Clean Catch Meaning in Cricket

A clean catch is a dismissal where the fielder takes the ball clearly and cleanly into their hands before it touches the ground. There is no doubt about the legality of the play, meaning the umpires do not need to consult television replays to confirm if the ball was ‘trapped’ against the grass.

Example: The outfielder ran twenty yards and took a spectacular clean catch just inches inside the boundary rope to dismiss the power-hitter.

Pro-Tip: To ensure a clean catch, fielders are taught to ‘give’ with the ball, pulling their hands back slightly upon impact to absorb the shock and prevent the ball from popping out. A clean catch is a great energy booster for the entire fielding team and usually results in an instant celebration.