HIT WICKET Meaning and
Definition
-
Hit wicket is a term used in the sport of cricket to describe a specific event that leads to a batsman's dismissal. It occurs when the batsman, during the act of playing a shot or preparing to play a shot, accidentally knocks down their own wicket with their bat or any part of their body.
In cricket, a wicket consists of three stumps and two bails, which are placed at each end of the pitch. The main objective of the batsman is to protect the wicket while scoring runs. However, in the case of a hit wicket, the batsman inadvertently strikes the stumps, causing the bails to dislodge and signaling their dismissal.
The most common scenario for a hit wicket dismissal is when the batsman loses balance or is entangled in their own equipment, such as dragging their bat into the stumps while attempting a shot. As soon as the wicket is disturbed, the fielding team appeals to the umpire for a decision.
Once a hit wicket is confirmed, the batsman is considered "out" and must leave the field, ending their innings. The dismissal is credited to the bowler, who benefits from this successful mode of dismissal. However, no bowler is officially awarded the wicket when a batsman gets out in this manner.
In summary, a hit wicket is an accidental dismissal in cricket that occurs when the batsman hits their own wicket while playing a shot or preparing to play a shot, leading to their dismissal.
Etymology of HIT WICKET
The term "hit wicket" originated in the sport of cricket. It refers to a mode of dismissal, wherein a batsman accidentally strikes and dislodges their own wicket (the stumps and bails behind them) with the bat or any part of their body. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
- "Hit": Refers to the action of striking or making contact with something. In this case, it represents the action of hitting one's own wicket.
- "Wicket": Derived from the Old English word "wice" or "wicca", meaning a small dwelling or shelter. In cricket, the term was originally used to describe the set of stumps and bails that act as a target for the batsman.
Therefore, the term "hit wicket" directly describes the action of a batsman striking their own wicket during a game of cricket.
