Ever been watching a Test series at the MCG or catching a BBL game on the telly, and the umpire throws up some hand signal that leaves you scratching your head? You're not alone. Whether you're a grassroots player trying to understand why your appeal got knocked back, a coach explaining the game to new parents, or just a fan who wants to follow the action without constantly checking your phone, knowing your umpire signals is a proper game-changer.
This guide will walk you through every signal you'll see in Australian cricket—from the iconic "out" raised finger to those more obscure ones that pop up during a Sheffield Shield slog or a Women's Big Bash League thriller. By the time you're done, you'll be reading the game like a seasoned umpire yourself.
What You'll Need
Before we dive into the signals themselves, here's what'll help you get the most out of this guide:
- A basic understanding of cricket rules – If you know what a wicket, a run, and a boundary are, you're golden. If not, check out our rules-positions guide for a refresher.
- Access to a game on TV or live stream – Watching the signals in action makes them stick. Try catching a Big Bash League or Test series match to see them in real time.
- Patience – Some signals can look similar at first glance, but we'll break down the differences clearly.
- A willingness to learn – Even experienced fans sometimes mix up the "wide" and "no ball" signals. We've all been there.
Step-by-Step Guide to Umpire Signals
Step 1: The Basics – Out, Not Out, and Dead Ball
Let's start with the signals you'll see most often, especially during any Test series or Sheffield Shield match.
Out (Raised Index Finger) This is the most iconic signal in cricket. The umpire raises their index finger straight up in the air. Simple, clear, and final. When a bowler gets a wicket or a fielder takes a catch in the slips, this is the signal everyone's waiting for. The finger stays up until the batsman has left the field.
Not Out (Shaking Head + Verbal) There's no specific hand signal for "not out." Instead, the umpire shakes their head and often says "not out" clearly. If you're watching a BBL game on TV, you'll hear the umpire's call through the stump microphone. For grassroots players, always wait for the umpire's verbal call—don't assume from the lack of a raised finger.
Dead Ball (Crossed Wrists at Waist Height) When the umpire crosses their wrists at waist level, it means the ball is dead—nothing can happen until the next delivery. You'll see this if a batsman gets injured, if the ball goes out of play, or if there's any interruption. In the Women's Big Bash League, you might spot this signal if a fielder needs treatment or if there's a distraction on the field.
Step 2: Scoring Signals – Boundaries and Runs
Now let's look at the signals that tell you how many runs are being added to the scoreboard. These are crucial for understanding the flow of a game, especially during a high-scoring T20 World Cup match.
Four Runs (Arm Wave Side to Side) When the ball reaches the boundary along the ground, the umpire waves one arm from side to side at waist height. It's a smooth, horizontal motion—like you're brushing something off a table. You'll see this plenty during a batter's innings at the SCG or during any Big Bash League blockbuster.
Six Runs (Both Arms Raised Above Head) For a maximum, the umpire raises both arms straight above their head. It's an unmistakable signal that always gets the crowd going. When you see this at the MCG during a T20 World Cup match, you know the crowd's about to erupt. The arms stay up until the ball is confirmed to have cleared the boundary on the full.
Byes (Open Palm Raised) If the ball gets past the batsman and the wicketkeeper, and the batters run, the umpire signals byes by raising one open palm towards the scorers. The palm faces forward, fingers together. This tells everyone the runs aren't credited to the batsman's score.
Leg Byes (Umpire Touches Raised Knee) This one's a bit trickier. The umpire raises one leg slightly and touches their knee with their hand. It means the ball hit the batsman's body (not the bat) and they ran. In a Sheffield Shield match, you'll see this signal when a batter gets an inside edge onto the pad and scampers through for a quick single.
Step 3: Bowling Infringements – No Ball, Wide, and More
These signals are critical for understanding the game's discipline. During a tight Test match, one extra delivery can change the entire complexion of a session.
No Ball (Horizontal Arm) The umpire extends one arm horizontally to the side, palm facing down. It's a straight line parallel to the ground. This signal means the bowler has overstepped the popping crease, or the ball has bounced above waist height. In modern cricket, the third umpire often checks no balls for front-foot overstepping, but the on-field umpire still makes the initial signal.
Wide (Both Arms Extended Horizontally) This one looks similar to the no ball but with both arms. The umpire extends both arms out to the sides, parallel to the ground. You'll see this most often in limited-overs cricket like the BBL or WBBL, where wides are strictly policed. The signal stays until the batters have completed any runs.
Free Hit (Circular Hand Motion) After a no ball for overstepping in limited-overs cricket, the umpire makes a circular motion with one hand above their head. This indicates the next delivery is a free hit—the batsman can't be dismissed except by run out. It's a signal that always gets the crowd buzzing, especially when a recognized batter is on strike.
Step 4: Power Plays and Field Restrictions
These signals are specific to limited-overs formats and are crucial for understanding tactical decisions.
Power Play (Arm Rotation) The umpire rotates one arm in a circular motion above their head to indicate the start or end of a power play. In the Big Bash League, you'll see this at the start of the innings and during the batting power play. It's a clear signal that field restrictions are in place.
Fielding Circle (Hand Gesture) When the umpire points to the fielding circle with a straight arm, it indicates that the fielding restrictions are active. You'll see this signal during the first six overs of a T20 World Cup match or during the first ten overs of a one-day international.
Step 5: Player Conduct and Administrative Signals
These signals are less common but important to recognize, especially if you're coaching grassroots cricket.
Penalty Runs (Tapping Shoulder) If the umpire awards penalty runs to the batting side, they tap their shoulder with the opposite hand. This can happen for various infractions, like the fielding team deliberately damaging the pitch or time-wasting. In a Test series, this signal is rare but significant when it appears.
Replacements (Hand Gesture) When a substitute fielder comes onto the field, the umpire signals by pointing to the player leaving the field and then to the substitute. This is more common in longer formats like the Sheffield Shield or Test matches.
Time Out (Arm Raised with Finger Pointing Up) If a batsman takes too long to arrive at the crease, the umpire raises one arm with a finger pointing upward. This is a warning signal. If the delay continues, the umpire can award the wicket. You'll rarely see this in professional cricket, but it's good to know for local club games.
Step 6: Review System Signals
The Decision Review System (DRS) has added a whole new layer of signals to modern cricket.
DRS Review (Box Shape with Hands) When a team requests a review, the on-field umpire makes a box shape with their hands—thumbs and forefingers touching to form a rectangle. This signals that the decision is being referred to the third umpire. You'll see this during any Test series or T20 World Cup match.
Third Umpire Decision (Headset Gesture) The on-field umpire touches their ear to indicate they're receiving communication from the third umpire. This happens when the review is in progress. Once the third umpire makes the call, the on-field umpire will either raise the finger (out) or shake their head (not out).
Umpire's Call (Hand Gesture) If the DRS review results in "umpire's call" (meaning the original decision stands because it's too close to overturn), the umpire will make a "so-so" gesture with one hand—palm facing down, wobbling side to side. This signal is unique to cricket's review system and often causes confusion among new fans.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Confusing No Ball and Wide This is the most common mix-up. Remember: no ball = one arm horizontal, wide = both arms horizontal. If you see both arms, it's a wide. One arm? No ball. Simple.
Mistake #2: Thinking Byes and Leg Byes Are the Same Byes (open palm) mean the ball didn't touch the bat or the batsman. Leg byes (touching knee) mean the ball hit the batsman's body. The difference matters for scoring and for the bowler's figures.
Mistake #3: Forgetting the Free Hit Signal After a no ball in limited-overs cricket, watch for the circular hand motion above the umpire's head. That's your cue that the next ball is a free hit. It's easy to miss if you're not looking for it.
Pro Tip: Watch the Umpire's Eyes Umpires often use eye contact and head movements before making their signals. If you see an umpire looking at the scorers, they're about to signal something. Get ready to identify which one it is.
Pro Tip: Learn the Signals in Context Don't try to memorize all 15+ signals at once. Watch a BBL game and focus on just three signals: out, four, and six. Then add wide and no ball. Gradually build up your knowledge. It's much easier than trying to learn everything in one go.
Pro Tip: Use Slow Motion Replays If you're watching on TV, use slow-motion replays to study the signals. You'll see the umpire's hand position much more clearly, especially for quick signals like the DRS box shape or the free hit rotation.
Checklist Summary
Here's your quick-reference checklist of all the umpire signals covered in this guide. Print it out, bookmark it, or keep it on your phone for the next time you're watching a Test series, BBL match, or Sheffield Shield game.
- Out – Raised index finger, straight up
- Not Out – Shaking head, verbal call
- Dead Ball – Crossed wrists at waist height
- Four Runs – Arm wave side to side
- Six Runs – Both arms raised above head
- Byes – Open palm raised towards scorers
- Leg Byes – Touching raised knee with hand
- No Ball – One arm extended horizontally
- Wide – Both arms extended horizontally
- Free Hit – Circular hand motion above head
- Power Play – Arm rotation above head
- Penalty Runs – Tapping shoulder with opposite hand
- DRS Review – Box shape with hands (thumbs and forefingers)
- Third Umpire Communication – Touching ear
- Umpire's Call – Palm wobbling side to side
Ready to Take Your Cricket Knowledge Further?
Now that you can read the umpire's signals like a pro, why not deepen your understanding of the game? Check out our guide on the scoring system to understand how all those runs add up, or dive into video analysis tips to break down game footage like a coach. If you're coaching a grassroots team, our coaching tactics section has practical drills and strategies that work at any level.
And if you're new to the broader world of Australian sports, don't miss our AFL rules basics guide—because knowing your cricket signals is great, but knowing your footy too? That's the full Australian sporting experience.
Remember, the next time you're watching a Test match or catching a Women's Big Bash League final at the WACA, you'll be able to follow every decision as it happens. No more guessing, no more asking your mate what that signal meant. You've got this.
Reader Comments (5)