Ashes 2023: When Does a Ball Become Dead in Cricket? - Explained

The Ashes 2023 series is one of the most highly anticipated cricket events of the year, featuring intense battles between cricketing giants England and Australia. As the cricketing world eagerly watches the epic clashes, many fans might wonder about the intricacies of the game's rules, particularly when a ball becomes dead during a match.

In this article, we will delve into the concept of a dead ball in cricket and provide a comprehensive explanation to enlighten cricket enthusiasts.

Understanding a Dead Ball in Cricket:

In cricket, a ball is deemed "dead" when it ceases to be in play, resulting in a temporary pause in the game. Various scenarios can trigger the ball becoming dead, each governed by specific rules outlined by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Let's explore some common instances where a ball becomes dead:

When a Batsman is Dismissed: The moment a fielding team successfully dismisses a batsman, whether through a catch, bowled, leg before wicket (LBW), or other means, the ball is considered dead. The next delivery begins with a new batsman at the crease.

Runs Scored: If the batsmen run and complete the required runs before the ball reaches the boundary, the ball becomes dead, and the scoring concludes. However, if the ball crosses the boundary, the umpire signals a four or a six, and the ball is also considered dead.

Leg Byes and Byes: When the batsman fails to make contact with the ball but runs are scored due to extras (leg byes or byes), the ball becomes dead once the run is completed.

Time Wasting or Dead Ball Call: Umpires can call the ball dead if they observe time-wasting tactics or an external interference that affects the game's fairness. For instance, if a spectator enters the field, the ball is declared dead.

Bowler Overstepping or No-Ball: If the bowler oversteps the popping crease or delivers a no-ball, the ball becomes dead as soon as the umpire signals the no-ball. The batsman cannot be dismissed on a no-ball, and the following delivery is considered a free hit.

Wide Delivery: Similarly, if the bowler delivers a wide ball that is out of the batsman's reach, the ball is called dead, and an extra run is awarded to the batting team.

Final Words:

Understanding the concept of a dead ball is crucial for both players and fans to grasp the dynamics of the game during the Ashes 2023 series or any other cricketing event.

From dismissals to runs scored and various rule-induced scenarios, each instance determines when the ball is considered dead. As England and Australia battle it out on the cricket field, keep an eye out for these moments, and you'll have a deeper appreciation for the game's rules and regulations.

In conclusion, the Ashes 2023 series presents a thrilling opportunity to witness cricketing excellence. As you cheer for your favorite team, take a moment to reflect on the concept of a dead ball and how it plays a significant role in shaping the outcome of each match.

Stay tuned to Wisden and other reliable sources for more in-depth analysis and updates on the ongoing Ashes series!