Sightscreen
Also known as: sightscreen, sight screen, what is a sight screen for, sightscreen in cricket, movement behind the bowler, white sight screen
A sightscreen is a large board behind the bowler, beyond the boundary, that gives the batter a plain background to see the ball against. If someone moves in front of it, a batter can pull away and ask the umpire to wait.
The ball leaves the bowler's hand at speed. A busy background of people, trees or cars makes it hard to pick up. The sightscreen gives a plain, high-contrast panel right in the batter's line of sight.
Under Law 19.1, the umpires fix the boundary before the toss so that no part of any sightscreen is in the field of play. Grounds often have screens at both ends. Some are on wheels so they can move when a bowler changes from over to round the wicket.
At club level, a batter may ask the umpire to wait if someone walks behind the bowler's arm. Keep the request polite and quick.
Tips by skill level
Before you take guard, look up and check the sightscreen is directly behind the bowler's arm.
If a bowler switches from over to round the wicket, ask for the screen to be moved before the next ball.
Example
A spectator walks across the sightscreen as the bowler runs in. The batter pulls away, and the umpire asks the spectator to wait.
Why it matters
Seeing the ball early is the start of every good shot. A clear background helps you pick up length and line sooner.
Common mistakes
- Batting on even though someone moves behind the bowler
- Not asking for the screen to move when the bowler changes sides
- Walking behind the screen while play is going on
Frequently asked questions
What is a sight screen for in cricket?
It gives the batter a plain background behind the bowler so the ball is easier to see as it is bowled.
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 19.1.2 (boundary set so that no part of any sightscreen is within the field of play), p. 59
- Wikipedia: Glossary of cricket terms, entry 'Sightscreen' ('a large board placed behind the bowler, beyond the boundary, used to provide contrast to the ball')
Related terms
- Head PositionHead position in batting refers to where and how still the batter's head is during the stroke — keeping the head level, forward-leaning, and over the ball is a universal marker of quality technique.
- Playing the Ball LatePlaying the ball late means meeting it close to your body, under your eyes, instead of reaching out in front for it. Your feet and backlift still move early. Only the contact happens late. It gives swing and seam less chance to beat you. It also keeps any edges soft.
- Facing Left-Arm Pace (Over and Round the Wicket)A left-arm fast bowler bowling over the wicket angles the ball across a right-handed batter, from the leg side towards the slips. The danger ball is the one that swings or seams back in after that angle. Know your off stump, avoid planting your front foot across the line and play straight back down the ground.
- Playing Fast BowlingTo play fast bowling, finish any trigger movement before the ball is released so you are still and balanced. Watch the ball from the hand, decide forward or back early and play the ball late under your eyes. Leave balls outside off stump and have a clear plan for the short ball.
- Taking GuardTaking guard means lining up your bat with a chosen stump before you face. It tells you where your stumps are. Hold the bat upright on the crease and ask the umpire at the bowler's end for leg stump, middle and leg, or middle. Then mark the spot. Many batters start on middle or middle and leg.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.