Cricket, a game with a sizable and diversified fan base throughout the world, is also widely recognized for having a variety of rules and laws. The sport of cricket does have some wonderful traditions. The way or manner in which a bowler, or for that matter, any player, might appeal is one of these customs. The fielding team frequently appeals to the umpire, requesting his judgment on whether the batter is out or not. Players are frequently heard yelling “Howzat” at the top of their lungs. Have you ever wondered why they did so or the attractiveness of “Howzat” in cricket? Let’s investigate. Scroll down to read Do you know why cricketers shout Howzat?
Do you know why cricketers shout Howzat?
Cricket Appeal | What does the term “howzat” mean exactly?
The cricket phrase “Howzat” is used to appeal to (or inquire of) the umpire over the dismissal of the batsman. A way to ask the umpire whether the batter is out or not, the appeal is a shortened or more inaccurate version of the phrase “How is that.” Since the start of the game, it has traditionally been used to ask the umpire questions.
However, it should be noted that this is not the only strategy for appealing to the umpire in this situation. In cricket, several other avenues for appealing are accepted as legitimate. The most common technique used by players is to just exclaim “howwwss” or “zatt” while gesturing animatedly or in any other way. Players may appeal to the umpire in whatever way they want, providing that the umpire understands what they are trying to convey, as long as decency and integrity are preserved. These pleas are frequently amusing, which makes both the other players and the audience laugh out loud.
Players will frequently raise their hands in a jubilant gesture and just blurt out something, indicating that the umpire has been requested for a ruling.
Can umpires give a batsman out without a cricket appeal?
The topic of whether a batsman may be dismissed without an appeal then arises since it is common knowledge that a batsman is only dismissed by LBW, run out, or any other way when the opposing team appeals (apart from unavoidable circumstances like being bowled or being caught out). That’s a no to the question.
According to MCC’s Law 31 (Marylebone Cricket Club), the fielding side shall have the opportunity to appeal before the batsman is dismissed. The relevant statute is 31.1, and it states the following:
“31.1 Umpire not to give batter out without an appeal”
‘Neither umpire shall, without a fielder’s appeal, declare a batter out, even though the batter may be declared out per the Laws. A hitter who is declared out by any of the Laws is not prohibited from leaving the pitch before filing an appeal.
For example, if the fielding team does not appeal to the umpire and the batsman, despite being aware that he may have nicked the ball, decides to stay in the game after being caught behind or in a tight caught-behind dismissal, the umpire is not required to raise his finger. It is now wholly irrelevant whether the umpire is aware that the batter has nicked it or not.
This is the exact reason why, in all formats of cricket matches played across the world, players tend to appeal even if there is a remote possibility that it may result in a wicket. If the appeal is denied, there is no loss; but, there is always a chance that a wasted opportunity to take a wicket might end up costing money in the future.
The Concept of “Walking” in Cricket
Cricket, as was previously established, is a game of rules. The game has a large number of written rules. But there are also unspoken guidelines that must be adhered to to treat the other player fairly. Thus, the term “gentleman’s game” was coined.
Walking is when a batsman chooses to return to the pavilion despite being out and not being given out by the umpire for whatever reason, such as the opposition team’s lack of appeal. The batter may be fully aware that he may bat farther if the opposition doesn’t appeal, yet he still chooses to go back, signaling it would be the proper course of action.
It has happened a few times in international cricket, albeit being an uncommon sight.
Time limit for an appeal (Howzat)
“The law states that the appeal for the previous ball can be made until the bowler starts the run-up for the next delivery. If the bowler has no run-up, then the appeal can be made until the bowler gets into the bowling action.”
Additionally, it should be noted that if this is the final ball of the over, players may petition for the wicket up until the bowler begins to run up for his delivery or assumes his bowling stance if there is no run-up.
How to appeal in cricket? What concept of unethical appealing in cricket?
According to the ICC Cricket Code of Conduct, an unethical or unsportsmanlike appeal is one that is made by fielding side players who are too aggressive or excessively appealing to frighten the umpire or batter.
Even when the fielding side knows the batsman is not out, it is nevertheless usual practice these days for them to appeal in the hopes that the judgment would be in their favor. They may frequently exaggerate their appeals to prevent the umpire from issuing the wide ball signal, as in the case of a wide ball.
And regardless of whether the ball was thrown outside off or struck the bat first, howls of appeal are almost always certain these days when it hits the pads.
Today, the match referee may be informed by the on-field umpires if they believe the fielding side is using such techniques or unethical methods excessively. The match referee will review the issue and may then impose match bans or penalties.
Can a cricket appeal be withdrawn?
Yes, there are legal rules that allow a dismissed batsman to resume batting after the fielding team’s appeal has been withdrawn. The fielding team captain must, however, withdraw the appeal for this to occur, and only after getting the concerned umpire’s approval. The batter is then allowed to return to the crease and continue to bat after that.
Also read, Journey Of A Ticket Collector – Rajesh Ramesh Biography
