Also Known As:

• howzat (a shortening of the most common cry during an appeal of "how's that?")
• howzee (a shortening of "how is he?")

Notes:

• When the bowling or fielding team thinks a batter should be out, regardless of the method of dismissal, they need to check with the umpire. This is often done by appealing. A full appeal to the umpire is a must for any leg before wicket (LBW) decision; run outs and stumpings require an appeal nearly every time, excepting situations when it is very obvious that the batter has not made their ground; and catches close to the wicket, such as from a faint edge of the bat on the ball, often require an appeal before they are given out.

• The basic elements of an appeal in cricket are as follows: 1) a long, loud cry from the bowler and wicketkeeper, usually of "how's that?"; 2) one or both arms raised; and 3) support from one's teammates, as the appeal nearly always originates with the bowler. Some players and teams appeal simply by yelling wordlessly in the umpire's direction.
• Appealing in cricket has its roots in gentlemanly conduct, particularly respect for authority. As the supreme guardian of the rules on the field, the umpire is considered the most authoritative figure in a cricket match. As such, the bowling and fielding team is expected to ask the umpire whether a player is out rather than simply assume so.
• In the modern game, appeals are sometimes used as a mental gamesmanship tactic in addition to their primary function. For example, a bowler might appeal for an unlikely dismissal in an effort to apply extra pressure on a batter. Still, appealing is expected to stay within the professional spirit of cricket and not become excessive, which can lead to sanctions on the players involved. It works both ways, as well, as some batters refuse to walk off the field until the umpire gives them out.

Examples:

• This clip shows two LBW appeals in which India fast bowler Sreesanth implores the umpire to rule in his favour, repeatedly shouting "how was that?" Unfortunately for him, he doesn't get his way.
• The outstanding Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath was also unlucky in this video, with two appeals turned down by the umpire when it appeared they should have been given out.
• An incident involving New Zealand batsman Todd Astle shows the importance of appealing. Astle failed to make his ground when attempting a run and should have been given run out, but with no appeal from the Sri Lankan fielders, the umpire saw no reason to check the TV replays. Astle batted on and added eight more runs to his score before he got out.