When do I call "dead ball"?

The ball becomes dead on its own once it's settled back with the keeper or bowler, goes over the boundary, or a batter is out. You call "dead ball" (and cross and re-cross your wrists below your waist) to stop play yourself, for example when:

• a player is hurt
• the ball lodges in a batter's clothing or equipment
• the batter isn't ready and pulls away before the ball is bowled
• something on or near the field distracts the batter, such as a loose dog or a ball from another game.

If you call dead ball before the striker had a chance to play the ball, it doesn't count towards the over and is bowled again. Otherwise it counts as one of the six, but no further runs can be scored or wickets taken once it's dead.