Ways in Which You Get Out in Cricket

Bowled

• One of the most recognizable and emphatic ways to get out, "bowled," is when the ball strikes the stumps behind the batsman, regardless of whether he hits the ball with his bat or body. After being struck, the stumps must be "put down," where at least one bail is removed.

Timed Out

• A batsman "timed out" is one who is not ready to receive the next ball after three minutes following the previous batsman's dismissal.

Caught

• A batsman is "caught" when the ball touches any part of his bat, including the handle, and is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground. A batsman is also out if the ball strikes any part of his glove of either hand, if it is holding the bat at the time of contact.

Handled the Ball

• "Handled the ball" dismissal occurs when a batsman touches the ball with a hand that is not touching the bat. This most commonly happens when a batsman picks the ball up and throws it to a fielder, which is done to quicken up the game. Almost always this is an acceptable action based on a gentleman's agreement, but MCC laws determine that a batsman should ask the fielding side's permission.

Hit the Ball Twice

• A batsman may be given out if he strikes the ball twice, including using his body, unless he is guarding his stumps. For example, sometimes when a batsman plays a stroke he inadvertently directs the ball towards his stumps. Then he may use his bat to block the ball and prevent it from hitting the stumps.

Hit Wicket

• Out "hit wicket" is when a batsman, after the bowler has entered his final stride before bowling the ball, puts down his own wicket. This is commonly when a batsman inadvertently strikes the stumps when lifting his bat, but also when he takes a backward stride to play a shot.

Leg Before Wicket

• Leg before wicket (lbw) is where the ball strikes the batsman's body (most commonly his leg) before hitting anything else. The ball would have gone on to hit the stumps, unless the ball pitches outside leg stump. It is when a batsman uses his body to prevent the stumps being hit. For a pictorial explanation of this often complex law, see the BBC Sport guide

Obstructing the Field

• "Obstructing the field" can occur either through action or words. It is where a batsman is deemed by the umpire to have obstructed a fielder, either by colliding with him or insulting him. For example, a batsman plays the ball in the air and is about to be caught, but runs into the fielder to prevent the catch -- out.

Run Out

• A batsman is "run out" when her wicket is put down and she is running between creases. Either batsman can be dismissed run out and either wicket can be put down during a run out. Run outs are valid even if the ball bowled was a "no ball" or a "wide".

Stumped

• A batsman is "stumped" if he leaves his crease and his wicket is put down by the wicketkeeper. For example, he attempts to play a stroke but misses the ball and, in doing so, leaves his crease. The wicketkeeper collects the ball and puts down his wicket to dismiss him.