What Are the Different Types of Outs in Cricket? A Beginner’s Guide
Cricket is one of the most exciting sports in the world, full of action, skill, and strategy. But for beginners, it can be a bit confusing—especially when it comes to understanding how a batter can get out.
You might wonder, “What are the different types of outs in cricket?” or “How many types of outs in cricket are there?”
Well, you’re in the right place! This guide explains all 10 main types of outs in cricket in the simplest way possible—with examples to help you follow along.
Whether you’re a new fan or just starting to play, this easy guide is here to help you learn quickly.
Why Is It Important to Know About Dismissals?
Every dismissal in cricket can turn the match around. Teams celebrate it like a goal in football. Knowing how many outs in cricket are possible helps you understand the game’s rules, scoring, and turning points. If you’re a player, it helps you avoid getting out easily.
The 10 Main Types of Outs in Cricket (With Examples)
Let’s break down all the ways a batter can be dismissed in cricket:
1. Bowled
This is the most classic and straightforward type of out.
How it happens:
When the bowler delivers the ball, and it hits the stumps behind the batter, knocking the bails off.
Example:
A fast ball sneaks between the bat and pad, hits the stumps—out, bowled!
2. Caught
One of the most common ways a batter gets out.
How it happens:
If the ball touches the bat or glove and a fielder catches it before it hits the ground.
Example:
The batter plays a shot in the air, and the fielder catches it cleanly—out, caught!
3. Leg Before Wicket (LBW)
This one confuses a lot of beginners, but it’s simple when broken down.
How it happens:
If the ball hits the batter’s leg or body (not the bat) and the umpire thinks it would’ve hit the stumps, it’s LBW.
Example:
A spinner bowls, the batter misses, and it hits the leg pad in line with the stumps. Out!
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4. Run Out
This one is all about timing and communication.
How it happens:
While running between wickets, if the fielding side hits the stumps before the batter reaches the crease.
Example:
The batter tries a risky single. A fielder throws, hits the stumps. The batter is short—run out.
5. Stumped
Mostly happens against spin bowling.
How it happens:
If the batter steps out of the crease to hit the ball and misses it, the wicketkeeper can remove the bails before they return.
Example:
The batter charges down the pitch, misses, and the keeper removes the bails—stumped.
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6. Hit Wicket
It may sound silly, but it does happen.
How it happens:
If the batter hits their own stumps while trying to play a shot or running.
Example:
While swinging the bat, the batter’s foot knocks over the stumps. Out—hit wicket!
7. Obstructing the Field
This one’s about playing fair.
How it happens:
If the batter intentionally blocks a fielder from getting the ball.
Example:
The batter uses their hand to stop the ball from going to a fielder—obstructing the field.
8. Timed Out
This is rare but real.
How it happens:
The next batter must be ready within 3 minutes after a wicket. If not, they’re out.
Example:
The batter doesn’t show up in time. The fielding team appeals. Out—timed out!
9. Retired Out
This is different from being injured.
How it happens:
If a batter leaves the field without the umpire’s permission and doesn’t come back.
Example:
The batter walks off and doesn’t return. Scorecard says—retired out.
10. Hit the Ball Twice
A very rare dismissal, but it’s in the rules.
How it happens:
If the batter hits the ball more than once (except to protect the stumps), they are out.
Example:
The ball stops near the stumps. The batter hits it again to push it away. That’s illegal—out!
Quick Summary of All Outs in Cricket
| Type of Out | Common or Rare | Simple Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bowled | Common | Ball hits the stumps |
| Caught | Very Common | Fielder catches the ball before it bounces |
| LBW | Common | Ball hits leg/body instead of bat |
| Run Out | Common | Batter is short of crease while running |
| Stumped | Common | Keeper removes bails when batter is out |
| Hit Wicket | Rare | Batter hits own stumps |
| Obstructing the Field | Very Rare | Batter blocks fielders intentionally |
| Timed Out | Extremely Rare | Batter takes too long to come in |
| Retired Out | Rare | Batter leaves without permission |
| Hit the Ball Twice | Extremely Rare | Batter hits the ball more than once |
FAQs About Cricket Dismissals
What are the most common types of outs in cricket?
Caught, bowled, LBW, and run out are the most common.
How many outs are allowed per team in cricket?
Each team can lose 10 wickets in an innings (since 11 players bat, but two must be on the field).
Why does the umpire raise a finger?
To signal that the batter is out, usually after an appeal.
What does “not out” mean in cricket?
It means the batter is safe and continues to bat.
Who decides if a batter is out?
The on-field umpire decides, often using technology like DRS for reviews.
Will a batter be given out if the ball hits their pad?
Only if LBW rules apply. Otherwise, it’s not out.
Final Thoughts
Learning the different types of outs in cricket makes watching the game more exciting. You start to understand why players appeal, why umpires pause before making decisions, and how fielders celebrate.
If you’re just starting out, remember:
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There are 10 official types of dismissals.
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Some are very common, others are extremely rare.
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Knowing them helps you enjoy cricket more, whether you play or watch.
So next time you’re watching a match or holding a bat, you’ll know exactly what’s happening when a wicket falls!