Stumping in Wicketkeeping
How does a stumping work in cricket? The Laws, the technique, and why the wicketkeeper must be standing up to the stumps to take a stumping.
A stumping is a mode of dismissal in cricket where the wicketkeeper removes the bails from the batsman's stumps while the batsman is out of their crease (having left it to play at the ball) and has not hit the ball. It requires the keeper to be 'standing up' — close to the stumps — rather than back.
How a Stumping Occurs
- The batsman steps out of the crease to play at the ball (usually a spin delivery).
- They miss the ball or it deflects past them.
- The wicketkeeper takes the ball and removes the bails before the batsman can ground the bat behind the line.
- The umpire signals out — stumped.
Requirements for a Stumping
- The keeper must receive the ball from the bowler (not a fielder's throw).
- The batsman must be out of their crease — not grounded.
- The keeper must break the wicket with the ball held in their gloves.
- The batsman must not be attempting a run — otherwise it is a run out.
| Dismissal | How |
|---|---|
| Stumping | Keeper breaks wicket while batsman out of crease (no run attempt) |
| Run out | Wicket broken while batsman is running or diving for the crease |
Standing Up vs Standing Back
Stumpings only happen when the keeper stands up to the stumps — i.e., crouching close to the wicket. Against fast bowling the keeper stands back (15–20 metres) and stumpings are impossible. Standing up is almost exclusively done for spinners and slow medium-pacers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be stumped off a no ball?
No — under the Laws, a batsman cannot be stumped off a no ball. The no ball makes most modes of dismissal void except run out.
Who holds the record for most stumpings?
MS Dhoni holds the record for most stumpings in international cricket (195 across all formats as of 2026). Kumar Sangakkara leads the list in Tests.