What Is a Dead Ball in Cricket? The Rule Explained
by The team at Western Sports Centre, Derrimut on Jul 06, 2023A dead ball means the ball is out of play. While it's dead, no runs can be scored and no one can be out. Most of the time the ball becomes dead on its own, for example when it's back with the keeper or bowler, or after a boundary. Sometimes the umpire calls and signals "dead ball" to stop play. The rules are in Law 20 of the Laws of Cricket, which was updated on 1 October 2026.
When does the ball become dead by itself?
- It's finally settled. Play has clearly finished, and the ball is in the hands of a fielder, the keeper or the bowler, or still on the ground. Since 2026, it doesn't have to be with the keeper or bowler. The umpire decides when the ball is settled.
- A boundary is scored (a four or a six).
- A batter is out.
- The ball gets stuck in a batter's clothing or equipment, between the bat and the batter's body, or in an umpire's clothing.
- Penalty runs are awarded for certain offences.
When does the umpire call "dead ball"?
Either umpire can call and signal dead ball (by crossing and uncrossing their wrists below the waist). Common reasons include:
- A player is seriously injured and needs help.
- The batter wasn't ready, for example if something distracted them as the bowler ran in, and they pulled away.
- The ball slips out of the bowler's hand before delivery, or isn't really delivered, such as flying backwards.
- A bail falls off by itself before the batter receives the ball.
- The ball is lost and can't be found.
- The umpire needs to deal with unfair play.
Does a dead ball count as one of the over?
Usually not, if dead ball is called before the batter has had a chance to play the ball. The bowler bowls it again. If the batter has already received the ball, it normally counts.
When does the ball come back into play?
The ball becomes live again as soon as the bowler starts their run-up, or their bowling action if they have no run-up.
Common myths
| Myth | The real rule |
|---|---|
| A ball that lodges in a fielder's helmet is dead. | Not any more. Since 2017, a batter can be caught if the ball hits or lodges in a helmet worn by a fielder or keeper. |
| A ball that bounces more than twice is a dead ball. | No. It's a no ball, and so is a ball that rolls along the ground. |
| The ball is dead when it hits the umpire. | No. It stays live unless it lodges in the umpire's clothing. |
| A wide or no ball makes the ball dead. | No. Batters can still run, and can still be run out or stumped (stumped from a wide only). |
Frequently asked questions
Can you be run out off a dead ball?
No. Nobody can be out while the ball is dead. That's why the timing of "finally settled" matters, especially when a batter wanders out of their ground after a ball.
What's the signal for dead ball?
The umpire crosses and uncrosses their wrists below the waist.
Is "dead ball" the same as "time"?
Not quite. "Time" is called at the end of a session or the match, and it also makes the ball dead.
Learn more
Read our plain-English guide to the Laws and rules of cricket, or our guide to the cricket field. Need gear for the season? Visit us at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut or browse our cricket balls.
