Cricket, with its deep-rooted traditions and distinctive vocabulary, can often seem puzzling to newcomers. One term that frequently captures attention is the loud shout of “Howzat?” heard across the field. This phrase, steeped in cricketing culture, serves a specific purpose, and this article delves into its meaning and why players use it during the game.
The Origins of Howzat?
The term “Howzat?” is a shortened version of the question “How is that?” In cricket, it’s a loud and passionate appeal made by the fielding team, typically led by the bowler or wicketkeeper, to challenge the batsman’s dismissal. This appeal is one of the sport’s most distinctive and iconic features.
The Appeal Process:
The process starts when the bowler delivers the ball, which the batsman then attempts to play. The fielding team, particularly the bowler and wicketkeeper, carefully observes the ball’s trajectory and movement. If they suspect the batsman is out—often through methods such as being bowled, caught, leg before wicket (LBW), stumped, or run out—they will appeal to the on-field umpire by exclaiming, “Howzat?”
Why Shout?
- Decision Request: Secondly, the shout acts as a prompt for the on-field umpire to make a ruling on the batsman’s status. The umpire plays a vital role in deciding whether the batsman is out. This appeal initiates the decision-making process.
- Clear Appeal: The shout of “Howzat?” serves two main purposes. Firstly, it provides a clear and audible appeal to the umpire. Given the noise of the crowd, fielders, and batsmen, this distinct shout ensures that the appeal cuts through the chaos and is heard by the umpire.
The Umpire’s Response:
When an appeal is made, the on-field umpire evaluates the situation and determines whether the batsman is out according to the laws of cricket. If the umpire concurs with the appeal, they raise their index finger to indicate the batsman’s dismissal. Conversely, if they disagree, they will shake their head to signal that the batsman is not out.
The Decision Review System (DRS):
In contemporary cricket, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been implemented to aid the decision-making process. Teams can contest the umpire’s ruling by calling for a review through the DRS. This system utilizes technologies like ball tracking and hotspot to deliver a more precise evaluation of the decisions made on the field.
Appeal Etiquette:
The cry of “Howzat?” is a fundamental aspect of cricket, but there are specific etiquettes and norms surrounding appeals. Players should make sincere appeals, rooted in their genuine belief that the batsman is out, rather than employing it as a tactic to unsettle or distract. Consistently making frivolous appeals may lead to warnings or penalties for the fielding team.