Cricket is a game of history, rules, and terminology. Among the most basic things in the game is stumps. They are a part of the game and their role plays an important part in the dismissal, decision-making, and the whole game.

What Are Stumps?
In cricket, the stumps are three vertical wooden posts installed at both ends of the pitch. With bails on them, these together form the wicket, the two small pieces of wood placed on top. Stumps are made of wood; however, most stumps are made from ash because it is strong.

Purpose of Stumps in Cricket
Stumps have several functions in a game of cricket:

Wicket Structure – The stumps, combined with the bails, form the wicket. A batter stands in front of them, protecting himself against the bowler's deliveries.
Dismissals – Several types of dismissals involve the stumps, these include:
Bowled: When the bowler's delivery hits the stumps and knocks off the bails.
Run Out: When a fielder throws the ball to the stumps before the batter reaches the crease.
Stumped: The wicketkeeper knocks off the bails in the time of the batter that is out of the crease.
Hit Wicket: When the batsman knocks over the wickets themselves with his bat or body.
Judgment Call – The wickets are an essential factor in judgment calls between umpires, especially with technologies such as Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking systems used to determine LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decisions.

Modern Innovations
Advancements in technology have changed stumps. There is now an LED stump and bail that light up when touched, which are often used in international matches. It helps in the determination of the exact stumping and run-out.