Run out and stumped
MCC · 2017 Code · 4th edition · 2026Leaving the ground, a non-striker leaving early, and the distinction between run out and stumped.
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Law 38 — Run outLaw 38 — The non-striker leaving earlyLaw 39 — StumpedLaws 38–39 — The no-ball distinctionLaw 38 — Run out
Either batter can be run out while the ball is live if they are outside their ground and their wicket is fairly broken by a fielder’s action or a rebound from a fielder. A run need not be attempted and a no ball does not normally prevent run out. The batter whose ground is at that end is the one dismissed.
A batter who was in their ground and then left it to avoid injury is protected. A delivered ball must have touched a fielder before breaking the wicket for run out. The special ground and runner provisions also apply. Completed runs stand, but the unfinished run does not; penalty runs remain. The bowler receives no wicket credit.
Law 38 — The non-striker leaving early
The non-striker can be run out from when the ball comes into play until the bowler’s arm reaches the highest point of their normal delivery swing. The bowler may break the wicket with the hand holding the ball or throw the ball at it. Once that highest point is reached, this early-departure dismissal is no longer available, even if the batter had already left.
If no delivery follows, an appeal is decided and the ball does not count in the over; without an appeal or after a not-out decision, dead ball is called. If the ball is delivered and the appealed run out succeeds, it still does not count. If the appeal fails, the ball remains live and the bowler-breaking-the-wicket rule applies.
Law 39 — Stumped
Stumped applies when a delivery is not a no ball, the striker is out of their ground without attempting a run, and the wicket-keeper fairly breaks the wicket without another fielder’s involvement. A rebound from the keeper’s body or equipment, or a kick or throw by the keeper, can qualify. Stumped takes priority over run out when its conditions are met.
Leaving the ground to avoid injury after receiving the ball is exempt. A wide can produce a stumping and its 1-run penalty remains, but if that penalty already wins the match, a subsequent stumping cannot occur.
Laws 38–39 — The no-ball distinction
A striker outside their ground, not attempting a run, cannot be run out from a no ball solely by the keeper without another fielder’s involvement. A run attempt or another fielder’s involvement can change the outcome. Separate provisions apply to a batter with a runner; if the runner is out of their ground, the ordinary run-out test applies.
If a striker with a runner is personally run out, the special scoring rule disallows the batting side’s completed runs from that delivery, returns the other not-out batter to their original end and retains applicable no-ball, wide and 5-run penalties.
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