In the simplest definition, Bump Ball is ball that bounces off the pitch immediately after the bat hits it and goes to the air. It is often used in a possible catches scenario. The ball is hit into the ground or into the air. A bump ball is caught by a fielder after it was instantly hit by the bat. It is like having a clean catch.
Bump Ball Back in the Olden Days
On-field umpires require making a decision whether the catch was clean or if it was considered a bump ball. The umpire based it on their instinct and also after talking to the leg umpire. There are occasions when batsmen have walked in case they didn’t think it was a bump ball.
Bump Ball Today
Today, on-field umpires are taking advantage of the third umpire. They are asking another pair of eyes to adjudicate on whether or not the ball was caught clean or it was a bump ball. There is a certain modern technology that has helped umpires today making a correct call whenever this kind of catch comes their way.
Comparing it to Hit Wicket
Umpires often mistook bump ball for a clean catch. The ball reaches a certain height off the ground making fields believe that it is a catch. The lag might be half a second. Sometimes it’s impossible for umpires to make a decision straight away. It is also often interchanged with Hit Wicket. It is when a batsman dislodges the ball no matter how while attempting a shot or follow through. Although it has no relation at all.
