Run Out in Cricket — How It Works, Famous Run Outs, and Controversies
Everything about the run out dismissal: how it's given, the role of the third umpire, the most famous run outs in cricket history, and the marginal cases that end careers.
A run out in cricket occurs when a batsman is out of their crease — not having completed a run — when the fielding side breaks the stumps with the ball in hand. It is one of cricket's most exciting dismissal types: direct throws from the outfield, diving run outs at the non-striker's end, and third umpire marginal decisions have produced some of the game's most dramatic moments.
How a Run Out Is Given
A batsman is run out when: they are attempting a run between the wickets, and the fielding team breaks the stumps (the bail comes off the top of the stumps) with the ball while the batsman is out of their crease (not grounded behind the batting crease). The batsman must have their bat or body grounded behind or on the crease before the stumps are broken to survive.
The Third Umpire and Run Out Reviews
The majority of run out decisions now go to the third umpire for review, either as DRS referrals or on-field umpire referrals. The third umpire uses slow-motion replays from multiple camera angles to determine: (1) whether the bat/foot was grounded before the stumps were broken, and (2) whether the stumps were broken with the ball in the fielder's hand. Ultra-close decisions where the margin is measured in milliseconds are commonplace.
A Run Out Scenario
Batsman 1 calls for a run. Both batsmen run. Fielder picks up at cover and throws directly at the non-striker's end. The ball hits the stumps, bails fly, and the camera replay shows the non-striker's bat touching the crease exactly as the bail falls. Third umpire: Out or Not Out? Answer: if the bail was dislodged before the bat grounded = Out. If the bat grounded first = Not Out. The margin is routinely 1–3 video frames.
Famous Run Outs in Cricket History
- Jonty Rhodes vs Pakistan, 1992 World Cup: considered the greatest fielding run out ever — Rhodes dived full length to break the stumps with one hand, running out Inzamam-ul-Haq in one of cricket's iconic moments
- Andrew Symonds vs Ricky Ponting 2006: Ponting ran himself out in a crucial Ashes moment, symbolising the pressure of the series
- World Cup 2019 Final Super Over: Martin Guptill run out off the last ball attempting a 2nd run to tie — New Zealand vs England ended in the most dramatic finish in World Cup history
Mankad / Non-Striker Run Out (Batter Backing Up)
A unique type of run out is the 'Mankad' — where the bowler, at the point of delivery, removes the bails from the non-striker's end if the non-striker has left their crease before the bowler releases the ball. Named after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad (1947), this dismissal was controversial for decades but was ruled legal by the MCC in 2022, reclassifying it from 'run out' to a standard dismissal under Law 38.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be run out in cricket?
Either batsman can be run out — the one who was running (facing the throw) or the non-striker at the bowler's end. The batsman closest to the broken end is the one who is out.
What is the Mankad dismissal in cricket?
The Mankad is a dismissal where the bowler removes the bails at the non-striker's end before releasing the ball, while the non-striker has left their crease prematurely. Named after Vinoo Mankad (1947), it was classified under Law 38 (run out) until 2022 when it was reclassified as a standard dismissal.
Can you be run out on a no-ball?
Yes. A batsman can be run out even if the delivery is a no-ball — the run out stands and the batsman is dismissed. The no-ball penalty run is still awarded to the batting side.