Cricket is rich in tradition and subtlety, and few aspects of the game cause more head-scratching among new spectators than the umpire’s signals. One of the great laugh-inducers is seeing an umpire’s bombastic gesturing for the first time! From boundary calls to dismissals, umpires use a concise visual language to communicate decisions on the field. Understanding these gestures is second nature to lifelong cricketers and fans, but to newbies it’s visual gobbledygook.
Let’s decode what those hand signals really mean.
The Language of the Umpire
When you’re watching a match, whether it’s your local club game or a Test match at Lord’s or the MCG, the umpire’s signals tell you what’s just happened.
Key On-Field Signals
1. Out – Raised Finger
The most iconic signal in all of cricket. When the umpire raises one index finger above their head, the batter is out. Simple, decisive and unmistakable. Throughout history umpires have had their own unique spin on the out signal – from Billy Bowden’s crooked finger, Rudi Koertzen’s slow finger of doom, and Steve Bucknor’s laconic finger out to the side.
2. Four – Sweeping Arm at Waist Height
When the ball reaches the boundary after bouncing at least once, the umpire sweeps one arm back and forth at waist level — celebrating four runs for the batters.
3. Six – Both Arms Raised
For the loftiest shots of the day, when the ball clears the boundary on the full, the umpire raises both arms straight above the head — six runs! There’s no greater sight for a batter, or worse site for a bowler…
4. No-Ball – One Arm Horizontal
If the bowler commits an infraction (like overstepping the crease), the umpire extends one arm horizontally to signal a no-ball. What’s the penalty for a no-ball? In a Test match, a run gets added to the total and another ball added. In limited overs cricket, and batting team get an extra run, another delivery and a free hit is called – meaning the batter can’t be out to the next ball.
A no-ball also means that whatever happens on that ball can’t be out. There have been numerous occasion s where batters have got out on a no ball – most notably perhaps Michael Vaughan in the 2005 Ashes (he went in to make 167!)
5. Wide – Both Arms Outstretched
Too wide for the batter to reach? The umpire stretches both arms out to signal a wide delivery — and the batting side earns an extra run and get another delivery. Did you know the most number of wides bowled in a single professional over was 11 by Scott Hastings.
6. Bye – Arm Raised Overhead
When the ball passes the batter and they take runs without hitting the ball, the umpire raises one arm straight up to signal byes. It’s the most annoying signal to see as a wicketkeeper as this is one of their key performance indicators.
7. Leg Bye – Tapping the Leg
If the ball hits the batter’s body and they take runs (but not off the bat), the umpire taps a raised leg to signal leg byes. Leg byes are assigned as extras rather than going against a bowler.
8. Dead Ball – Arms Crossed & Uncrossed
When play is stopped or the ball is no longer live, the umpire crosses and then uncrosses their wrists — marking a dead ball. After a dead ball is called, no further action can happen such as run outs.
Why These Signals Matter
Whether you’re cheering on your club or soaking up the atmosphere at an international fixture, or finding your way as a player, knowing what the umpire’s signals mean helps you appreciate the game and understand the many, many nuances.
Cricket is complex, but we hope this blog helped clear a few things up.
What to read next: What is LBW
