Run Out in Cricket: How and When a Batter Is Run Out

A run out happens when a fielder breaks the stumps — either by throwing the ball onto the stumps directly or by relaying it to the keeper or another fielder — while the batter attempting a run is short of their crease. It requires the bails to be completely dislodged before any part of the batter's bat or body grounds behind the popping crease.

Direct Hit Run Outs

A direct hit occurs when a fielder throws the ball and it hits the stumps with no intervening fielder touching it. Direct hits from the outfield are among cricket's most exciting moments, often deciding the outcome of close limited-overs matches. Fielders train extensively on their throwing arm strength and accuracy for this reason.

Who Is Run Out?

If both batters are out of their crease when the stumps are broken, the batter who was attempting to run toward that end is the one given out. If it is unclear which batter was in motion — for example both turned back — the convention is that the batter who left the crease first is out. The umpire uses a judgment call supported by DRS replays.

Run Out vs Stumped

Both dismissals involve the wicket being broken, but run outs can be effected by any fielder — not just the keeper. A stumping requires the keeper to collect the ball directly from the bowler; a run out can happen any time during play, including on overthrows, misfields, or mid-pitch mix-ups. Run outs can also happen off no balls; stumpings cannot.