---
title: "Appeals in cricket: rules, types, & how they decide a wicket"
url: "https://blog.cricheroes.com/appeals-in-cricket/"
date: "2026-06-19T12:22:54+05:30"
modified: "2026-06-19T12:23:05+05:30"
author:
  name: "Manan Joshi"
  url: "https://blog.cricheroes.com/"
categories:
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word_count: 2255
reading_time: "12 min read"
summary: "Every cricket fan has heard it. A bowler hits the pad, the entire fielding side turns towards the umpire, arms go up, and the ground fills with shouts of "Howzat!" That moment, the appeal, is one o..."
description: "Every cricket fan has heard it. A bowler hits the pad, the entire fielding side turns towards the umpire, arms go up, and the ground fills with shouts of &#8..."
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---

# Appeals in cricket: rules, types, & how they decide a wicket

_Published: June 19, 2026_  
_Author: Manan Joshi_  

![Bowler and fielders making an appeal in cricket with arms raised towards the umpire](https://blog.cricheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Appeals-in-cricket-1024x576.jpg)

Every cricket fan has heard it. A bowler hits the pad, the entire fielding side turns towards the umpire, arms go up, and the ground fills with shouts of “Howzat!” That moment, the appeal, is one of the most dramatic parts of the sport. But most fans do not know that without a formal appeal, an umpire cannot give a batsman out, no matter how obvious the dismissal looks.

This post covers everything about appeals in cricket: what they are, how they work under the Laws, which dismissals need one, and the famous moments where appeals changed the course of a match.

### Key takeaways
- An appeal is a formal request by the fielding side asking the umpire to judge whether a batsman is out.
- Under Law 31 of the MCC [Laws of Cricket](https://blog.cricheroes.com/cricket-rules-and-regulations/), an umpire cannot declare a batsman out without an appeal, even if the dismissal is obvious.
- The word “Howzat” is short for “How’s that?” and is the standard form of an appeal in cricket.
- Appeals in cricket apply to every mode of dismissal, from [LBW](https://blog.cricheroes.com/lbw-in-cricket/) and caught behind to run-outs and stumpings.
- Since 2008, the [Decision Review System](https://blog.cricheroes.com/drs-in-cricket-rules-and-how-it-works/) (DRS) allows teams to challenge the umpire’s decision after an appeal.

## What is an appeal in cricket
An appeal in cricket is a verbal request from the fielding side to the umpire, asking whether a batsman is out. It usually takes the form of the phrase “How’s that?” or its shortened version, “Howzat!” Under Law 31 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, an umpire will not give a batsman out unless a member of the fielding team appeals first. This rule applies to all 10 modes of [dismissal](https://blog.cricheroes.com/types-of-outs-in-cricket/).

- Any member of the fielding side can make an appeal. It does not have to come from the bowler or the captain.
- An appeal covers all forms of dismissal at once. If a team appeals for LBW but the batsman was actually caught, the umpire can still give “[caught out](https://blog.cricheroes.com/caught-out-in-cricket/)“.
- The appeal must happen before the bowler begins the run-up for the next delivery. After that, the moment has passed.
- If doubt remains after both umpires consult each other, the decision defaults to “not out”.

This rule means the umpire acts only when asked. Even in a clear bowled dismissal, the batsman is technically not out until the fielding side appeals, though most batsmen walk off without waiting.

### What does “Howzat” mean in cricket
“Howzat” is a shortened, shouted version of “How’s that?” It is the traditional way fielders ask the umpire to make a call. Over time, the phrase has become part of cricket’s identity. Some players shout just “How?” or “Zat?” while others simply shout or raise their arms. The phrasing does not matter. Any clear verbal or physical request directed at the umpire counts as a valid appeal.

## Rules of appeals in cricket under Law 31
Law 31 of the MCC Laws of Cricket governs how appeals work. The rule is short but carries weight, because it means no dismissal can happen without the fielding side asking for it. Here are the key points every cricket follower should know.

- Neither umpire can give a batsman out unless a fielder appeals. This applies even when the batsman is clearly out.
- A batsman may still walk off on their own if they know they are out, even without an appeal. This is considered good sportsmanship.
- Each umpire answers appeals within their own area of responsibility. The bowler’s end umpire handles LBW and catches decisions. The striker’s end umpire handles stumpings and run outs at the keeper’s end.
- If an umpire is unsure, they must consult the other umpire. If doubt remains after consultation, the batsman stays not out.

One important rule often overlooked: a captain can withdraw an appeal, but only with the consent of the umpire and before the outgoing batsman leaves the field. If the umpire agrees, the decision is reversed and the batsman is recalled.

### Can a captain withdraw an appeal
Yes. Under Law 31, the captain of the fielding side can withdraw an appeal after the umpire has given the batsman out. The withdrawal must happen before the dismissed batsman has left the playing field and before the next ball comes into play. The umpire must consent to the withdrawal. Once the umpire agrees, the decision is revoked and the batsman returns to the crease. This rule exists to uphold the spirit of the game when a team feels the dismissal was unfair.

Also read: [Cricket Rules and Regulations](https://blog.cricheroes.com/cricket-rules-and-regulations/)

## Types of dismissals that need an appeal
Technically, every dismissal in cricket requires an appeal from the fielding side. However, some [types of dismissals](https://blog.cricheroes.com/types-of-outs-in-cricket/) almost always involve loud, obvious appeals because the umpire’s judgement is needed. Others, like a clean bowled, are so clear that the batsman leaves without waiting.

| **Dismissal type** | **Appeal usually needed?** | **Who decides?** |
|---|---|---|
| LBW (leg before wicket) | Always. The umpire must judge the ball’s path. | Bowler’s end umpire |
| Caught (including caught behind) | Almost always, especially for edges and low catches. | Bowler’s end umpire |
| Stumped | Yes. The keeper breaks the stumps and the umpire checks the crease. | Striker’s end umpire |
| Run out | Yes, unless the batsman is clearly short of the crease. | Umpire closest to the relevant end |
| Bowled | Technically yes, but batsmen almost always walk. | Bowler’s end umpire |
| Hit wicket | Yes. The umpire checks whether the batsman dislodged the bails during the shot or while setting off for a run. | Bowler’s end umpire |
| Obstructing the field | Yes. Rare and always debated. | Either umpire |
| Timed out | Yes. The fielding captain must appeal to the umpire. | Bowler’s end umpire |
| Hit the ball twice | Yes. Extremely rare in professional cricket. | Bowler’s end umpire |

LBW is the dismissal most closely linked to appeals in cricket because the umpire’s judgement is always required. According to Olympics.com data, LBW accounts for about 14.4% of all dismissals in cricket, and every single one begins with an appeal.

## What happens if no one appeals
If the fielding team does not appeal, the umpire does not give the batsman out. This is not just a formality. It has decided real matches.

In February 2024, during the second T20I between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide, fielder Spencer Johnson dislodged the bails while Alzarri Joseph was clearly short of the crease on a run out attempt. The replays confirmed Joseph was out. But no Australian player appealed to the umpire. The result: Joseph stayed, and the moment was ruled not out.

- The umpire cannot act on their own. Even if the replay shows the batsman is clearly out, the on field umpire needs a verbal request from the fielding side.
- This rule has been part of cricket’s Laws for over 250 years. It exists because cricket treats the umpire as a judge, not a prosecutor. The fielding side must bring the case.
- In casual or gully cricket, players sometimes forget to appeal on close run outs or stumpings. At the professional level, that mistake costs wickets and sometimes matches.

The lesson is clear. If you think the batsman is out, appeal. Appeals in cricket are not optional. The umpire cannot help you if you stay silent.

## How DRS changed the way teams appeal
The [Decision Review System](https://blog.cricheroes.com/drs-in-cricket-rules-and-how-it-works/) (DRS) was introduced in Test cricket in 2008 and has since changed how teams approach appeals in cricket. Before DRS, the on field umpire’s decision was final. Now, teams can challenge a call they believe is wrong.

- In Tests, each team gets two unsuccessful reviews per innings. In ODIs and T20Is, each team gets one.
- The batting side can review a dismissal (appeal given out), and the fielding side can review a not out decision.
- The review must be requested within 15 seconds of the umpire’s decision. The captain signals a “T” with their hands.
- The third umpire uses tools like Hawk Eye (ball tracking), Ultra Edge (sound detection for edges), and Hot Spot (thermal imaging) to verify the decision.

One rule within DRS worth knowing is “Umpire’s Call.” If ball tracking shows the ball is only clipping the stumps, with less than half the ball hitting the wickets, the original on field decision stands. This means if the umpire says not out, it stays not out, and the reviewing team keeps its review.

### How many DRS reviews does a team get
In Test matches, each team receives two unsuccessful reviews per innings. In ODIs and T20Is, each team gets one unsuccessful review per innings. A review is only lost when the challenge fails and the umpire’s original call is upheld. If the review overturns the decision, the team keeps it. In the IPL, teams can also use DRS to review wide ball decisions, which is not yet allowed in international cricket.

## Famous appeal moments that shaped cricket history
Appeals have been at the centre of some of cricket’s most memorable and controversial moments.

During the 2023 Ashes Test at Lord’s, Australia’s wicketkeeper Alex Carey collected a bouncer from Cameron Green and threw the ball at the stumps while Jonny Bairstow wandered out of his crease. The umpire had not called “over” yet, so the appeal was valid and Bairstow was given out. England’s fans booed the decision, and it sparked a global debate about the spirit of the game versus the letter of the law.

In the 2013 Ashes at Trent Bridge, Stuart Broad edged a ball to slip via the keeper’s gloves. It was a clear catch, visible on replay. But the umpire did not give out. Broad did not walk. Australia appealed furiously, but without DRS available for that decision, the call stood. Broad went on to make runs that influenced the result.

- The 2008 Sydney Test between Australia and India featured multiple controversial LBW decisions where aggressive appealing by Australia’s bowlers drew criticism from fans and former players.
- In the 2019 IPL, Ravichandran Ashwin ran out Jos Buttler at the non striker’s end. The appeal was upheld, and the dismissal was legal under the Laws, but it divided opinion worldwide on fair play.

These moments show that appeals in cricket carry weight beyond just the rulebook. How and when a team appeals often defines how the game is remembered.

## Why every appeal matters
Appeals in cricket do more than ask a question. They are the mechanism that turns a possible dismissal into an actual one. Without an appeal, even a batsman hit plumb in front of the stumps stays not out. That single rule has shaped matches, sparked debates, and created some of the most dramatic moments the sport has seen.

The DRS has added a layer of technology and strategy to the process, but the foundation remains the same: the fielding side must ask, and the umpire must answer. Whether you play international cricket or a weekend league match, the principle is identical.

Next time you take a wicket in your local game, make sure it counts. Score your matches on CricHeroes and record every dismissal, every appeal, and every moment that matters. Your cricket matters.

## Frequently asked questions
### What is an appeal in cricket?
An appeal is a formal request from the fielding side to the umpire asking whether a batsman is out. It is governed by Law 31 of the MCC Laws of Cricket and must happen before the next delivery is bowled.

### What does “Howzat” mean?
“Howzat” is a shortened version of “How’s that?” It is the traditional way cricket fielders ask the umpire to judge a dismissal. The exact phrasing does not matter as long as the umpire understands it as a request for a decision.

### Can a batsman be given out without an appeal?
No. Under Law 31, an umpire cannot give a batsman out unless a member of the fielding side appeals. However, a batsman can choose to walk off on their own if they know they are out.

### Which umpire answers which appeal?
The bowler’s end umpire handles LBW, caught, bowled, and hit wicket appeals. The striker’s end umpire handles stumpings and run outs at the keeper’s end. If both umpires are unsure, they consult each other.

### Can you appeal after the next ball is bowled?
No. An appeal must be made before the bowler begins the run up for the next delivery. Once the next ball is in play, the window for that appeal has closed.

### Can a captain take back an appeal in cricket?
Yes. The captain can withdraw an appeal with the umpire’s consent, as long as the dismissed batsman has not yet left the field and the next ball has not come into play.

### How many DRS reviews does each team get?
In Tests, each team gets two unsuccessful reviews per innings. In ODIs and T20s, each team gets one. If a review successfully overturns the decision, the team keeps it. In the IPL, reviews can also be used for wide ball decisions.

### Is excessive appealing against cricket rules?
Yes. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, excessive or intimidating appealing is considered unsportsmanlike. Appeals in cricket must be genuine. Umpires can report players who repeatedly appeal in bad faith or attempt to pressure the umpire into a decision.

### What happens if the batsman walks without an appeal?
Under Law 31, a batsman who knows they are out can leave the crease without waiting for an appeal. This is called “walking” and is considered a mark of sportsmanship, though it is not required by the Laws.

### Does CricHeroes record dismissal types for local matches?
Yes. When you score a match on CricHeroes, you can log the mode of dismissal for every wicket, whether it is caught, bowled, LBW, run out, or stumped. This gives every player a proper record of how they were dismissed across matches.


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