Stumping in Cricket
A complete guide to the stumping dismissal — how it works, the role of the wicketkeeper, and the laws governing this mode of dismissal.
What Is a Stumping?
A batter is out Stumped when the wicketkeeper puts down the wicket — while the batter is out of their crease and not attempting a run — after the ball has been received from the bowler without it having first touched another fielder. It is governed by Law 39 of the MCC Laws.
Conditions for Stumping
- The batter must be out of their popping crease
- The batter must not be attempting a run
- The wicketkeeper must be behind the stumps when the ball is first received
- The ball must come directly from the bowler — not off another fielder
Wicketkeeper Position
The keeper must stand behind the stumps at the moment of delivery. If the keeper stands in front of the stumps and the ball deflects off their gloves, it becomes a Wide. The keeper may move forward after the ball passes the stumps.
DRS and Stumping Decisions
Stumping decisions are frequently sent to the Third Umpire because the naked eye cannot confirm whether the keeper's gloves broke the stumps before the batter's bat or foot grounded behind the line. Frame-by-frame Hawk-Eye footage is used to determine the exact moment of contact.
Stumping vs Run Out
| Feature | Stumping | Run Out |
|---|---|---|
| Batter status | Not attempting a run | Attempting a run |
| Fielder credit | Wicketkeeper | Any fielder |
| Ball source | Direct from bowler | Any fielder |
| Crease test | Out of crease | Short of crease |
Classic Stumping Scenario
A spinner pitches on leg stump. The batter steps down the track to drive and misses. The wicketkeeper collects cleanly behind the stumps and whips off the bails before the batter grounds their bat behind the line. Out Stumped.
Frequently asked questions
Can a batter be stumped off a no-ball?
No. A batter cannot be dismissed Stumped off a no-ball. However, a Run Out is still possible off a no-ball.
If the ball hits the keeper before the stumps, is it still a stumping?
No. If the ball touches any other fielder — including deflecting off the keeper's pad — before the keeper breaks the stumps, it becomes a Run Out, not a Stumping.