SIGNALLING A SIX

The six is signalled when the ball has cleared the boundary and the umpire raises both hands above his head.

Sometimes I might give my fingers a bit of a waggle. Other umpires may raised three fingers on each hand to further signal the six, or perhaps all five on one hand and one on the other.

I think everyone enjoys watching a good six, except the bowler concerned.

Ian Botham and Viv Richards were both great six-hitters and they played together at Taunton, which is quite a small ground and they managed many a six down there.

Obviously, umpires are more concerned with what's happening in the middle, but we may get time to appreciate a good shot if we are standing at square leg.

As with the four, umpires are entitled to call upon a TV replay if we aren't sure if the ball has cleared the ropes.