Retired Hurt vs Retired Out in Cricket: The Key Differences
A batter can leave the field in two ways without being dismissed — retired hurt or retired out. Learn what each means, how they differ in the scorebook, and when a batter can return.
In cricket, a batter can leave the field during their innings in one of two ways: retired hurt (or retired ill) or retired out. The distinction matters hugely — retired hurt allows the batter to return later; retired out counts as a dismissal in most contexts and requires the opposing team's agreement to reverse.
Retired Hurt
Retired hurt (or retired ill) occurs when a batter leaves the field due to injury or illness during their innings. This is treated as a suspension of the innings — the batter is NOT out. They may return to bat later in the same innings, either at the fall of the next wicket or when the innings situation allows. In the scorebook, their score is recorded as 'retired hurt' and no dismissal is credited.
Retired Out
Retired out is when a batter voluntarily leaves the field for any reason that is not injury or illness. This requires the opposing captain's consent. Retired out counts as a dismissal in the batter's record — unlike retired hurt. In the scorebook, it appears as 'retired out' and counts as one of the 10 dismissals for that innings. This is extremely rare in professional cricket.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Retired Hurt | Retired Out |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | Injury or illness | Voluntary (any reason) |
| Counts as dismissal? | No | Yes |
| Can return? | Yes — with umpire's permission | Only with opposing captain's consent |
| Scorebook entry | Retired hurt (not out) | Retired out (dismissal) |
| How common? | Relatively common | Very rare |
When Does a Retired Hurt Batter Return?
A retired hurt batter can only return to bat when a wicket falls. They effectively become the 'last in' — once all other wickets fall before they return, the innings is over regardless of whether the retired hurt batter has resumed. The returning batter comes in at the bottom of the order, sending in the next available number.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'retired hurt' in cricket?
Retired hurt means a batter left the field due to injury or illness during their innings. It does not count as a dismissal and the batter may return to bat later in the same innings if wickets allow.
Does retired hurt count as a wicket?
No — retired hurt does not count as a wicket. It does not affect the batting team's wicket total, and the batter who retired hurt remains not out in the scorebook.
Can a batter be retired out in cricket?
Yes — a batter can retire out voluntarily, but it requires the opposing captain's agreement and counts as a dismissal. This is extremely rare and almost never seen in professional cricket.