What do the umpires' signals mean?
I · Intermediate · Who decides, and how can a decision be reviewed? · 3 of 19Two umpires control the match, one at each end; their decisions are final, though an umpire may correct one straight away. They use set signals: a raised finger for out, one arm out sideways for a no-ball, both arms out for a wide, both arms raised for six and a waved arm for four.
How it works
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Index finger raised above the head | Out |
| One arm held out sideways | No-ball |
| Both arms held out sideways | Wide |
| Wrists crossed and re-crossed below the waist | Dead ball |
| Arm waved side to side, finishing across the chest | Four |
| Both arms raised above the head | Six |
| Open hand raised above the head | Bye |
| Hand touching a raised knee | Leg bye |
| One arm bent, fingertips touching the near shoulder | Short run |
| Tapping one shoulder repeatedly with the opposite hand | 5 penalty runs to the batting side |
| One hand placed on the opposite shoulder | 5 penalty runs to the fielding side |
| Ball held above the head | New ball |
| Pointing to a raised wrist | Start of the last hour |
| Touching both shoulders, each with the opposite hand | Revoke last signal |
| No-ball signal, then tapping the head (internationals) | No-ball for too many bouncers |
| Making a TV-screen shape with the hands (internationals) | Referring to the third umpire |
| Rotating an arm in a large circle (ODIs) | Start of a new powerplay phase |
- The bowler's end umpire answers most appeals; the striker's end umpire answers stumpings, hit wicket and run outs at that end.
- The umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play, and of whether the ground, weather and light are fit.
- In ICC internationals there is also a third umpire (reviews), a fourth umpire (balls and standby) and a Match Referee (discipline, replacements and the toss).
Tricky cases
Can an umpire change a decision?
Yes, but only promptly. Once the ball is dead and play has moved on, a decision stands.
Who decides if the umpires disagree?
They decide together. If doubt remains on an appeal, it is not out.
Can a team object to an umpire?
Not in ICC internationals. Neither side can object to an appointment.
Why the rule exists
Clear signals let players, scorers and spectators know exactly what was given. One neutral authority on the field keeps the match moving.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws | Two umpires; signals as above | L2.1, 2.13 |
| ICC men's internationals | Adds a third umpire, a fourth umpire and a Match Referee; extra signals for reviews, bouncers and powerplays | PC-O 2.1.2, App D 2.1.2; PC-T 41.6.1.8; PC-O 28.7.2.5 |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 2.1 to 2.15 and 31.5, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's playing conditions, clauses 2.1 and 28.7 and Appendix D, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF); ICC playing conditions (PDF).