Cricket is a game of fixed laws, strategies, and ways to get a player out. For fans and inexperienced minds alike comes the question: For fans and newbies alike comes the question: In How many ways can a batsman get out? 11, as per the Laws of Cricket by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Let’s walk through all these 11 prosecutions with examples so they can help you better appreciate this interesting aspect of the game.
1. Bowled
This is the most straightforward way. Bowled shall occur when a lawful delivery strikes the stumps, and the bails are dislodged. Example: The ball seems to have passed right through the gap between the bat and the pad, but if it hits the stumps, the batsman shall be given out bowled.2. Caught
The batsman is caught out if he hits the ball with the bat or glove and it is caught by any fielder, wicket-keeper, or bowler before hitting the ground. Example: A badly-timed shot from the batsman goes to a fielder who catches it.3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
Given if certain conditions are met, LBW happens when the ball hits any part of the batter’s body (usually the leg) and would have hit the stumps. Example: If the batter misses the ball, and it strikes the pad in line with the stumps, they could be given out LBW.4. Run Out
This run out occurs when a batter, who is outside the crease, and the fielding side breaks the wicket while the ball is in play. Example: A fielder throws the ball at the stumps while the batter is trying to complete the run but is still short of the crease.5. Stumped
It occurs when the wicketkeeper puts down the wicket while the batter is out of their crease and not trying to take a run. Example: A batter steps out to hit a spinner but misses the ball, and the keeper stumps him.6. Hit Wicket
If a batter dislodges the bails with their bat or body by accident, either when playing a shot or setting off for a run, it is called hit wicket. Example: A batter’s helmet falls onto the stumps while playing a shot.7. Handled the Ball (Now classified under “Obstructing the Field”)
Previously a separate mode, this occurs when the batter deliberately touches the ball with a hand not holding the bat, without the fielding side’s consent. Note: This is now considered under “obstructing the field.”8. Obstructing the Field
If a batter deliberately obstructs the opposition by word or action, such as changing their running path to prevent a run out, they can be given out obstructing the field. Example: A batter intentionally blocks a throw from reaching the stumps.9. Hit the Ball Twice
A batter is out hit the ball twice if they intentionally strike the ball twice (not to protect their stumps). Example: After playing a shot, the batter hits the ball again to gain runs — that’s not allowed.10. Timed Out
A new batter must be ready to face the next ball within three minutes of a dismissal (in Test cricket) or 90 seconds (in T20s). Failure to do so results in a timed out dismissal. Example: A batter not arriving on the field in time after a wicket falls.11. Retired Out (Non-injury reasons)
This is rare and happens when a batter retires without the umpire’s permission and doesn’t resume their innings. This is not the same as ‘retired hurt’, which is permitted for injuries. Example: A batter walking off the field without a valid reason and not resuming their innings.Conclusion
How many possible instances of getting out is there in cricket? There are 11, from bowled and caught to timed out and obstructing the field. Having knowledge of these opens up your mind to appreciating the game and analyzing it while watching or playing it. As a beginner or a seasoned fan, the knowledge about the ways of getting out gives you a little more into cricket. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fan, these dismissals afford a deeper appreciation for the strategic depth of cricket.
