In cricket, a dead ball is when the ball is no longer considered in play. This occurs when both the fielding team and the batters at the wicket cease to treat the ball as live, according to the umpire.
Defining the Dead Ball
According to the official laws of cricket, specifically Law 20.1.2, a ball is considered dead when:
"...it is clear to the bowler's end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play."
Key Aspects of a Dead Ball
Here's a breakdown of the key factors that determine if a ball is dead:
- Mutual Cessation of Play: The defining factor is when both the fielding side and the batters indicate that they no longer consider the ball in play. This can happen in various scenarios, not solely when the ball stops moving.
- Umpire's Decision: Ultimately, it's the bowler's end umpire who decides when a ball is officially dead. This is regardless of whether the ball has come to a complete stop.
- Subjectivity: The judgment may vary based on individual interpretations of play ceasing. However, the umpire must be clear that the players no longer regard the ball as live.
Examples of Dead Ball Scenarios
Here are some typical examples of how a ball may become dead:
- Clear Boundaries: When a ball crosses the boundary for four or six, it immediately becomes dead.
- Catch: When a batter is caught out, the ball is dead as soon as the catch is completed.
- Hit Wicket: When the batter hits their own wicket, the ball becomes dead.
- Player Injury: If a player is injured and play stops, the ball is declared dead.
- Umpire Intervention: If the umpire signals a dead ball for other reasons, such as an obstruction on the field.
- Perceived End of Play: When all players on both sides believe the ball is no longer in play, even if it's still moving slightly, the umpire can declare a dead ball.
Why is a Dead Ball Important?
Understanding the concept of a dead ball is crucial because:
- No further runs can be scored. Once the ball is dead, batters cannot add runs.
- No dismissals can occur. Fielders cannot get the batter out.
- The game resumes from the next legal delivery. Once dead, the game restarts when a live ball is bowled.
Summary
In essence, a dead ball in cricket marks the end of a specific passage of play, often indicating the conclusion of an event or the cessation of action from both the batting and fielding side. The umpire’s interpretation of whether both teams consider the ball out of play is the deciding factor.
