In cricket, what is a "caught behind"?
VerifiedAnswer: A dismissal where the batsman lightly touches the ball with their bat (a "nick" or "edge") and it is caught by the wicketkeeper.
Explanation:
A "caught behind" is one of the most common ways a batsman gets out in cricket. This happens when the bowler delivers a ball that the batsman attempts to play, but instead of hitting it cleanly, the ball just grazes or lightly touches the edge of the bat. This slight contact is called a "nick" or an "edge."
When this happens, the ball usually deflects at a slight angle and travels towards the wicketkeeper, who is positioned directly behind the stumps. The wicketkeeper must catch the ball cleanly before it touches the ground for the dismissal to be valid. If the wicketkeeper drops the catch or the ball bounces before reaching them, the batsman remains not out.
Sometimes, the edge can be so faint that it's difficult for the umpire to hear or detect. In modern cricket, technology like snickometer and ultra-edge helps umpires make accurate decisions during reviews. The sound of the ball hitting the bat, even lightly, creates a distinctive noise that experienced players and umpires can recognize.
Caught behind dismissals often occur when batsmen are trying to play defensive shots or when they're beaten by the pace, swing, or seam movement of the ball. Good bowlers deliberately try to induce edges by bowling in the corridor of uncertainty - that area just outside the off-stump where batsmen are unsure whether to play or leave the ball.
