Types of Catches in Cricket — From Slip to Catch and Bowled

A catch is one of cricket's most celebrated dismissals — the fielder must take clean possession of the ball before it touches the ground. But not all catches are equal in terms of difficulty, probability, or the fielding positions involved. From routine wicketkeeper catches to miraculous diving slip catches, the variety within 'caught out' is enormous.

Caught behind / wicketkeeper catch

When a batter edges the ball to the wicketkeeper, the dismissal is 'caught behind' or 'caught wicketkeeper bowler.' This is the most common catch dismissal type — edges off fast bowling and behind-square outside off stump. The DRS edge-detection technology (Snickometer, UltraEdge) is specifically designed for these very thin edges.

Slip catches

Slip fielders — positioned close behind the batter on the off side — catch edges that travel low and fast. First slip, second slip, and gully catches require excellent reflexes and concentration. Slip catching is considered the most difficult catching discipline because the ball arrives very quickly and unpredictably. Rahul Dravid (India) and Mark Taylor (Australia) are considered among the best slip catchers in history.

Catch-and-bowled

A catch-and-bowled (c&b) occurs when the batter hits the ball back towards the bowler, who takes the catch off their own bowling. It is one of cricket's most satisfying outcomes for a bowler — they have both beaten the batter and taken the catch. Spinners are most likely to take catch-and-bowled dismissals because their shorter run-up leaves them in a better position.

Outfield catches

Outfield catches — taken by deep mid-wicket, long-on, fine leg, or other boundary fielders — result from big shots that don't quite reach the boundary. Running catches taken by diving fielders at full stretch are among the most athletic plays in cricket. Jonty Rhodes (South Africa) set the standard for spectacular outfield fielding.