How Can a Bowler Take 2 Wickets in One Ball?

In the dynamic game of cricket, bowlers are often on the lookout for every possible opportunity to take wickets. One intriguing situation arises when a bowler manages to take two wickets in just one delivery. This rare occurrence can only happen under specific circumstances, and understanding these conditions is crucial for both players and spectators. Let's delve into the specifics of how and why this can happen.

Conditions for Taking 2 Wickets in One Ball

The only way for a bowler to take two wickets in a single ball is if one of those wickets is taken through a stumping on a wide ball. The other wicket must fall on a legitimate ball. This means that if a bowler gets a wicket with a legitimate ball followed by a run out on a no-ball, the bowler gains only one wicket for two balls.

Stumping on a Wide Ball

A wide ball is one that fails to come within the boundary of the pitch, and according to the Laws of Cricket, a stumping is only possible on a wide ball. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Wide Ball: The bowler bowls the ball but fails to hit any part of the pitch within the boundary. Batsman Out of Crease: Simultaneously, the batsman steps out of the crease, and is attempting to hit the ball, leaving the wicket vulnerable. Stumper Picks Up the Bails: The wicket-keeper gathers the ball and removes the bails, thereby stumping the batsman.

When both of these elements are met, the bowler takes two wickets in that single delivery. However, it's important to note that the initial wide ball is not counted as a legitimate delivery, meaning it doesn't affect the bowler's record of overs bowled.

Real-World Example of 2 Wickets in One Ball

Imagine a bowler facing a batsman who is out of the crease and attempting to hit the ball. The bowler, using an unconventional bowling action, bowls a wide ball. Simultaneously, the wicket-keeper is quick to pick up the ball and remove the bails, stumping the batsman. The bowler then follows up with a legitimate delivery that results in the dismissal of another batsman. In this scenario, the bowler can proudly claim to have taken two wickets in one ball.

Here's a more detailed example:

Ball 1 (Wide): The bowler bowls a wide outside off stump. The wicket-keeper collects the ball, and the batsman is out of his crease, stumped, as the bails are removed. Ball 2 (Legitimate): The bowler now bowls a legitimate delivery back of a length, and the batsman misses, wandering out of his crease, and the ball strikes off stump.

Thus, the bowler has managed to take two wickets in one ball, with the first dismissal occurring on a wide and the second on a legitimate ball.

Various Scenarios for 2 Wickets in One Ball

While the scenario above is one of the most common, there are other permutations and combinations possible, although rare. For instance:

Wide Ball Stumping Another Wicket: The bowler bowls a wide ball, stumps the batsman, and then bowls another legitimate ball, taking another wicket. This sequence results in the bowler taking two wickets in two balls. Late Edge and Stumping: A bowler could bowl a wide ball, the batsman misses and offers a late edge, and a quick follow through from the bowler results in a catch by the fielder, with the wicket-keeper confirming the stumping. No-Ball Followed by Wicket: Though rare, a no-ball can be a setup for the bowler to then bowl a delivery that results in a wicket.

Regardless of the sequence, the crucial requirement is that one of the wickets must be taken on a wide ball through stumping for the bowler to claim the impressive feat of 2 wickets in one ball.

Conclusion

Conclusively, a bowler can take 2 wickets in one ball only when they manage to stump the batsman on a wide ball, and the next ball results in a legitimate delivery taking another wicket. These conditions are specific and extremely rare, making it a remarkable achievement for a bowler. Understanding these rules can help players strategize better and spectators appreciate the finesse required in cricket.