1. Timed Out
Imagine getting out without even facing a ball. Under Law 40, an incoming batter has a limited time to be ready to play after the previous wicket falls. In international cricket, this is just two minutes. If they aren't ready to receive the ball (or for
their partner to receive it) within that window, the fielding side can appeal. If upheld, the player is dismissed 'Timed Out'. It's a rare dismissal, most famously seen when Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka was given out against Bangladesh in the 2023 World Cup due to a broken helmet strap delaying him.
2. Obstructing the Field
This rule is a catch-all for wilfully getting in the way of a fielder. A recent change consolidated the old 'Handled the Ball' dismissal into Law 37, 'Obstructing the Field'. Now, a batter can be given out if they deliberately use a hand not holding the bat to touch a live ball. It also covers actions like a batter deliberately changing their running path to block a throw at the stumps. The key is intent; the obstruction must be wilful for the umpire to give them out.
3. Hitting the Ball Twice
Generally, hitting the ball twice is a surefire way to get out. However, there is a crucial exception. According to Law 34, a batter is allowed to hit the ball a second time for the sole purpose of guarding their wicket. For instance, if the ball is trickling back towards the stumps after a defensive block, the batter can legally knock it away. But they cannot use this second hit to score runs; the ball becomes dead, and only the first run can be completed if they were already running.
4. Five Penalty Runs
Penalty runs are the game's way of punishing unfair play. One of the most peculiar ways for a batting side to gain five runs is if the ball hits a helmet belonging to the fielding side that has been placed on the ground, usually behind the wicket-keeper. Other infringements include 'fake fielding' (a fielder pretending to have the ball to deceive batters), or fielders deliberately damaging the pitch. These five runs are added to the batting team's total as extras.
5. Withdrawing an Appeal
This is a true gentleman's rule. Even after an umpire has raised their finger and dismissed a batter, the fielding captain has the power to withdraw the appeal. This must be done before the next ball is bowled and requires the umpire's consent. It's a rare act of sportsmanship, typically seen if a batter is run out after a collision or in other situations where the dismissal feels unjust. It acknowledges that the spirit of cricket can sometimes override the letter of the law.
6. Lost Ball
What happens if a massive six sends the ball into a place where it simply can't be found? Under Law 20, any fielder can call 'Lost Ball'. The umpire will then signal a dead ball, and play stops. The batting team is awarded any penalty runs, plus runs they've completed, and the run in progress if they had crossed. The ball is then replaced with one in a similar condition of wear and tear to ensure fairness.
7. Mankading Is Just a Run Out
The act of a bowler running out the non-striker for backing up too far before the ball is delivered is famously controversial and known as 'Mankading'. However, the laws are clear. In 2022, the MCC moved this dismissal from the 'Unfair Play' section to the regular 'Run Out' section, confirming its complete legitimacy. While it still sparks debate about sportsmanship, it is no different in legality from any other run out.
8. An Appeal Is Always Required
Here's a fun fact: an umpire cannot give a batter out unless the fielding side appeals. Even if the middle stump is sent cartwheeling out of the ground, a formal appeal of 'Howzat?' or something similar is technically required. While for obvious dismissals this is just a formality, for close calls like LBW or a faint edge, the appeal is the trigger for the umpire's decision. Without it, the batter is safe.
9. Returning the Ball Without Consent
A batter trying to be helpful can get themselves into trouble. If a batter picks up the ball and returns it to a fielder without getting their permission first, they can be given out for obstructing the field. While it often happens innocently, the rule exists to prevent any form of interference with the ball while it's in play. Most players now know to just leave the ball for the fielders or at least ask for consent before touching it.
10. The Match Isn't Over Until It's Over
A recent clarification to the laws reminds us that a match result isn't final the moment the winning runs are scored. The game is officially over only when the umpires leave the field. This means that if a player from the winning team commits a serious act of misconduct (like assaulting an opponent) after hitting the winning runs but before the umpires have left, penalty runs can still be awarded. In a bizarre but possible scenario, these penalty runs could be enough to reverse the match result.
