New Batter on Strike After a Catch
Also known as: who faces after a catch, batters crossing when caught, new batter on strike, crossing rule, batters crossed before the catch
When the striker is caught, the not-out batter goes back to their original end (Law 18.11). It makes no difference if the batters crossed while the ball was in the air. So the new batter faces the next ball, unless the catch was the last ball of the over.
Since a 2022 change, Law 18.11 sends the not-out batter back to their original end after certain dismissals. They are caught, bowled, stumped, LBW, hit wicket and hit the ball twice. Crossing makes no difference. The incoming batter takes the striker's end, so they face the next delivery. At the end of an over the bowling switches ends. The not-out batter, standing at what becomes the striker's end, then faces.
Run outs are different. Under Law 18.12, the not-out batter returns to the end they left only if the batters had not crossed before the wicket was broken. If they had crossed, the not-out batter stays at the far end. One special case: if a batter's wilful obstruction stops a catch being taken, the striker is out obstructing the field. The fielding captain then decides who faces the next ball.
This changes how teams plan. In a chase, a set batter can no longer protect a new partner by crossing during a skied catch. Captains and bowlers know the incoming batter will be on strike after a catch. The new batter should expect to face straight away, often against an attacking field.
Tips by skill level
If you are next in and the striker is caught, expect to face the next ball unless the over has just ended.
Late in a chase, know the over count before a big shot. If you are caught mid-over, your new partner faces the next ball, often against a set bowler.
Example
With two balls left in the over, the striker skies a catch to long-on and the batters cross while it is in the air. The catch is taken. The not-out batter walks back to the non-striker's end and the new batter faces the next ball.
Why it matters
Knowing who will be on strike after a catch helps new batters prepare. It also stops batters wasting effort crossing for no benefit.
Common mistakes
- Thinking that crossing during a catch puts the set batter on strike
- Walking out as a new batter expecting to start at the non-striker's end
- Applying the catch rule to run outs, where crossing still matters
- Forgetting the end of the over changes who faces
Frequently asked questions
Who faces the next ball if the batters cross on a catch?
After a catch, crossing does not matter. Under Law 18.11 the not-out batter returns to their original end. The new batter faces, unless it was the last ball of the over.
Does the new batter face after a catch?
Yes, unless the catch was the last ball of the over. The not-out batter returns to the non-striker's end, so the incoming batter takes strike.
What happens if the batters cross before a run out?
For a run out, crossing still matters. If the batters had crossed when the wicket was broken, the not-out batter stays at the end they ran to.
Sources
Related terms
- CaughtCaught is a way of being out in cricket. The batter is out when a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground, after it has come off the bat or a glove on the hand holding the bat (Laws 33.1 and 5.6).
- 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.
- Obstructing the FieldEither batter is out obstructing the field (Law 37) for wilfully obstructing or distracting the fielders by word or action. It includes striking the ball with a hand not holding the bat. That used to be a separate dismissal called 'handled the ball'. It also covers handing the ball back to a fielder without their consent. Accidental contact, or moving to avoid injury, is not out.
- 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 analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.