Hit Wicket in Cricket: When the Batter Dislodges Their Own Stumps
Hit wicket is one of the rarest dismissals in cricket — learn exactly when it applies, why it happens, and some memorable examples from the game's history.
What Is Hit Wicket?
Hit wicket is a method of dismissal in cricket where the batter accidentally dislodges their own stumps — either with their bat, body, or clothing — while playing a delivery or in the act of setting off for a first run. It is governed by Law 35 of the MCC Laws of Cricket.
When Does Hit Wicket Apply?
The dismissal is valid only if it occurs while the batter is playing a delivery or immediately setting off for a first run. Crucially, the delivery must be a legal ball — the wicket must fall before the ball comes to rest or before the fielding side takes the ball.
Common Causes
- The batter swings hard and the back-lift of the bat hits the stumps on the downswing
- A fast bouncer causes the batter to fall back into their own stumps while ducking
- The batter steps back onto their own stumps trying to play a cut or pull shot
- Losing balance and falling into the wickets while attempting a big shot
Is the Bowler Credited with the Wicket?
Yes. A hit wicket dismissal is credited to the bowler in the scorebook, even though the batter technically brought about their own downfall. The notation in the scorecard reads: 'hit wicket b [Bowler Name]'.
Frequency in Professional Cricket
Hit wicket is one of the rarest forms of dismissal in professional cricket. In Test cricket, it occurs only a handful of times per year across all international matches. The scarcity is because professional batters are highly conscious of their stumps and control their bat path carefully.
What Is Not Hit Wicket
- The batter knocking their stumps while not playing a ball — this would not be a dismissal
- Stumps being dislodged after the ball has passed and come to rest
- Stumps dislodged in a subsequent run — only the first run counts
Frequently asked questions
Can a batter be given out hit wicket off a no-ball?
No. Off a no-ball, the only dismissals possible are run-out, handled the ball (now obstructing the field), hit the ball twice, and obstructing the field. Hit wicket is not among them, so the batter is not out.
Has a batter ever been dismissed hit wicket in a World Cup final?
Hit wicket dismissals in finals or high-pressure matches are extremely rare but have occurred in international cricket. Most notable are when a fast bouncer causes a batter to fall back.
What is the most common way hit wicket happens?
The most common scenario is a batter playing a big off-side drive and swinging the bat so hard that the follow-through clips the stumps from behind — known as the bat hitting the bails on the backswing.