In cricket, retired hurt refers to a batsman who leaves the field due to an injury and is unable to continue their innings. It is therefore possible for the innings to end despite the batting side only losing nine wickets (or fewer, if there are multiple retirements). This situation is officially recorded on the scorecard as “retired – not out,” though the unofficial term “retired hurt” is often used on broadcasts. In this blog, we’ll dive into the meaning, the official rule, and the impact of a retired hurt on a cricket match.
🏏 How Does Retired Hurt Work in Cricket?
When a batsman is injured during their innings and cannot continue batting, the umpire will mark the batsman as “retired hurt”. This means the batsman leaves the field, but their status on the scorecard will reflect that they did not get out. If they cannot return to continue their innings, their score remains unchanged, and the match proceeds with the remaining batsmen.
Retired Hurt is different from a retirement for other reasons (such as injury or strategy). In cricket, the official term used in scorecards is “retired-not out,” which differs from the common terminology used in media broadcasts.
🏏 What Happens When a Player is Retired Hurt?
If a batsman is retired hurt, their team can continue batting as long as they have wickets remaining. Retired hurt does not count as a dismissal, which means the team can still have their full complement of batsmen left — unless the injury prevents the player from returning. In case the batsman can resume their innings, they will return with the same number of runs they had before leaving the field.
Important Points:
-
Retired Hurt is not considered a dismissal.
-
A batsman can resume batting once they recover.
-
The innings may end even if the team still has fewer than 10 wickets lost, provided a retired batsman cannot return.
🏏 Why Does Retired Hurt Matter in Cricket?
The retired hurt rule is important because it impacts the team’s batting strategy. If a batsman cannot continue, the team may choose to adjust their lineup, and if a second player is retired hurt, it could end the innings with only nine or fewer wickets remaining. This is a strategic decision, especially in high-pressure situations like knockouts or deciding overs in limited-overs formats.
🏏 Famous Examples of Retired Hurt in Cricket
Several iconic players have been forced to retire hurt during significant matches, adding drama and intensity to the game. Here are a couple of examples:
-
Shane Watson (Australia): Watson famously retired hurt during a match against India in 2013, only to return later in the match.
-
Chris Gayle (West Indies): Known for his big hitting, Gayle retired hurt after being struck on the body during a match, but returned later to finish his innings.
These instances highlight the importance of the retired hurt rule and how it can shift the momentum in a game.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
💡 What does “Retired Hurt” mean in cricket?
“Retired hurt” means that a batsman leaves the field due to an injury but is still marked as “retired – not out” on the scorecard. The term “retired hurt” is commonly used in broadcasts.
💡 Can a batsman return after being retired hurt?
Yes, a batsman who is retired hurt can return to continue their innings, provided they have recovered from their injury. However, if the injury prevents them from returning, they will not bat again.
💡 What happens if a batsman is retired hurt and doesn’t return?
If a batsman is unable to return after being retired hurt, their score is recorded as-is, and the match continues with the remaining batsmen.
💡 How is a retired hurt different from being out?
Unlike being dismissed (e.g., bowled or caught), retired hurt is not counted as an out. The batsman is allowed to return to bat later if they recover from their injury.
✅ Final Thoughts
The retired hurt rule is a crucial part of cricket that ensures a batsman is not unfairly penalized for injury. Understanding this rule adds depth to your knowledge of the game, whether you’re an enthusiastic fan or a budding player. So, next time you see a player leave the field due to injury, you’ll know exactly what “retired hurt” means and how it can impact the match!
