Wickets

In cricket, wickets have two related meanings. They denote the physical target at each end of the pitch and the event of a batsman being dismissed. The term also refers to the specialist fielder known as the wicket-keeper, who stands close behind the stumps to collect the ball and stump batsmen when appropriate.

The physical wicket consists of three vertical stumps topped by two horizontal bails. The stumps are 28 inches (71 cm) tall and are spaced so that the gaps between adjacent stumps measure 9 inches (22.86 cm). The two bails rest on the stumps and are about 4.31 inches (11 cm) long. Wickets are placed at each end of the 22-yard (20.12 m) pitch, forming the target for the bowler and the defense for the batsman. Stumps are traditionally made of hardwood, and the whole arrangement is supported by the popping crease and return creases that define safe areas for runners and fielding.

A wicket, as a dismissal, occurs when the ball leads to the stumps being struck in a way that retires the batsman from play. Common methods include bowled, caught, leg before wicket (lbw), run out, stumped, and hit wicket. The team’s progress is measured by the number of wickets they have lost; an innings typically ends when ten wickets have fallen.

The wicket-keeper is a specialized fielder positioned directly behind the batsman’s wicket to collect deliveries, effect stumpings, and prevent runs. The term “taking a wicket” describes the act of dismissing a batsman and is a key measure of a bowler’s success. In addition to cricket usage, “wicket” can also mean a small gate or door in general English usage.