Cricket Explained: When does a Ball Become Dead

By Wisden Staff

The controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow on day five of the second Ashes Test has sparked a debate over the dead ball rule. But when does the ball stop being in play?

Bairstow ducked under the last delivery of the 52nd over, bowled by Cam Green, and the ball safely nestled into the hands of wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Bairstow, assuming the ball was dead and the over complete, strolled out of his crease towards non-striker Ben Stokes. The alert Carey, however, immediately threw the ball towards the stumps, and the series-defining direct hit sent back Bairstow, who was well short.

When does the ball become dead?

Law 20 of Cricket talks extensively about the various instances when the ball will become dead. For this particular instance, two clauses can be referenced.

According to Law 20.1.1.1, the ball is dead when it is “finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler.” Only the umpire can decide whether the ball is finally settled or not, according to Law 20.2.

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Law 20.1.2 further elaborates: “The ball shall be considered dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.”

Was the ball dead during the Carey-Bairstow incident?

Replays of the over show Bairstow wandering out of his crease thrice. On the third instance, Carey hit the stumps. On all occasions, Bairstow slid his right foot across the crease after the ball had been delivered and left by him, presumably indicating that he would not be running. He probably assumed the ball was dead.

However, the Laws clearly indicate that the ball is live until the “fielding side and both batters at the wicket” think otherwise.

In this particular incident, a reverse angle revealed that Carey instantly threw the ball back towards the stumps in one motion, even before Bairstow had stepped out. Carey and his teammates clearly considered the ball to still be in play, and hence, it was not considered a dead ball.

Crucially, Bairstow was still in his crease when Carey threw the ball. He did not wait to release the ball, there was no doubt that Australia still regarded the ball live and in play.