Running Out the Non-Striker (Mankad)
Also known as: mankad, mankading, mankaded, non-striker run out, running out the non-striker, leaving the crease early
The bowler can run out a non-striker who leaves their crease too early. If the non-striker is out of their ground before the bowler's arm reaches the top of the normal delivery swing. The bowler may break the wicket by hand or with a throw. It is a legal run out under Law 38.3, often called 'Mankading'. Once the bowler's arm passes that point, it is too late.
Law 38.3 covers this. The non-striker is at risk from the moment the ball comes into play until the bowler's arm reaches the highest point of their normal bowling action. If the non-striker is out of their ground in that time, the bowler can run them out. The bowler must break the wicket with the ball in hand or by throwing it at the stumps. It does not matter whether the ball is then delivered. Once the arm passes the highest point, the bowler can no longer do this, even if the non-striker left early.
If the ball is not delivered and there is an appeal, the umpire decides. If it is not out, or there is no appeal, the umpire calls dead ball, and the ball does not count in the over. If the ball is delivered and the non-striker is not out, play goes on. If the non-striker is out, that ball does not count in the over. Law 38.3 does not require the bowler to warn the batter first.
This dismissal used to sit in the unfair play Law. On 1 October 2022, MCC moved it into the run-out Law with the same wording. MCC said the aim was to put the onus on batters not to leave their crease early.
As a non-striker, keep your bat grounded behind the popping crease until the ball has left the bowler's hand. Then back up quickly.
Tips by skill level
At the non-striker's end, watch the ball in the bowler's hand. Keep your bat on the ground behind the line until the ball is released, then walk in.
You can still back up a long way, but time it to the release. Moving with the bowler's arm rather than the run-up gets you most of the ground with none of the risk.
Example
The non-striker sets off before the ball is bowled. The bowler stops in the crease with his arm still coming over and knocks off the bails, and the umpire gives the batter run out.
Why it matters
Backing up well gains you a yard on quick singles, but leaving too early can cost your wicket. Knowing the exact cut-off lets you back up safely.
Common mistakes
- Walking out of the crease as the bowler runs in, before the ball is released
- Watching the striker instead of the bowler's hand when backing up
- Lifting the bat off the ground while still behind the crease, then drifting forward
- Bowlers trying it after their arm has passed the top of the action, when it is too late
Frequently asked questions
Is Mankading legal in cricket?
Yes. Law 38.3 lets the bowler run out a non-striker who leaves their ground before the bowler's arm reaches the top of the delivery swing. Since 2022 it has been part of the run-out Law.
When is it too late for the bowler to run out the non-striker?
Once the bowler's arm has reached the highest point of the normal bowling action. After that, the non-striker cannot be run out this way, even if they left early.
Does the bowler have to warn the batter before running them out?
No. Law 38.3 does not require a warning. Some bowlers choose to give one, but the dismissal is legal without it.
Does the ball count if the non-striker is run out this way?
No. If the non-striker is out, or if the ball is not delivered, that ball does not count as one of the over.
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 38.3 (Non-striker leaving their ground early), p. 114
- MCC: "MCC's new code of Laws for 2022 come into force" (Law 41.16 moved to Law 38), 1 October 2022
- MCC: "MCC clarifies Law on non-strikers leaving their ground early", 19 January 2023
- MCC: "MCC statement on Run-out at Non-Striker's End at Lord's" (onus on batters), 25 September 2022
- ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 38.3 (Non-striker leaving his ground early), p. 59
Related terms
- Run OutA run out happens when a fielder puts down the wicket while a batter is out of their ground, whether or not a run is being attempted (Law 38.1). The batter is out.
- CreaseThe crease is any of the white painted lines on the cricket pitch. These lines define legal bowling positions, the safe zone for batters, and the starting point for LBW and run-out adjudications.
- Ways to Be Out in CricketThe Laws of Cricket list nine ways to be out. They are bowled, caught, hit the ball twice, hit wicket, LBW, obstructing the field, run out, stumped and timed out. A batter can also be recorded as 'retired out'. Off a no ball, only hit the ball twice, obstructing the field and run out apply.
- Direct Hit Run-OutA direct hit run-out is when a fielder's throw hits the stumps directly, not relayed through the wicket-keeper. It dismisses a batter who is short of their crease.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.