Lost Ball in Cricket
What happens when the ball is lost in cricket? The Law covering lost ball, how runs are calculated, and how the replacement ball is chosen.
A lost ball is a rare event in cricket where the ball cannot be found by the fielding side. Law 20 of the Laws of Cricket specifies exactly how the situation is handled — including how runs are calculated and when a replacement ball is introduced.
How Lost Ball Is Called
Any fielder may call 'lost ball' at any time after the ball goes out of sight. Once lost ball is called, the ball is declared dead. The fielding captain can request a replacement ball of similar wear.
How Runs Are Calculated
The batting team is credited with whichever is the greater of: the runs scored when 'lost ball' is called, OR six runs (the maximum standard boundary). This prevents the batting side being disadvantaged — if they were running when the ball went missing, they get at least the runs they had completed plus any partial run credit up to six.
| Situation | Runs credited |
|---|---|
| 3 runs completed when lost ball called | 6 (greater of 6 or 3) |
| 7 runs completed when lost ball called | 7 (greater of 6 or 7) |
| 1 run completed | 6 (greater of 6 or 1) |
Frequently asked questions
Can the batting team refuse the lost ball ruling?
No — once a fielder calls lost ball, the umpires declare the ball dead. The batting side cannot insist on continuing to run.
What if the ball was lost in the crowd?
If the ball enters the crowd and is not returned, the umpires declare it lost. A replacement of similar wear is selected and play resumes.