How tall are cricket stumps? Many cricketers don’t actually know despite playing for many years! The stumps are three vertical wooden posts that make up the wicket. But how tall exactly are cricket stumps?
In this post, we’ll take a look at the history and standardised dimensions of cricket stumps.
A Quick Answer to How Tall Are Cricket Stumps?
Looking for a quick answer? How tall are cricket stumps? 28 inches / 71.1 cm high.
Table of Contents
Hambledon Cricket Club
A Brief History of Cricket Stumps
In early forms of cricket, the wicket was made up of just two posts or stumps. The middle stump was introduced around 1775 when the Hambledon Club made changes to the laws of cricket. This increased the width of the wicket.
Over time, the height and width of stumps varied from ground to ground. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the height was truly standardized across matches. Now, there is an officially regulated stump height all over the cricket world.
The Standardised Height of Cricket Stumps
According to the laws of cricket, the height of the stumps must be 28 inches (71.1 cm) from the ground to the top of the stumps. This standardization ensures precision and fairness for cricket played anywhere.
The stumps are carefully aligned vertically at each end of the 22-yard pitch. If the umpire notices even slight deviations in height, the stumps may be reset. Exactness is very important.
Width and Diameter of Stumps
In addition to the height, cricket stumps have regulated dimensions for their width. The diameter of each wooden stump is set at 1.38 inches (3.5 cm).
The overall width of the wicket (3 stumps), along with the bails, is 9 inches (22.9 cm). The three stumps and two bails make up a 9-inch wide target wicket.
Materials Used for Stumps
Cricket stumps have traditionally been made from ash wood. Ash provides the strength and durability needed for the stumps to withstand repeated impacts from balls and bats.
However, modern stumps can also be made from materials like bamboo, metal, synthetic polymers, and carbon fibre composites. While materials evolve, the standard height and width dimensions continue to be followed.
Bail Dimensions
The bails are the two smaller wooden rods that rest on top of the stumps. The standard bail length is 4.31 inches (10.95 cm). High-quality bails are made from dense, resilient wood like ash or pine.
Bails should be just long enough to rest on the stumps without slipping through. They are easily dislodged when the wicket is hit.
Conclusion
Cricket stump height has evolved over the long history of the sport before being standardised to 28 inches (71.1 cm). The exact height, along with bail and stump widths, is outlined by the official laws of cricket to ensure fair match play.
Now you can set your stumps to the exact height — and hope your bowlers knock the bails off (or rely on some outstanding fielding and a run-out!)