Cricket Umpires: Their Role, Signals, and How DRS Changed Their Job
Two on-field umpires control every cricket match, making hundreds of decisions per day from LBW calls to wides and no-balls. This guide explains what umpires do, the signals they use, how DRS technology assists them, and the most controversial decisions in cricket history.
Cricket umpires have one of sport's most demanding jobs. Standing for up to seven hours per day, they must make split-second decisions on LBW, edges, wides, no-balls, and run outs — often with the outcome of a match hanging on a single call. The introduction of DRS technology has made umpiring simultaneously more accurate and more scrutinised than ever before.
The Two On-Field Umpires
Each match has two on-field umpires — one standing at the bowler's end (making LBW, caught behind, and no-ball decisions) and one at square leg (monitoring run outs and front-foot no-balls). They alternate ends every ten overs. In international cricket, a third umpire watches replays for run outs, stumpings, and boundary decisions, and reviews DRS referrals.
Key Decisions and Signals
Umpire signals communicate decisions to scorers and players. Raising one finger means out. Both arms spread wide signals a wide. The arm extended sideways with an upward wave signals a no-ball. Both forearms crossed across the chest signals a dead ball. A raised closed fist (rotating) signals a six. Tapping the thigh signals a leg bye. These signals are universal across all formats.
LBW — The Hardest Call
Leg Before Wicket is the most difficult decision in cricket. The umpire must simultaneously assess: where the ball pitched, whether it hit the bat, where it hit the pad, and whether the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. All in under a second. Pre-DRS, LBW errors were frequent. DRS ball-tracking (Hawk-Eye) has dramatically improved consistency and allowed reviews of marginal decisions.
How DRS Changed Umpiring
The Decision Review System — introduced from 2008 — allows teams to challenge on-field decisions using technology: ball-tracking (Hawk-Eye), edge detection (Snickometer/UltraEdge), and thermal imaging (Hot Spot). The umpire's on-field call is retained unless Hawk-Eye shows the ball was clearly hitting the stumps. The 'umpire's call' zone around the stumps has been controversial — decisions on the line remain with the on-field umpire even after review.
Controversial Decisions in History
Several umpiring decisions have altered the course of cricket history. The 1981 Headingley Test's Rodney Marsh catch that wasn't given; Bob Willis being reprieved to score 24 that won the match. Stuart Broad notoriously failing to walk in the 2013 Ashes despite a clear edge — when DRS was unavailable to Australia that innings. These moments remind fans that umpiring is human, and the DRS era has dramatically reduced the scope for life-changing errors.
Frequently asked questions
How many umpires are in a cricket match?
Two on-field umpires plus a third umpire watching replays in the TV box. In international cricket a fourth umpire may also be appointed to cover breaks and replacements.
Can an umpire change their decision?
The umpire can change their own decision before the ball is bowled again, but once the next ball is bowled the original decision stands (unless DRS is used).
What is the DRS umpire's call zone?
A zone around the stumps where, even if Hawk-Eye shows the ball hitting the stumps, the on-field umpire's original decision is maintained. It reduces reversals on extremely marginal calls.