Cricket Bowled Rules: When Is the Wicket Put Down?
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MCC Law 32 makes a batter out Bowled when a delivery breaks the striker’s wicket, even if it first touches the bat or body, provided the delivery is not a No ball and the relevant exceptions do not apply. For related explanations, read cricket hit-wicket rules, cricket no-ball rules, cricket wicketkeeper stumping rules.
What is the short answer?
MCC Law 32 makes a batter out Bowled when a delivery breaks the striker’s wicket, even if it first touches the bat or body, provided the delivery is not a No ball and the relevant exceptions do not apply.
What does the MCC Law require?
MCC Law 32 makes a batter out Bowled when a delivery breaks the striker’s wicket, even if it first touches the bat or body, provided the delivery is not a No ball and the relevant exceptions do not apply. The MCC Law is the base rule, while an ICC or domestic competition can add playing conditions for a particular format. Apply the current competition document when it narrows a limit or adds a match procedure.
| Question | Practical check |
|---|---|
| Base source | The named MCC Law in this article |
| Match scope | Test, ODI, T20 or domestic conditions |
| Decision maker | Umpires apply the Laws; scorers record the result |
| Evidence | Signal, ball-by-ball record and current playing conditions |
How does it appear in a match?
The rule changes a dismissal, a score, a legal-ball count, an umpire signal or the time available to play. The useful habit is to identify whether the ball is in play and which player action the Law describes before relying on commentary shorthand.
What common mistake should players avoid?
Do not carry a familiar rule from one format into another. Check the delivery status, the batter’s position, the fielder’s control and the competition’s current exceptions. A short definition is useful only when its limits are visible.
How should a beginner verify a decision?
Start with the umpire’s signal and the scorecard, then open the MCC Law listed in the source trail. For international or domestic matches, open the current ICC or organiser playing conditions as well. That separates a stable definition from a changeable event procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Is this rule the same in every format?
No. MCC supplies the base Laws, while ICC and domestic playing conditions can add format-specific limits or procedures.
Who makes the decision?
The umpires apply the Laws and playing conditions. Scorers record the agreed runs, wickets and result.
Does a commentator’s wording replace the Law?
No. Commentary is shorthand. The Law supplies the exact conditions and exceptions.
Can junior cricket use a variation?
Yes. Junior, women’s and recreational competitions can publish modified playing conditions.
Why does the source date matter?
MCC changes its edition and competitions revise their conditions. This release uses the 2026 MCC edition now in force.
What is the safest way to explain the rule?
Give the direct definition first, state the important exception, then name the primary source and format scope.
Bottom line
MCC Law 32 makes a batter out Bowled when a delivery breaks the striker’s wicket, even if it first touches the bat or body, provided the delivery is not a No ball and the relevant exceptions do not apply. Use the linked MCC Law for the base definition and the competition’s current playing conditions for a live match.
Frequently asked questions
What is the one-sentence definition?+
MCC Law 32 makes a batter out Bowled when a delivery breaks the striker's wicket, even if it first touches the bat or body, provided the delivery is not a No ball and the relevant exceptions do not apply.
Is the rule identical in every format?+
No. The MCC Law is the base, while ICC and domestic playing conditions can add format-specific limits.
Who applies the rule during a match?+
The umpires apply the Laws and playing conditions, and the scorers record the agreed result.
Can junior cricket use a variation?+
Yes. Junior, women's and domestic competitions can publish modified conditions.
Why can a commentator sound different from the rulebook?+
Commentary uses shorthand. The Law provides the precise conditions and exceptions.
Where should I verify the current version?+
Use the MCC Law named in the source trail and the competition's current playing-conditions document.
Sources
Related rules & terms guides
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