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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 32: Bowled

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 32 sets out that the striker is out Bowled when his wicket is broken by a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a No ball, even if the ball first touches his bat or person, that he is not out Bowled if the ball touched another player or an umpire first (while remaining subject to Laws 37, 38 and 39), and that Bowled takes precedence over any other method of dismissal.

32.321Bowled: Out Bowled

How the striker is out Bowled (the wicket broken by a ball delivered by the bowler, not a No ball, even if the ball first touches the striker's bat or person) and how the wicket is broken for it.

Test 1What makes a striker out BowledTake a test

  1. The first condition is a wicket broken by the bowler's delivery.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  2. A ball delivered by the bowler is required.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  3. The bowler's delivery breaks the wicket and ends the innings of the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  4. Law 32 is the Law that begins with Out Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · recall

  5. Only the ball delivered by the bowler that breaks the wicket is Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  6. A bail completely removed from the top of the stumps breaks the wicket (Law 29.1), and a wicket broken by the bowler's delivery, not being a No ball, is out Bowled under Law 32.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  7. The first sub-clause gives the definition.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  8. Law 32, then 32.1 and 32.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · applied

  9. Law 29 makes the wicket broken by a stump removed from the ground.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  10. Law 32.1 is headed Out Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1 · recall

Test 2Not a No ballTake a test

  1. Law 32.1.1 excludes a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  2. The Law excludes a No ball from Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  3. The No ball status prevents the dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  4. A No ball is excluded from the Bowled dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  5. A No ball is excluded from the dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  6. The Law names a No ball in the definition.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  7. A No ball cannot bowl the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  8. A fair ball that breaks the wicket bowls the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  9. The No ball Law is Law 21.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21 · recall

  10. A Wide is not named in Law 32.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

Test 3Touching the bat or person firstTake a test

  1. Law 32.1.1 says even if it first touches the striker's bat or person.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  2. An edge on to the stumps is still Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  3. The touch of the bat is followed by the wicket being broken.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  4. Contact with the person first does not prevent Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  5. Touching the bat, pad or glove first is still Bowled; touching a fielder first is not.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1 · applied

  6. A deflection from the striker's person is covered by the Law.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  7. Law 32.1.1 makes the striker out Bowled when the delivery breaks his wicket, and an earlier touch of his own bat or person on the way does not save him; a touch by another player or an umpire does (32.1.2).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  8. Pad contact first does not stop the dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  9. The Law does not distinguish the body parts.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  10. The edge is exactly the case the Law covers.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

Test 4Breaking the wicket in Law 32Take a test

  1. Law 29 defines the broken wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 29 · recall

  2. The definition of Law 29.1 applies.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 29.1 · recall

  3. The strike and fall precede the dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  4. A disturbance is not complete removal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 29.2.2 · applied

  5. Only a bail completely removed by the ball breaks the wicket here.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 29.1 · applied

  6. Law 29.2.2 treats a lodged bail as completely removed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 29.2.2 · applied

  7. Bowled needs the ball delivered by the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  8. The conditions come before the result.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  9. A wicket broken by the bat alone is Hit wicket, not Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 35 · applied

  10. The ball ran on after breaking the wicket, which is irrelevant.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

Test 5Out Bowled in casesTake a test

  1. Contact with his bat and person only is allowed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  2. The No ball bar defeats Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  3. Bounces come before the wicket is broken.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  4. A ball from the bowler that breaks the wicket is Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  5. Touching the bat first does not stop a bowled dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  6. Bounces are irrelevant to Bowled as long as the delivery is fair.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  7. Law 32.1.1 does not require any stroke.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  8. Laws 32, 33, 34 and 35.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · applied

  9. No shot at all is needed for a bowled dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

  10. Law 32 is Bowled, Law 33 is Caught and Law 34 is Hit the ball twice.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · recall

32.322Bowled: Exceptions and Precedence

The exception when the ball has touched another player or an umpire before the wicket (the striker is not out Bowled but remains subject to Laws 37, 38 and 39) and the rule that Bowled takes precedence over any other method of dismissal.

Test 1Contact with another player or an umpireTake a test

  1. Law 32.1.2 keeps him not out if the ball touched another player or an umpire before the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  2. The ball was in contact with another player before striking the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  3. Touching the keeper before the stumps prevents Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  4. Contact with an umpire first prevents Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  5. Touching an umpire first prevents Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  6. A fielder is another player.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  7. The second sub-clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  8. The check comes before the ruling.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  9. The bowler counts as another player.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  10. Contact with the striker's own bat or person is allowed within Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

Test 2The other Laws that still applyTake a test

  1. Obstructing the field, Run out and Stumped.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  2. Law 37 is Obstructing the field.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  3. Laws 37, 38 and 39.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  4. Law 38 is Run out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  5. Law 32.1.2 names Laws 37, 38 and 39.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  6. Law 39 is Stumped.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  7. Law 32.1.2 says the striker will be subject to Laws 37, 38 and 39.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  8. Bowled is ruled out and the other Laws are looked at.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  9. The Law names three Laws that continue to apply.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  10. Bowled does not apply, but Laws 37 to 39 might.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

Test 3Bowled takes precedenceTake a test

  1. The heading of Law 32.2 is Bowled to take precedence.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · recall

  2. Bowled takes precedence over any other method.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

  3. Bowled is the decision that prevails.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

  4. Law 32.2 gives Bowled priority.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

  5. The rule bites only where the wicket was broken in the way Law 32.1 describes, which excludes earlier contact.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

  6. The last clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · recall

  7. Precedence is given only where the wicket is broken as in 32.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

  8. Laws 32.1.1, 32.1.2 and 32.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · applied

  9. Bowled applies even where another dismissal would be justified.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · recall

  10. The wicket was broken by the ball, so Bowled takes precedence.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

Test 4Exceptions and precedence in casesTake a test

  1. An umpire's touch prevents Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  2. Bowled is excluded by the fielder's touch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  3. The keeper's touch redirects the decision.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  4. The keeper's touch excludes Bowled but invites Stumped.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  5. Law 32.1.2 cites Law 39, which fits the keeper's touch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 39 · applied

  6. Law 32.2 gives Bowled precedence: when the delivery breaks the wicket as in 32.1, the striker is out Bowled even though obstruction or another dismissal could also have been given.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

  7. Bat and person are explicit exceptions in Law 32.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  8. Each condition is checked in turn.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · applied

  9. Bowled is excluded and Stumped needs the striker out of his ground.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  10. Bowled needs the wicket to be broken by the ball the bowler delivers; a ball thrown back and deflected off the bowler's hand is a fielding act, so it falls to be judged under other Laws such as Run out (Law 38), not Bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · applied

Test 5Law 32 as a wholeTake a test

  1. Clauses 32.1 and 32.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · recall

  2. Sub-clauses 32.1.1 and 32.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1 · recall

  3. Law 32.1.1, 32.1.2 and 32.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · applied

  4. Law 31 is Appeals.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · recall

  5. Law 32.2 is headed Bowled to take precedence.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · applied

  6. Law 33 is Caught.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 33 · recall

  7. The No ball bar is in the first sub-clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.1 · recall

  8. Law 32.1.2 names them in that order.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · applied

  9. The second sub-clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.2 · recall

  10. The second clause says Bowled to take precedence.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.2 · recall

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 32 with Laws 21, 29, 35, 37, 38 and 39 as cross-references (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.140
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.1.227
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.212
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 328
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32.13
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 29.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 29.2.22
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 211
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 291
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 351
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 391
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 311
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 331