Sightscreen in Cricket: Why It Exists and How It Works
The sightscreen gives batters a plain background behind the bowler to see the ball clearly. Learn about the sightscreen's design, the rules around it, and why white and black screens are both used.
What Is a Sightscreen?
A sightscreen is a large, plain-coloured board or screen positioned beyond the boundary at each end of the ground, directly behind the bowler from the batter's perspective. Its purpose is to provide a plain, contrasting background so the batter can see the ball clearly as it leaves the bowler's hand.
Why White and Black Screens?
Sightscreens are traditionally white — providing contrast against the red cricket ball. In day-night cricket with a white ball, a white sightscreen would make the ball disappear against it, so dark or black sightscreens are used instead. Modern electronic sightscreens can switch between white and black depending on the match and ball colour.
Sightscreen Movement Rules
The sightscreen must be positioned to cover the area directly behind the bowler as seen from the striker's crease. Spectators are not permitted to move or obstruct the sightscreen once positioned. At smaller grounds without permanent sightscreens, temporary boards are erected and the umpires manage their positioning.
Frequently asked questions
Can a batter stop play to move the sightscreen?
Yes. A batter can request the sightscreen be repositioned if it provides inadequate or obstructed coverage. Umpires will stop play while groundstaff make the adjustment.
Why do some grounds have electronic sightscreens?
Electronic sightscreens can display different colours depending on the ball colour — white for red-ball day cricket, black for white-ball day-night matches. This removes the need for separate physical screen types.