Caught and Bowled in Cricket Explained — How the C&B Dismissal Works
A caught and bowled is when the bowler catches their own delivery after it is hit back by the batter. Learn how it differs from other catches, when it counts, and why it is one of cricket's most satisfying dismissals.
A caught and bowled (C&B) dismissal is when the bowler catches the ball directly after it has been struck by the bat, without the ball touching the ground, another fielder, or the umpire. The batter is given out caught — the bowler's name appears as both the bowler and the fielder who took the catch on the scorecard, shown as 'c & b [bowler name]'.
Why the caught and bowled is special
Most catches are taken by fielders at slip, gully, mid-on, or in the deep. In those cases, the ball travels some distance before reaching the fielder. A caught and bowled requires the bowler to react within fractions of a second — the ball is returning directly back at the bowler, sometimes with significant pace when a batter miscues a drive. The combination of quick reflexes, soft hands, and correct positioning makes a C&B one of cricket's most admired moments.
Rules governing caught and bowled
Under Law 33, a batter is out caught if the ball touches the bat or glove (while glove is on the bat handle) and is caught before hitting the ground. A C&B is simply a caught dismissal where the bowler happens to be the catcher. The same rules apply: the ball must not have bounced, and the catch must be completed (ball held securely in the hand/s). If the ball pops out of the bowler's hands, it is not out.
On the scorecard
On a scorecard, a caught and bowled appears as 'c & b [bowler name]' in the batter's dismissal column, and the bowler receives the wicket in their bowling figures. It is identical to any other caught dismissal in terms of bowling figures — one wicket to the bowler. The C&B appears distinctively on the scorecard because the same name appears twice.
Frequently asked questions
What is caught and bowled in cricket?
Caught and bowled (C&B) is a dismissal where the bowler catches their own delivery directly after it has been hit by the batter, without the ball touching the ground. It counts as a caught wicket and is credited to the bowler.
How is caught and bowled written on a scorecard?
On a scorecard, a caught and bowled is written as 'c & b [bowler name]' in the batter's dismissal row. The same player's name appears as both bowler and catcher.
Is caught and bowled different from a normal catch?
In terms of dismissal type it is the same — the batter is out caught. The difference is that the bowler, rather than another fielder, takes the catch. The ball must be caught before it touches the ground, just as for any other caught dismissal.