Beyond Bowled, Caught, and LBW
When we think of cricket dismissals, a few classics come to mind: bowled, caught, LBW. But cricket’s rulebook is much bigger and sometimes, stranger. Imagine a batsman getting out without even facing a ball, or being dismissed for simply blocking a throw with his hand. Sounds bizarre, right?
Yet, these strange dismissals in cricket are very much a part of cricket’s history. Some are funny, some are controversial, and others spark debates about sportsmanship. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the strangest ways batters have been dismissed in cricket, with examples, controversies, and famous incidents that shook the cricketing world.
Timed Out: Out Without Facing a Ball
One of the rarest dismissals in cricket is being timed out.
What Does Timed Out Mean?
According to the laws of cricket, when a batsman is dismissed, the next batter must be ready to face the ball within two minutes. If they fail to do so, the fielding team can appeal, and the new batter is given timed out.
Famous Example
- In November 2023, Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka became the first international cricketer in history to be given timed out. His helmet strap broke just as he walked in to bat against Bangladesh during the ODI World Cup. Shakib Al Hasan appealed, and Mathews was controversially sent back without facing a delivery.
This sparked heated debates: should spirit of the game come before rules, or were Bangladesh simply playing within the laws?
Obstructing the Field: When a Batter Interferes
Another strange dismissal is obstructing the field.
What Does It Mean?
If a batter intentionally prevents a fielder from collecting or throwing the ball, either by using his body or bat in a way that isn’t natural — he can be given out for obstructing the field.
Historical Note
Earlier, there was a separate dismissal called “Handled the Ball”, where a batsman was given out for touching the ball with his hands. But since 2017, the rule was merged into obstructing the field.
Famous Example
- Pakistan vs India, Champions Trophy 2017: Virat Kohli blocked a throw with his hand. Had Pakistan appealed, he could have been declared out under this law.
This dismissal remains rare, but every time it happens, it creates drama.
Hit Wicket: Out by Your Own Stumps
Among strange dismissals in cricket, hit wicket is more common yet still amusing.
What Does Hit Wicket Mean?
A batsman is out hit wicket if, while playing a shot or setting off for a run, they accidentally dislodge the stumps with their bat, helmet, or body.
Famous Incidents
- In 2012, Inzamam-ul-Haq famously hit his own stumps while trying to play a pull shot.
- Even legends like Brian Lara and Alan Border have been victims of this self-inflicted dismissal.
It’s one of those moments where the crowd gasps, and the batter just shakes their head in disbeliefMankading: The Spirit of Cricket Debate
Possibly the most controversial dismissal in modern cricket — Mankading.
What Is Mankading?
If the bowler, before releasing the ball, notices the non-striker leaving the crease early, he can whip off the bails and run him out.
Why the Controversy?
Even though it’s completely legal, critics argue it goes against the “spirit of cricket.” Supporters, however, say a batter should not steal ground before the ball is delivered.
Famous Examples
- Deepti Sharma (India) vs Charlie Dean (England) at Lord’s, 2022: sparked a global debate.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) vs Shadab Khan (Pakistan), 2023: reignited discussions about fairness.
Since 2022, ICC officially moved Mankading under the run-out law, giving it full legitimacy.
Run-Out Without Intention
Sometimes, a batter isn’t even attempting a run yet gets run out!
How Does It Happen?
- If the ball is still in play (not declared dead), and the batter is outside his crease, a fielder can hit the stumps and appeal.
- Even if the batter was simply walking around or confused, the dismissal stands.
This is one of the harshest ways to lose a wicket, and it usually happens due to miscommunication or carelessness.
Rare and Forgotten Dismissals in Cricket
Beyond these, cricket’s lawbook mentions several dismissals that rarely happen but remain technically possible.
List of Rare Dismissals
- Retired Out: A batter leaves the field without the umpire’s permission and cannot continue. Rarely used, but seen in domestic cricket.
- Double Hit: If a batter intentionally hits the ball twice, they are out. (Allowed only if done to protect their stumps.)
- Handled Ball (Historic): Before 2017, touching the ball with a hand not holding the bat was a separate dismissal.
Why Do These Rare Dismissals Matter?
While they may seem unusual, these strange dismissals in cricket:
- Add drama and unpredictability to the game.
- Keep players disciplined and mindful of every rule.
- Spark debates about the laws vs spirit of cricket.
In short, they make cricket not just a sport, but a game full of stories and controversies.
FAQ’s About Strange Dismissals in Cricke
Q1: What is the rarest dismissal in cricket?
Timed out is the rarest it has only happened once in international cricket (Angelo Mathews, 2023).
Q2: Is Mankading legal or illegal?
It is 100% legal and falls under the run-out rule. The controversy is about sportsmanship, not legality.
Q3: Can a batter be out without facing a ball?
Yes — via timed out, obstructing the field, or even run-out at the non-striker’s end.
Q4: What is the difference between handled ball and obstructing the field?
Handled ball is now merged into obstructing the field since 2017.
Q5: Can a batter be dismissed for hitting the ball twice?
Yes, but only if the second hit is intentional and not just to protect the stumps.
Cricket’s Weird Side
Cricket is often called a gentleman’s game, but these strange dismissals in cricket remind us it can also be unpredictable, bizarre, and even controversial. From Angelo Mathews’ timed out to Deepti Sharma’s Mankading, these dismissals add spice to cricket’s story.
So, what do you think? Which dismissal feels the most unfair or the most entertaining? Let us know in the comments below!
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