Run out facts for kids

A run out is a way a batter can get out in cricket. It happens when a fielder hits the wicket (the three stumps with bails on top) with the ball. This must happen when no batter is safely inside the ground near that wicket. The batter who is closest to that wicket, or the one who arrived second if both are in the same ground, is the one who is out. Run outs often happen when batters are trying to score runs by running between the two wickets.

How a Run Out Happens

Imagine two batters on the field. One is at the striker's end (where the batter hits the ball), and the other is at the non-striker's end. When they try to score runs, they run between these two ends.

If a fielder gets the ball and hits the wicket before a batter reaches their safe ground, it's a run out. It's a quick and exciting way to get a batter out!

Staying Safe in Your Ground

Each wicket has a safe area called the "ground." This is usually marked by a white line called the popping crease. A batter is safe if any part of their body or their bat is touching the ground behind this line. If they are outside this line when the wicket is broken, they can be run out.

Special Types of Run Outs

There are a couple of special situations where a batter can be run out.

What is a Stumping?

A stumping is a specific type of run out. It happens when the wicketkeeper (the player wearing gloves behind the batter) hits the wicket at the striker's end. This can only happen if the batter who just hit or missed the ball is out of their ground. The wicketkeeper must break the wicket with the ball in hand.

Stumpings are a quick way to get a batter out if they step too far forward.

Understanding Mankading

Mankading is another special type of run out. It involves the bowler getting the non-striker out. This happens if the non-striker leaves their ground at the bowler's end before the bowler has actually bowled the ball.

If the non-striker tries to get a head start, the bowler can stop and hit the wicket. This gets the non-striker out. It's a rare but legal way to dismiss a batter.

Images for kids

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  Michael Clarke avoids being run out during a match against South Africa in January 2009.

See also

In Spanish: Eliminado entre wickets para niños