How Cricket's Timed Out Dismissal Works Explainer
Under the Laws of Cricket, an incoming batter must be ready to receive the next ball, or the other batter must be ready, within three minutes of a wicket falling or a batter retiring. If that requirement is missed and the fielding side appeals, the incoming batter can be dismissed timed out.
Time called by the umpires pauses the requirement. The dismissal also depends on an appeal; officials do not simply record the wicket without the fielding side asking. If there is an extended delay with no batter appearing, the umpires may move into the separate procedure for awarding a match.
Competition playing conditions can shorten the interval. Limited-overs tournaments often set a tighter deadline than the Laws' three minutes, so players must follow the event's published regulation. The match sheet records timed out as a dismissal for which the bowler receives no credit.
The law is designed to prevent deliberate delay and keep the innings moving. Teams manage it by sending the next batter toward the field before the previous dismissal is fully processed, checking equipment in advance, and communicating with officials if an unavoidable problem might justify time being called.
The incoming batter or the other batter must be ready within three minutes, unless Time has been called.
Yes. Timed out is an appeal-based dismissal.
No. A timed-out dismissal is not credited to the bowler.
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