How Many Creases Are There in Cricket? (The Lines You Need to Know)

If you look closely at a cricket pitch, it can look like a geometry problem. There are white lines everywhere. But how many are there actually, and what do they all do?

For the readers of howmany.in, here is the precise answer.

The short answer is: There are three types of creases in cricket.

However, if you are counting the actual white lines painted at one end of the pitch, there are four lines in total. Since a cricket pitch has two ends, there are technically eight lines painted on the entire field.

Confused? Let’s break it down simply.

The 3 Types of Cricket Creases

While there are multiple lines, they fall into three specific categories.¹ Each one has a specific job for the umpire, the bowler, and the batter.

1. The Bowling Crease

This is the most important line to start with. The Bowling Crease is the line that the stumps are hammered into.

• Length: 8 feet 8 inches (2.64 meters).
• Function: It marks the start and end of the pitch area. It is strictly for the placement of the wickets.

2. The Popping Crease

This is the most famous line in cricket. The Popping Crease is drawn 4 feet in front of the Bowling Crease.

• For the Batter: It is their “safe zone.” If they are not behind this line and the wicketkeeper takes the bails off, they are Stumped or Run Out.
• For the Bowler: It is the “No-Ball” line. If the bowler’s front foot lands completely over this line, the umpire calls a No-Ball, and the batting team gets a free run (and often a Free Hit).

3. The Return Creases

These are the two lines on the sides that create a box shape with the Popping Crease.

• Function: They exist to keep the bowler straight. When delivering the ball, the bowler’s back foot must land inside or touch these return creases. If their back foot touches the sideline (or goes beyond it), it is called a No-Ball.
• Why “Return”? Historically, they marked where the bowler would return to start their run-up, though today they strictly limit width.

So, How Many Lines Do You See?

When you look at one batsman’s end, you will see a box shape.

• 1 Horizontal Line (Popping Crease)
• 1 Horizontal Line (Bowling Crease – usually hidden by stumps)
• 2 Vertical Lines (Return Creases)²

Total at one end = 4 Lines.

Summary Table for Quick Reference

Crease Name	Location	Main Rule Associated
Bowling Crease	Through the stumps	Pitch length marker.
Popping Crease	4 feet in front of stumps	Run-outs, Stumpings, Front-foot No-Balls.
Return Crease	Sides of the stumps	Back-foot No-Balls (Wide delivery limits).

Conclusion

So, the next time someone asks you, “How many creases are there in cricket?” you can give them the expert answer from howmany.in:

There are three types of creases (Popping, Bowling, and Return), but four actual lines painted at each end of the pitch. These lines are the silent referees of the game, deciding everything from thrilling run-outs to heartbreaking no-balls.