Types Of Wickets In Cricket
Introduction
Cricket, often hailed as a gentleman’s game, is replete with nuances and intricacies that fascinate enthusiasts worldwide. Central to the sport is the concept of wickets, the ultimate objective for bowlers and fielders. There are eleven types of wickets in cricket. These wickets, though seemingly straightforward, encompass a variety of types, each with its own set of strategies and challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the diverse types of wickets in cricket, shedding light on their significance and impact on the game.
Types Of Wickets In Cricket: Eleven Types
Clean Bowled:
One of the most iconic dismissals in cricket, being clean bowled refers to the scenario where the batsman misses the ball completely, and it hits the stumps behind him. This dismissal often showcases the bowler’s skill in outsmarting the batsman with pace, swing, or spin. It requires precision and accuracy to hit the stumps, leaving the batsman without a chance to defend or counter-attack.
Caught:
Another classic mode of dismissal, a catch involves the ball being struck by the bat and subsequently caught by a fielder without it touching the ground. Caught dismissals can occur off both the bat’s edge and the middle, depending on the quality of the shot played by the batsman. Fielders in key positions, such as slip, gully, and outfield, play a crucial role in effecting these dismissals through agility and anticipation.
LBW (Leg Before Wicket):
LBW is a dismissal unique to cricket, where the ball hits the batsman’s leg before striking the bat and would have gone on to hit the stumps. This mode of dismissal often sparks controversy and debate due to the interpretation of umpiring decisions regarding factors like the ball’s trajectory, impact outside the line of off-stump, and the batsman’s stance. It adds an element of strategy for bowlers, who aim to deceive batsmen with variations in pace, line, and length.
Stumped:
Stumping occurs when the batsman, while attempting a shot, leaves his crease, and the wicketkeeper removes the bails with the ball in hand, provided the batsman is not grounded behind the popping crease. This dismissal primarily targets batsmen who are aggressive or unsettled by spin bowling, often leaving their crease to play attacking shots. Wicketkeepers with quick reflexes and anticipation excel in effecting stumpings, adding value to their role in the team.
Run Out:
Run out is a collaborative effort between fielders to dismiss a batsman while attempting a run. It involves accurate throwing, agile fielding, and precise coordination among fielders to dismantle the batsmen’s communication and execution of the run. Run outs can occur due to direct hits on the stumps or through the wicketkeeper’s swift action in removing the bails when the batsman is out of his crease.
Handled the Ball:
This rare mode of dismissal occurs when a batsman deliberately handles the ball, excluding the field of play, to prevent it from hitting the stumps or being caught by a fielder. It requires a conscious act by the batsman, making it one of the least observed modes of dismissal in professional cricket.
Hit Wicket:
Hit wicket refers to a batsman dislodging the bails with any part of his body or equipment while attempting a shot or setting off for a run. It can result from a lack of balance, misjudgment of footwork, or incidental contact with the stumps during the course of play. Hit wicket dismissals often highlight the mental pressure and intensity of the game, where split-second decisions can have significant consequences.
Obstructing the Field:
Similar to handling the ball, obstructing the field involves a batsman intentionally impeding a fielder’s attempt to field the ball. This could include physically blocking the fielder, altering the direction of the ball, or distracting the fielding side deliberately. While rare, this mode of dismissal underscores the importance of sportsmanship and fair play in cricket.
Timed Out:
Timed out dismissals occur when the incoming batsman fails to arrive at the crease within a stipulated time after the dismissal of the previous batsman. This dismissal is exceedingly rare in professional cricket but highlights the importance of adherence to the game’s rules and regulations.
Hitting the Ball Twice:
Hitting the ball twice dismissals occur when a batsman strikes the ball more than once with his bat during the course of a single delivery. This mode of dismissal is rare and often results from the batsman’s attempt to protect his wicket by playing the ball a second time.
Retired Out:
Retired out dismissals occur when a batsman voluntarily retires from their innings due to injury, illness, or any other valid reason. While not considered a conventional mode of dismissal, retired out reflects the batsman’s decision to withdraw from the game temporarily.
The eleven types of wickets in cricket encapsulate the sport’s rich tapestry of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Each mode of dismissal adds a layer of complexity to the game, highlighting the dynamic interplay between bat and ball. Understanding these wickets not only deepens one’s appreciation for cricket but also underscores the sport’s enduring appeal as a testament to human skill and endeavor.
Some World Famous Wickets
Cricket, a sport revered for its moments of brilliance and drama, has witnessed numerous iconic wickets that have left an indelible mark on the game’s history. From stunning catches to sublime deliveries, these wickets showcase the skill, passion, and tenacity of cricketers on the field.
- Shane Warne’s ‘Ball of the Century’:
No discussion of famous wickets in cricket history would be complete without mentioning Shane Warne‘s legendary delivery to Mike Gatting in the 1993 Ashes series. Dubbed the ‘Ball of the Century,’ Warne’s delivery pitched outside leg stump and spun sharply to clip the top of Gatting’s off stump. This iconic wicket not only announced Warne’s arrival on the international stage but also revolutionized the art of leg-spin bowling.
- Kapil Dev’s Catch to Dismiss Viv Richards, 1983 World Cup Final:
In the 1983 World Cup final between India and the West Indies, Kapil Dev produced a moment of magic to dismiss the dangerous Viv Richards. Richards unleashed a ferocious drive off Madan Lal’s bowling, only to see Kapil Dev sprinting back from mid-on to take a stunning catch over his shoulder. This wicket turned the tide in India’s favor and played a pivotal role in their historic victory.
- Andrew Flintoff’s LBW to Dismiss Ricky Ponting, 2005 Ashes:
During the 2005 Ashes series, Andrew Flintoff produced a memorable delivery to dismiss Australian captain Ricky Ponting in the second Test at Edgbaston. Bowling round the wicket, Flintoff angled the ball in to Ponting, who was trapped plumb in front of the stumps. This dismissal swung the momentum in England’s favor and set the tone for one of the most thrilling Ashes series in history.
- Courtney Walsh’s Last Over, 1987 World Cup:
In a display of sportsmanship and integrity, West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh famously chose not to run out Pakistan’s No. 11 batsman, Saleem Jaffar, for backing up too far in the 1987 World Cup match. With Pakistan needing two runs to win off the final ball, Walsh could have easily run Jaffar out, but he opted to uphold the spirit of the game. This act of fair play resonated with cricket fans worldwide and solidified Walsh’s reputation as a true gentleman of the sport.
- Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800th Test Wicket:
In his final Test match for Sri Lanka against India in 2010, Muttiah Muralitharan claimed his 800th Test wicket, dismissing Indian tailender Pragyan Ojha lbw. Muralitharan’s record-breaking achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history, surpassing the previous record held by Shane Warne. His unparalleled skill and longevity continue to inspire aspiring spin bowlers around the world.
- Jonty Rhodes’ Run Out of Inzamam-ul-Haq, 1992 World Cup:
Jonty Rhodes’ run out of Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup remains etched in cricketing folklore as one of the greatest fielding efforts of all time. Chasing a wide delivery from South African bowler Allan Donald, Inzamam attempted a quick single, only to be thwarted by Rhodes’ lightning-fast pick-up and direct hit from backward point. This iconic run out showcased Rhodes’ athleticism and revolutionized the role of fielding in cricket.
- Glenn McGrath’s Delivery to Dismiss Sachin Tendulkar, 1999 Test Series:
During the 1999 Test series between Australia and India, Glenn McGrath produced a peach of a delivery to dismiss Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Bowling from around the wicket, McGrath angled the ball in to Tendulkar, who was beaten for pace and trapped lbw. This wicket epitomized McGrath’s mastery of line and length and his ability to trouble even the best batsmen in the world.
- Wasim Akram’s Hat-Trick in the 1999 World Cup:
During a group stage match against Zimbabwe in the 1999 World Cup, Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram achieved a rare feat by claiming a hat-trick. Akram dismissed Henry Olonga, Adam Huckle, and Pommie Mbangwa off consecutive deliveries to etch his name in cricketing history. His lethal combination of swing and seam bowling made him a nightmare for batsmen throughout his illustrious career.
- Nathan Lyon’s Run Out to Clinch the Ashes, 2019:
In the final moments of the 2019 Ashes series between England and Australia, off-spinner Nathan Lyon had a chance to run out England’s Jack Leach and secure victory for Australia. With England needing just one run to win, Lyon fumbled a simple run-out opportunity, allowing Leach to scamper back to safety. However, Lyon redeemed himself on the very next ball, running out Leach with a direct hit from close range to seal the Ashes for Australia.
