Caught Behind: Edges, Nicks, and Wicketkeeper Catches Explained
Caught behind — where the batsman edges the ball to the wicketkeeper — is one of cricket's most common dismissals in Test cricket. This guide explains how edges are detected, the role of DRS in reviewing caught-behind decisions, and the skill of wicketkeepers and slips in taking edges.
Caught behind (or 'caught behind wicket') is when a batsman edges the ball from the bat and the wicketkeeper catches it before it bounces. It accounts for approximately 20-25% of all Test wicket dismissals and is particularly common in seam-friendly conditions where the ball moves late. A 'nick' is an edge of varying thickness: a thick edge travels quickly to the slips; a thin edge barely deflects and is caught by the wicketkeeper diving low.
Detecting Edges
Edges are sometimes obvious — the ball flies to slip at high speed, clearly off the bat. But thin edges are among cricket's most contentious decisions. The umpire must determine whether the ball contacted the bat (an edge) or bat handle, pad, or gloves (which may or may not count as bat contact depending on sequence). Thin edges produce a faint click that experienced fielding sides appeal for with certainty; umpires must detect the sound and trajectory deflection simultaneously under pressure.
Slip Catching vs Wicketkeeper Taking Edges
Who catches the edge depends on the pace and line of the delivery. Fast bowling edges tend to travel quickly to the slip cordon — a thick outside edge at 145 kph will reach slip in less than 0.2 seconds. The wicketkeeper typically catches thin edges and inside edges that deflect behind square. Spinners generate more wicketkeeper catches because edges off spin bowling are slower and often deflect toward the keeper standing up to the stumps. The positioning of the slip cordon (how many slips, how close) is calibrated to the pace, movement, and length of expected deliveries.
Gloves and Bat Rules
A batsman can be given out caught behind if the ball hits their bat or a gloved hand that is in contact with the bat handle. If the ball hits a glove not holding the bat (e.g., the bottom glove slipped off), it is not out caught. This distinction requires umpires to track glove position precisely — another reason DRS technology is valuable for caught-behind reviews.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'caught behind' mean in cricket?
Caught behind means a batsman edged the ball onto their bat or gloved hand (while holding the bat) and the wicketkeeper caught it before it bounced. It is one of the most common dismissals in Test cricket, particularly effective in seam-bowling conditions.
How does DRS detect edges in cricket?
DRS uses two main tools to detect edges: Hot Spot (infrared imaging that detects heat from friction where the ball contacts the bat) and Snickometer/Ultra Edge (audio waveform analysis that shows sound spikes at the moment of bat-ball contact). Both are used together to confirm genuine edges in caught-behind reviews.
Can a batsman be out if the ball hits their glove?
Yes — if the ball hits the gloved hand that is holding the bat handle, the batsman can be given out caught. The glove must be in contact with the bat. If the ball hits a glove that is not holding the bat, the batsman cannot be given out caught (though they may still be out leg before wicket or stumped).