Appeals and umpire decisions

Law 31 — An appeal is required

An umpire does not give a batter out without an appeal by a fielder, although a batter who is actually out may leave voluntarily. A general appeal covers every applicable way of being out.

Appeal before the next run-up begins, or the next bowling action if there is no run-up, and before Time is called. The call of Over does not itself end the opportunity if the next over has not started and Time has not been called.

Law 31 — Decisions and consultation

The striker’s-end umpire decides Hit wicket, Stumped and Run out at the keeper’s end; the bowler’s-end umpire decides other appeals. A timely appeal on another matter can still be considered after a Not out decision. An umpire may consult the colleague who had a better view; if doubt remains after consultation, the decision is Not out.

Law 31 — Recall or withdrawal

If a batter reasonably but mistakenly believes they are out and leaves without being given out, the umpire calls Dead ball and recalls them. This can be done before the next ball comes into play, or, for the innings’ final wicket, before the umpires leave the field.

The fielding captain may withdraw an appeal only with the relevant umpire’s consent. The same next-ball deadline applies, or departure of the umpires if the innings has ended. An existing dismissal is then revoked and the batter recalled where necessary.