In cricket the umpire is the highest authority on the cricket field, and has the power to make judgements within play according to the governing laws of cricket. To indicate these judgements the umpire can give various signals and make certain gestures to show the scorers and spectators what has occurred.
The umpire can give signals for the following:
- Out (bowled, stumped, LBW, caught or run out.)
- Wide ball
- No ball
- Dead ball
- New ball
- Revoke last signal
- Last hour of play
- Bye
- Leg bye
- Short run
- Penalty runs
- Four runs
- Six runs
- Power plays
- Decision referrals to the third umpire.
Most Common Signals Used by Umpires in Cricket
The most commonly signals used by umpires are the gestures for fours, sixes and dismissals. To indicate that a batsman has been given out the umpire simply raises his index finger to head height.
The 'Third Umpire' System
In Test cricket, the referral or "third umpire" system has helped the on-field umpires make more accurate decisions, and the system is a valuable asset to any umpire if they are not 100% sure of a decision.
The Best Cricket Umpires in the World?
The ICC has an elite panel of umpires who are the only umpires allowed to officiate in test and ODI matches, and who are considered to be the best umpires in the world.
ICC Elite Panel of Umpires (as of 2012)
Billy Bowden (New Zealand)
Simon Taufel (Australia)
Aleem Dar (Pakistan)
Asad Rauf (Pakistan)
Steve Davies (Australia)
Ian Gould (England)
Tony Hill (New Zealand)
Marais Erasmus (South Africa)
Rod Tucker (Australia)
Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
Richard Kettleborough (England)
