Timed Out
Also known as: timed out, out timed out, timed out rule, new batter time limit, how long does a new batter have, batter have to come in, new batter come in
Under Law 40, the next ball must be ready to be faced within 3 minutes of a wicket falling or a batter retiring. If not, the incoming batter is out timed out. ICC playing conditions shorten this to 2 minutes in Tests and ODIs and 90 seconds in T20 internationals. The fielding side must appeal.
The clock starts at the dismissal or retirement, not when the new batter walks out. Within the time limit the incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball, or the other batter must be ready to receive it. Arriving at the crease is not enough. Under the Laws the limit is 3 minutes. Competitions can set their own limit in their playing conditions. The ICC men's playing conditions use 2 minutes in Tests and ODIs and 1 minute 30 seconds in T20 internationals. If no batter comes out at all for a long time, the umpires can treat it as a refusal to play and award the match.
The bowler does not get credit for a timed out wicket. Like any dismissal, the umpire only gives it if the fielding side appeals. Captains rarely do. But it is a real dismissal, and it has been used in international cricket.
The practical lesson is to be ready before you are needed. Have your pads, box, thigh pad and gloves on when you are next in. Check your helmet strap and grille before the wicket falls, not after. If something breaks on the way out, tell the umpire straight away. The umpires can call time for a genuine equipment problem. The fielding side may also be willing to wait rather than appeal.
Tips by skill level
When you are next in, sit padded up with your helmet and gloves beside you. Walk out as soon as the wicket falls.
Check your league's playing conditions for the time limit. Shorter formats often cut it, and the clock is still running while you take guard.
Example
A wicket falls and the next batter is still fastening her pads in the pavilion. She reaches the crease after three and a half minutes, the fielding captain appeals and the umpire gives her out timed out.
Why it matters
Being ready on time is entirely in your control. A timed out dismissal costs your side a wicket without a ball being bowled to you.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until the wicket falls before putting on pads and gloves
- Thinking the time limit runs from when you leave the pavilion
- Discovering a broken helmet strap on the walk out
- Assuming every league uses the same time limit
Frequently asked questions
How long does a new batter have to come in?
Under Law 40, 3 minutes from the dismissal or retirement to be ready to face, or for the other batter to be ready. ICC playing conditions cut this to 2 minutes in Tests and ODIs and 90 seconds in T20 internationals.
What does timed out mean in cricket?
It is a dismissal under Law 40. After a wicket falls or a batter retires, the next ball must be ready to be faced within the time limit. If not, the incoming batter is out. The fielding side must appeal.
Does the bowler get the wicket for a timed out?
No. Law 40.2 says the bowler does not get credit for a timed out dismissal.
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 40 (Timed out), p. 117
- ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 40.1.1: two minutes, p. 60
- ICC Men's ODI Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 40.1.1: two minutes, p. 58
- ICC Men's T20I Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 40.1.1: 1 minute 30 seconds, p. 57
Related terms
- 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.
- WicketIn cricket, a wicket refers both to the set of three stumps and two bails at each end of the pitch, and to the act of dismissing a batter — "taking a wicket" means getting a batter out.
- Cricket Helmet and Neck GuardA cricket helmet with a faceguard or grille protects the head and face from the ball. A neck guard, or stem guard, attaches to the back of the helmet to protect the upper neck. Rules vary by country and level. In England and Wales, under-18s must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard ball.
- Test CricketTest cricket is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious format of the sport — played over up to five days between two national teams, with each side receiving two innings and ten wickets to be dismissed.
- T20 FormatT20 (Twenty20) cricket is the shortest mainstream format of the game — each side bats for a maximum of 20 overs — producing fast-paced, high-scoring matches usually completed in under three hours.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.