Umpire Signals Explained: What Every Cricket Gesture Means
A guide to the main cricket umpire signals, from the raised finger for out to wides, no-balls, boundaries, byes, leg byes, dead ball and TV replays.
Cricket umpires make dozens of decisions in a match, and many of them are communicated with set hand signals. The gestures serve two audiences. The scorers need to record every run, extra and wicket accurately, and the crowd and television viewers want to know what has been decided without waiting for a verbal announcement. Learning the signals makes live cricket much easier to follow.
Signals for runs and boundaries
A boundary four is shown by waving an arm from side to side across the chest. A six is shown by raising both arms above the head. These two signals are among the most familiar in the sport and are repeated whenever the ball reaches or clears the rope.
Signals for extras
Extras are runs that do not come off the bat, and each type has its own gesture.
- Wide: the umpire stretches both arms out horizontally, to the sides.
- No-ball: the umpire extends one arm horizontally to the side.
- Bye: the umpire raises an open hand above the head.
- Leg bye: the umpire taps a raised knee with the hand.
A wide is a delivery that is too far from the batter to be played by normal means. A no-ball covers illegal deliveries, such as overstepping the crease, and gives the batting side an extra run. Byes are runs taken when the ball passes the batter and the wicketkeeper without touching the bat. Leg byes are runs taken after the ball hits the batter’s body but not the bat.
The signal for out
When the umpire rules a batter out, they raise the index finger above the head. It is the most dramatic gesture in the game. If the appeal is rejected, the umpire usually shakes the head or says not out, and no formal signal is needed.
Free hit
In limited-overs cricket, a no-ball for overstepping is followed by a free hit, on which the batter can be dismissed only in limited ways such as run out. The umpire shows it by raising an arm and making a circular motion overhead.
Dead ball and short run
A dead ball is signalled by crossing and re-crossing the wrists below the waist. This tells everyone that the ball is no longer in play, for example after a ball has been fully stopped or when play has been interrupted.
A short run is shown by bending one arm up so that the fingertips touch the nearer shoulder. It means the batters failed to reach their ground properly while running, so the run does not count. The scorers then deduct the short run from the total.
New ball and penalty runs
A new ball is signalled by holding the ball up above the head. The umpire does this when a fresh ball is taken or when the existing ball is replaced. Penalty runs, which can be awarded for certain infringements, also have their own signal.
Revoking a signal and the TV umpire
If an umpire wishes to cancel a signal they have just given, they cross their arms in front of the chest and touch the opposite shoulders. This is the revoke signal and it is used when a decision is overturned, for instance after a captain’s review or a consultation.
To refer a decision to the third umpire, the on-field official draws a rectangle in the air with both hands, representing a television screen. This signal is used for close run outs, stumpings and other catches that need checking, and under the Decision Review System it is also used when a player asks for a review.
Soft signals
For several years on-field umpires also gave a soft signal of out or not out when sending a decision upstairs. This practice was removed from the international playing conditions in 2023.
Why signals matter
Clear signalling keeps the scoreboard and the official scorebook accurate. It also helps players, who may be out of earshot, and reduces confusion in noisy grounds. Next time you watch a match, try spotting the signals before the commentator names them.
Frequently asked questions
How does an umpire signal a wide?
The umpire stretches both arms out horizontally to the sides.
What is the signal for a six?
Both arms are raised above the head. A four is shown by waving one arm across the chest.
How is a review of a decision shown?
The umpire draws a rectangle in the air with the hands, representing a television screen, to refer the decision to the third umpire.