Appeal (cricket)

Since the taking of a wicket is an important event in the game, members of the fielding team often shout this phrase with great enthusiasm, and it has transmuted into the slightly abbreviated form, "Howzat?

In cases where they consider they might not be out, such as a catch taken low near the grass or where it is not clear whether the ball hit the bat, batsmen will not take the walking option.

According to a common convention, this is considered to be the epitome of sportsmanship but, by another, it is potentially even disrespectful to the umpire to pre-empt their decision by walking.

Under the ICC Cricket Code of Conduct for the international professional game, [4] it is considered unsportsmanlike to appeal excessively, i.e. Any such behaviour is considered a breach of the Spirit of Cricket and an offence that may result in warnings, penalty runs, even ultimately suspension or removal from the field of play -all as adjudicated and imposed by the umpires, and/or fines or match bans, as adjudicated and imposed by the match referee.

[5] In all codes of the game, continued appealing after the umpire has made the decision of 'not out' may be adjudged dissent, and dealt with even more seriously under Law 42.

Warne was caught out shortly after, and eventually Mark Waugh, batting down the order due to injury and Damien Fleming closed out the game for a win.