A dead ball is a common signal by the umpire in a cricket game. However, not many know that there are various other reasons when a ball is dead apart from the obvious causes. In this article, we take a look at four reasons you might not know why a delivery is called a dead ball in cricket.
Cricket is actually a game with a lot of depth. There are plenty of rules and most of them are not activated very often. Nevertheless, it becomes a topic of discussion whenever a not so noticed rule comes into the picture. It has happened many times and this has led to a lot of controversies before.
1) When the ball is trapped between clothing or equipment
We have often seen that the ball could stuck between a batter’s pads. It also happens that the ball is stuck in the clothing of either a fielder or a batter. Actually, in such a scenario, the delivery can be called a dead ball. However, it needs to be noticed in what context this happens. If a bowler bowls a good delivery and the ball somehow gets trapped, it is unfair that the delivery is called as a dead ball. However, that is the rule and needs to be followed.
2) When a batter gets out
It is such a common occurence but as per the rules, a ball is considered “dead” as soon as a batter gets out or a boundary or a six is scored. This is the exact reason why TV umpires come into the picture when there is a run out in which both batters get out. In this scenario, it will be seen who gets out first. After this wicket, the ball becomes dead and therefore, even if the other batter is out, he cannot be asked to leave the field. The same stands good whenever the ball crosses the boundary.
3) If a player comes onto the field while the ball is in play
Usually, we have seen that when a team is close to winning a big game, the players wait outside the boundary line to start to run onto the field in celebration. However, if the ball is still active in play and if a player comes onto the field, the delivery can be called a dead ball and could have to be bowled again. There have been many instances when this has happened.
4) An umpire can announce a dead ball at his discretion
Apart from the rules mentioned in the laws, an umpire can announce a dead ball at his discretion. This mainly happens when a batter opts out to face a delivery or in case if there is an injury. Even if there is unexpected interruption, too, an umpire can call a dead ball.
