GuideOct 27, 20264 min read
Cricket Umpire Signals Explained
Umpires speak with their hands. Learning the main signals lets you follow a match even with the sound off.
Four and six
For a four the umpire waves an arm side to side across the chest. For a six both arms are raised straight above the head.
Out
A raised index finger means the batter is out.
Wide
Both arms are stretched out horizontally.
No-ball
One arm is held out horizontally at shoulder height.
Bye and leg bye
For a bye the umpire raises an open hand above the head. For a leg bye the umpire taps a raised knee with the hand.
Dead ball
The umpire crosses the wrists low in front of the body, meaning the ball is no longer in play.
Short run
The umpire bends an arm and touches the shoulder with the fingertips, meaning a batter did not complete a run.
Third umpire referral
The umpire draws a rectangle in the air, asking the third umpire to review a decision.
Quick answers
What is the third umpire?
An off-field official who reviews close decisions using video and other technology.
Why do umpires signal?
So players, scorers and viewers all know the decision at once, even from far away.