How do I decide whether a batter is out?

Question

Accepted Answer

Only give a batter out if the fielding side appeals ("Howzat?"). Then decide, and if it's out, raise your index finger above your head. If it's not out, say "not out" clearly.

In Stage 1 a batter can only be out:

bowled: the ball hits the stumps and a bail falls
caught: a fielder catches the ball off the bat (or the glove holding the bat) before it bounces
hit wicket: the batter breaks their own stumps while playing a shot or setting off for their first run
run out: a fielder breaks the stumps while the batters are running and the batter isn't grounded behind the crease.

There's no LBW, and stumpings are never given out. Run outs at the striker's end are the square leg umpire's call; everything else is yours. If you're not sure, the batter gets the benefit of the doubt.