Lost Ball in Cricket: What Happens When the Ball Cannot Be Found
The lost ball law is one of cricket's rarest provisions — it exists for situations where the ball cannot be recovered during play, and has specific scoring consequences.
The lost ball law (Law 20 of the Laws of Cricket) covers the rare situation where the ball is hit into a location where it cannot be retrieved during play — for example, into dense crowd seating, down a drain, or into an inaccessible area of the ground. This law ensures the game can continue without indefinite delay.
Calling Lost Ball
Any fielder can call 'lost ball' when the ball cannot be found. Once the call is made, the umpires award the higher of: (a) the runs already completed at the time of the call, or (b) six runs. The batting side does not gain any additional runs beyond what was already scored or the six-run minimum — whichever is greater.
Replacing the Ball
After a lost ball is called, the umpires select a replacement ball of comparable wear from a collection of balls kept on reserve. The replacement ball is chosen to match the condition of the lost ball as closely as possible, preserving the balance of play between bat and ball. The game resumes with the next ball bowled.
Dismissals and Lost Ball
A batter can still be dismissed before 'lost ball' is called — for example, if a catch is taken and then the ball is lost in the crowd, the wicket stands. However, once the lost ball call is made, no further dismissals are possible from that delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How many runs are awarded for a lost ball?
The higher of the runs already completed at the time of the call or six runs. If the batters had already run five, they receive five. If they had run three, they receive six.
Has a lost ball ever been called in a major international match?
It is extremely rare in professional cricket. The law exists as a safeguard but virtually never needs to be invoked at international grounds where ball management is strict.