<P> In basketball, most or any time play is stopped the ball is considered dead, such as when a foul has been committed and called by a referee, a foul shot has been attempted and another one is yet to be attempted, or the ball has gone out of bounds . Player substitutions may then be made . Section IV of the NBA rule book contains the official definition of a dead ball . </P> <P> Times when it can be a dead ball: </P> <Ul> <Li> anytime the ball hits the ground (also called a fumble) </Li> <Li> the ball is blocked, not caught, by usually the defender . If the ball is caught, the defender can make a run for touchdown . </Li> <Li> the ball carrier's flag is pulled or somehow falls to the ground . </Li> <Li> the ball carrier falls to the ground . If any other part of the body of the ball carrier, other than the hands and feet, touch the ground, it is a dead ball . </Li> </Ul> <Li> anytime the ball hits the ground (also called a fumble) </Li>

When is a ball declared dead in cricket