Cricket is a game that dates back to the 16th century. Not many sports around the world can claim this kind of longevity. Of course, its rules and regulations have evolved over time, but stumps have always been part of the gameplay. Let’s explore the stumps meaning in cricket.
One aspect of cricket that has remained relatively consistent is the use of stumps as an essential component of the game. Stumps are the three wooden poles that are placed at each end of the pitch, and they play a crucial role in dismissals.
Early History of Cricket and Stumps
As the popularity of cricket grew in the 17th and 18th centuries, so did the need for a standard set of rules. In 1744, the Laws of Cricket were written and included the specifications for the size and shape of the stumps.
The original design consisted of of “two uprights and a crosspiece”. There were two stumps and the bail on top was much longer, connecting the two. However, this caused some controversial issues, including a cricket match where Lumpy Stevens bowled through the stumps, failing to get the dismissal he was looking for.
The laws were revised later in the century to prevent this from happening, and the three-stump design that we know today was officially adopted.
Evolution of Stump Design and Materials
Over time, the design and materials used to construct stumps have changed, they tend to be made out of Ash wood, but the design has changed with new innovations. We even have things like stump cam, and of course, it is more common to see things like the sponsor’s names printed on stumps now.
In addition to changes in materials, the design of the stump has also evolved. The current design features three wooden poles that are 28 inches tall and 9 inches wide at the base. The stumps are often placed in the ground with the help of a spike, which ensures that they remain upright during the game (until they don’t)!
The Role of Stumps in a Cricket Match
Although stumps are a relatively simple concept, their role in a cricket match is incredibly dynamic and complex. Stumps are the target that the bowler aims for, and the wicketkeeper guards. The following are some of the ways in which stumps play a critical role in a cricket match.
The Basic Function of Stumps
The primary function of stumps in cricket is to provide the target that the bowler aims for. The bowler tries to hit the stumps with the ball, while the batsman tries to defend the wicket and prevent the ball from hitting the stumps. When the ball hits the stumps, a wicket is taken, and the batsman is out.
Stumps and the Wicketkeeper’s Role
A part of the wicketkeeper’s role is to guard the stumps and catch the ball if it misses the bat and hits the stumps. The wicketkeeper is also responsible for stumping the batsman when the batsman ventures out of the crease to play a shot, and their foot comes out of the crease.
“Stumping” is when they catch the ball and throw it at the stumps or knock the stumps over while the batter is out of their crease.
So, the four ways that stumps are involved in bowlers’ dismissals are:
- Stumped is a way to dismiss the batsman when they come out of the crease to play a shot. If the wicketkeeper removes the bails before the batsman can return to the crease, the batsman is out stumped.
- If the batsman accidentally hits the stumps while playing a shot, they are out by a dismissal called hit-wicket.
- A Run Out occurs when the batsman is not in their crease, and the fielder hits the stumps with the ball while attempting to run out the batsman.
- Bowled. A common way that a batsman is dismissed in cricket. If a legal delivery hits the stumps and knocks off at least one bail, the batter is out bowled.
Believe it or not, there are cases where the ball hits the stumps but the bails aren’t dislodged, which means the batter is not out.
LBW and the Stumps
Stumps are also very relevant to another dismissal method, LBW.
Stumps make up the main part of the wicket, along with the bails, and the wicket is how we judge LBW dismissals. LBW stands for “Leg Before Wicket” and means that the batter’s legs (or body) have got in the way of what would otherwise be a dismissal.
If the ball clatters into the legs of the batter having pitched in line and makes impact in line with the stumps, then it may be LBW. Batters and bowlers can also challenge this decision. So, whether or not the ball is going to hit the stumps is a crucial part of this dismissal, too.
Other Meanings of “Stumps”
What is stumps in cricket when used as a term on its own? What does it mean if the commentator says “that’s stumps”?
The term “Stumps” can also be used to mean the end of the play for a day. You may hear a phrase like “Australia were 200 for 4 at stumps. This comes from the fact that the umpires tend to remove the bails from the stumps to mark the end of the day.
So, stumps are not just part of the equipment, but also part of the language that is used in the day-to-day of cricket.
Conclusion
Stumps are a foundational component of cricket, and their role in the game is critical. Whether it’s the bowler aiming for the stumps, the wicketkeeper guarding them, the batter trying to protect them from the ball, or the fielders positioned around them, stumps play an essential role in how the game unfolds.
