Caught Behind in Cricket: How the Dismissal Works
A caught-behind dismissal occurs when the batter edges the ball and the wicketkeeper or slip fielders catch it before it touches the ground.
Caught behind is a caught dismissal where the ball takes an edge off the bat and is caught by the wicketkeeper — or a slip fielder — before it hits the ground. It is one of the most common dismissals in Test cricket and is central to the strategy of attacking bowling outside off stump to create edges.
Edge Types and Detection
Edges come in two main forms: the thick edge, which travels quickly to slip or through the cordon, and the thin edge (or feather), which barely deflects the ball and may not be seen by the naked eye. Technology like Hot Spot (infrared imaging) and Snickometer (audio waveform analysis) helps umpires and DRS reviews detect faint edges that traditional observation misses.
Glove and Helmet Catches
If the ball hits the batter's gloved hand while the glove is in contact with the bat, the batter is out caught — the glove counts as part of the bat in this situation. However, if the ball hits the batter's helmet (worn, not on the ground) and is then caught, the batter is not out — the catch does not count.
Fielder Requirements for a Caught Dismissal
For a caught dismissal to stand, the fielder must complete the catch with full control before the ball touches the ground, a boundary rope, or any object beyond the field. If a fielder catches the ball near the boundary and steps over the rope while in control, it is a six — not a wicket. Both feet must remain inside the boundary when completing the catch.
Frequently asked questions
Is a batter out if the ball hits the pad and then the bat?
No. For a caught dismissal the ball must come off the bat (or glove holding the bat) directly. If the ball hits the pad first and then deflects to the bat, the batter cannot be given out caught.
Can a batter be out caught off a no ball?
No. A batter cannot be dismissed caught off a no ball delivery. The batting side still receives the extra run and the ball is re-bowled. In limited-overs cricket the next delivery becomes a free hit.