When is a batter out hit wicket?
I · Intermediate · How does a batter get out? · 2 of 19A batter is out hit wicket when they break their own wicket with their bat, body or clothing while getting ready for the ball, playing it or setting off on their first run straight after. It is not out off a no-ball, once they are already running, or while they are avoiding a throw or a run out.
How it works
- It applies only from the moment the bowler enters the delivery stride. If the batter breaks the wicket before that, the umpire calls dead ball.
- It covers getting ready to receive the ball, playing at it, regaining balance afterwards and setting off at once for the first run.
- The bat counts even if it has slipped out of the hand, and so do pieces of it.
- Clothing or equipment that falls off counts, except the helmet.
- No runs are scored, except the one run for a wide and any penalty runs.
Tricky cases
Is it out if the batter's helmet falls on the stumps?
Not out. A falling helmet is the one piece of equipment that does not count.
Is it out if the bat slips out of the batter's hands and hits the stumps?
Out, if it happens while they are playing the ball or setting off for the first run.
Is it out if the batter knocks the bails off while running a second run?
Not out. Once the batter is running, other than setting off for the first run, hit wicket does not apply.
Can a batter be out hit wicket off a wide?
Yes.
Is it out if the batter collides with a fielder and falls onto the stumps?
Not out. A wicket broken as a direct result of contact with a fielder does not count.
Is it out if the bowler stops without bowling and the batter breaks the wicket?
Not out. The umpire calls dead ball.
Why the rule exists
The batter must play the ball without destroying their own stumps. It keeps the batter's movement in check at the crease.
Where it differs
Nothing. The same in the Laws and in the ICC men's playing conditions.
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 35.1 to 35.3 and 29.2.1, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).