Dead Ball – A Summary

Prepared by Alan Tuffery from an original ACU document.

DEAD BALL – AUTOMATICALLY

  1. Ball finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper.
  2. Ball finally settled in the hands of the bowler.
  3. On the call of ‘Time.’
  4. On the call of ‘Over.’
  5. On the ball reaching the boundary.
  6. On the ball pitching over the boundary.
  7. The ball lodging in the dress of the batsman.
  8. The ball lodging in the dress of the umpire.
  9. On the call of ‘Lost ball.’
  10. On a penalty being awarded for an illegal fielding act.
  11. On the dismissal of a batsman for any reason.
  12. When the ball lodges in the protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side.


BALL IS NOT DEAD – when

  1. It strikes an umpire (unless it lodges in his dress).
  2. The wicket is broken or struck down (unless a batsman is out thereby).
  3. An unsuccessful appeal is made.
  4. The wicket is broken accidentally either by the bowler during his delivery or by the batsman in running.
  5. The umpire has called ‘No ball’ or ‘Wide.’


BALL CEASES TO BE DEAD – when

  1. The bowler starts his run up or bowling action.


DEAD BALL – NON AUTOMATICALLY

Either umpire shall call and signal ‘Dead ball’ when:-

  1. He intervenes in a case of unfair play. (incommoding or obstructing a batsman).
  2. A serious injury to a player or umpire occurs.
  3. He is satisfied that, for an adequate reason, the striker is not ready to receive the ball and makes no attempt to play it.
  4. The bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery or the ball does not leave his hand for any reason.
  5. One or both bails fall from the striker’s wicket before he receives the delivery.
  6. He leaves his normal position for consultation.
  7. He is required to do so under Law 26.3 (Disallowance of Leg Byes) etc.


NOTE:-

  • If ‘Dead ball’ is called prior to the striker receiving a delivery, the bowler shall be allowed an additional ball.
  • If ‘Dead ball’ is called after the striker receives a delivery, the bowler shall not be allowed an additional ball, unless a ‘no ball’ or ‘wide’ has been called.