Appeals turn a possible wicket into a decision.

What an appeal means

An appeal is not just a protest or a celebration. It is the formal question that lets the umpire rule on whether a batter is out. The classic wording is "How's that?", often shortened to "Howzat?", but the important point is that the fielding side clearly asks for a decision.

Under the Laws, an umpire will not give a batter out unless the fielding side appeals. That remains true even if the umpire has seen something that could be out. The batter may still leave voluntarily if they know they are out, but the umpire's formal out decision depends on an appeal.

How umpires handle it

1. The fielding side makes a clear appeal before the next delivery starts and before Time is called.
2. The umpire checks whether the appeal is within that umpire's jurisdiction.
3. If the facts are clear, the umpire gives the batter out or not out.
4. If one umpire needs help on a point the other umpire was better placed to see, they can consult.
5. If doubt remains after consultation, the decision is not out.

When the appeal must happen

A valid appeal must be made before the bowler starts the run-up for the next ball. If there is no run-up, it must be made before the bowler begins the bowling action. It also has to be made before Time has been called.

The call of Over does not by itself end the chance to appeal. An appeal made before the next over starts can still be valid if Time has not been called.

It covers every dismissal

A common misunderstanding is that the fielding side must name the exact dismissal. It does not. A proper "How's that?" appeal covers all ways of being out.

That means the fielding side might appeal because it thinks the ball was caught, but the umpire can still give the batter out LBW if that is the correct decision. The appeal asks whether the batter is out, not only whether one named theory is right.

Which umpire gives the decision

The two on-field umpires have different responsibilities. The striker's-end umpire answers appeals for hit wicket, stumped, and run out when the incident is at the wicket-keeper's end. The bowler's-end umpire answers the other appeals.

If an appeal involves a matter within an umpire's jurisdiction, that umpire can answer it. When one umpire is unsure about a factual point the other umpire saw better, consultation is allowed before the final signal or call.

Out, not out, and changed calls

An out decision is signalled by raising the index finger. A not-out decision is normally given verbally, often with a clear shake of the head or spoken "not out" so the players know the appeal has been answered.

An umpire may alter a decision if it is done promptly and does not conflict with the dead-ball rule that prevents revoking Dead ball. Once that narrow correction window has passed, the umpire's decision is final unless a competition's review system applies.

Appeals are not the same as reviews

An appeal asks the on-field umpire for the original decision. A player review asks the third umpire to check that original decision under the playing conditions for the match.

Not every cricket match has DRS, and the number of reviews, time limits, retained reviews, and technology protocols are set by the competition. In matches with DRS, the fielding side still needs an appeal for a dismissal decision before a not-out call can be reviewed.

A captain can withdraw an appeal

The fielding captain may withdraw an appeal, but only with the consent of the umpire whose decision is involved. If consent is given, the umpire can revoke the decision and recall the batter.

The withdrawal has to happen before the ball comes into play for the next delivery. If the innings has ended, it must happen before the umpires leave the field.

When a batter walks by mistake

A batter who has not been given out might leave the wicket because they wrongly think they are out. If an umpire is satisfied that this happened, the umpire intervenes, calls and signals Dead ball, and recalls the batter.

This recall window lasts until the ball comes into play for the next delivery. If it is the final wicket of the innings, it lasts until the umpires leave the field.

Misunderstandings to avoid

• "The umpire saw it, so the batter must be out": not unless there is an appeal or the batter leaves knowing they are out.
• "They appealed for the wrong thing": a general appeal covers all ways of being out.
• "Over was called, so it is too late": not always. An appeal before the next over starts can still be valid if Time has not been called.
• "DRS replaces the appeal": no. DRS is a review of a decision; the appeal is what first asks for the decision.

Source material

• MCC Law 31: Appeals
• MCC Law 2: The umpires
• ICC Decision Review System
• ICC Playing Conditions