Catch - no runs scored

In a recent match, the ball was hit very high into the air and the batsmen started to run. The batsmen crossed and were ready to come back for a further run when a fielder, on the boundary edge, caught the ball.

The batsman expected one run to be added to his and the team's score. The umpire said that no runs can be scored when the ball is caught. Was he right?


The umpire was quite correct. When a successful catch is completed, no runs are scored by the batsman even though they had completed one run. However, penalty runs awarded to either side are added to the score. The penalty run awarded for a No ball would of course invalidate the catch.

It is important that the umpires note the exact position of the running batsmen when a catch is being attempted. The position of the batsmen at the completion of the catch will determine the end of the pitch at which the new batsman will commence his innings.



Read more about Law 32 (Caught) at the MCC website