Howzat or How’s that?
Howzat or How’s that? is a rule given to fielders in cricket that allows them to appeal decisions. The batter has the ability to turn to the umpire and ask, “How’s that?” in a direct manner if there is any uncertainty on whether or not they have been removed from the game.
Howzat or How’s that?: Rules
It is important to remember that the umpire is not permitted to remove the batter from the game if they do not get a request to do so (rule No. 31):
31.1. The umpire cannot force the batsman to leave the position without an appeal from the fielder, even if there is an obvious out. At the same time, the batsman himself has the right to leave the field, even if an appeal has not been filed.
That’s why fielders have to report even the most obvious events: there were times when the batter was legally out of the game, but an out wasn’t called because no one made a plea. The Howzat rule, often known as the “How’s that” rule, says that it may be invoked at any point up to the following inning, as stated in the rules.
In accordance with the fundamental game regulations of cricket, an appeal is a request that is made verbally and should have the sound of “How’s that?” Cricket players, on the other hand, often “swallow” syllables while they are in the heat of the game, which sometimes become Howzat, How, and Zat. It is very uncommon for players to grab the attention of the referee by saying anything in a regular manner, making gestures, or raising their hands.
The fact that batters often leave the field without waiting for the referee’s decision is something that should be taken into consideration, despite the fact that technically the appeal ought to catch the attention of the referee, whose job it is to analyze the incident the most precisely and properly feasible. As a rule, this happens in cases where the alignment is obvious. Nevertheless, the batsman has the right to remain on the court until the very end and dispute the appeal, especially if he is sure that the situation can be resolved in his favor.
Howzat: Steven Smith
Steven Smith, an Australian batsman, detailed a typical experience in one of his interviews. During a test match against Pakistan in 2016, he was on the verge of scoring his sixteenth hundred of his career. However, he was out, which meant that he nearly lost the opportunity to achieve this milestone. The Australian was taken aback by the fact that the Pakistanis did not become aware of this and did not lodge an appeal; hence, he resumed the game and scored a hundred:
“I was amazed. I was at the 97 mark, the episode was obvious, but no one came up, so I decided to stay. I didn’t turn around. I don’t know why. I just focused on the ball, although, of course, it’s all a little strange.”
It is a well-known truth that some occasions in the game, such as a spade, also known as “leg before wicket,” need the participation of the referee in a clear and transparent manner, followed by an evaluation of all relevant criteria. The exception to this rule is a clear and unambiguous exit, which does not occur nearly as often as it may seem.
Howzat: Cricket Code of Conduct
It is essential to bear in mind that the phrase “Howzat” or “How’s that?” has nothing to do with the technique of deliberate provocation, which is executed with the intention of infuriating the adversary by compelling him to make a mistake. Any misuse is deemed to be a clear violation of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Cricket Code of Conduct since, in reality, it is the discretion of the fielders to include entertainment into the sport.
So, in particular, it is considered unsportsmanlike:
- Abuse of the right of appeal itself;
- Appeal in a form offensive to the judge;
- Appeal in a situation where it is quite obvious that there was no out.
Such behavior on the part of field players can be punished with additional free kicks, penalties or even a ban (the decision remains at the referee’s discretion).
It is important to note that in 1976, the Australian band Sherbet produced a song with the same name, Howzat. This song not only topped the charts in Green Island and New Zealand, but it also received a lot of praise in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. The song continues to enjoy widespread acclaim and is often recognised as one of the finest songs of all time, as shown by its continued popularity.
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