled the Ball

If a batsman intentionally touches the ball with their hand, they’re out. This rule was removed in 2017 and merged with obstructing the field.

9. Obstructing the Field

When a batsman deliberately blocks fielders from making a play.

10. Hit the Ball Twice

Hitting the ball a second time to protect the stumps is illegal unless it’s for defense.

11. Timed Out

If a new batsman takes more than 3 minutes to arrive, they’re given out. This happened only once in international cricket (Angelo Mathews, 2023).

FAQs About Cricket Dismissals

1. What is the rarest way to get out in cricket?

Timed out is the rarest, followed by handled the ball.

2. Can a batsman be out without the ball hitting the stumps?

Yes, in dismissals like caught, stumped, and run out, the stumps aren’t required to be hit.

3. Why is LBW so controversial?

Because umpires must predict if the ball would have hit the stumps, leading to close calls.

4. How many ways can a batsman be out in cricket?

There are 11 official ways, but only 7-8 are common.

5. Will a batsman be out if the bails don’t fall?

No, the bails must be completely dislodged for most dismissals.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the types of outs in cricket makes the game more exciting. Whether it's a stunning catch, a fiery yorker, or a clever stumping, each dismissal adds drama to the match.

Next time you watch cricket, see if you can spot these dismissals—it’ll make you appreciate the sport even more!