In cricket, rules exist to ensure fair play between the bowler and the batter. One important rule is the no ball rules. A no-ball occurs when the bowler bowls illegally, which gives the batting team an extra run. Let’s explore the different types of no balls in cricket.
In limited-over formats like ODIs and T20s, a no-ball also grants the batting side a free hit. Additionally, a no-ball is not counted as one of the six valid deliveries that make up an over.
No balls are part of cricket’s five types of extras, which include wides, byes, leg byes, and penalties. Among these, the no-ball is unique because it comes in many forms. Let’s dive into the various types of no-balls and their impact on the game.
Different Types of No-Balls
Front Foot No Ball
A front-foot no-ball occurs when the bowler’s front foot lands beyond the popping crease while delivering the ball. The popping crease is a line parallel to the stumps, about four feet away. To be legal, some part of the bowler’s foot must be behind the crease when they land. If their foot slides forward after landing but was behind the crease initially, it’s still considered a fair delivery.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Women with the Most ODI Centuries
Back Foot No Ball
A back-foot no-ball happens when the bowler’s back foot touches or crosses the return crease when delivering the ball. The return crease runs perpendicular to the popping crease on both sides of the stumps. According to Law 21.5 of cricket, the bowler’s back foot must stay within this area. If the bowler’s foot crosses this line, the umpire signals a no-ball.
Waist-High No Ball
A waist-high no-ball is called when a full toss (a ball that doesn’t bounce) is bowled above the batter’s waist. If a bowler bowls two waist-high full tosses (called beamers) in a match, the umpire can ban the bowler from bowling further, considering it dangerous play.
No Ball for Bouncing Over the Head
If the ball passes over the batter’s head while they stand upright in the crease, the umpire can declare it a no-ball. This applies to deliveries that bounce too high or are considered dangerous short-pitched balls.
No Ball for Pitching Outside the Playing Area
A no-ball is called when the bowler delivers a ball that lands outside the playing area or the cut strip before reaching the batter. The cut strip is the area between the two wide lines parallel to the stumps.
Bowler Breaking the Wickets
If the bowler breaks the stumps at the non-striker’s end while delivering the ball, the umpire may call a no-ball. This can happen if the bowler accidentally hits the stumps with their hand, arm, or clothing while in their delivery stride.
Chucking (Throwing) No Ball
Chucking refers to an illegal bowling action where the bowler’s arm extends beyond the allowed 15 degrees. If the bowler’s arm straightens more than this, the delivery is ruled a no-ball.
Underarm Delivery No Ball
An underarm delivery is considered a no-ball unless there’s a prior agreement to allow it. Underarm bowling was banned after a famous incident in 1981 when Australia’s Trevor Chappell bowled underarm in a match against New Zealand.
Throwing the Ball Before Delivery
If the bowler throws the ball toward the batter before completing their delivery stride, it is ruled a no-ball.
Failure to Notify the Umpire of Bowling Changes
The bowler must inform the umpire if they plan to change their style (e.g., switching from right-arm to left-arm) or direction (over or around the wicket). Failing to do so may result in a no-ball.
Fielder Intercepting the Delivery
If the ball touches a fielder before it reaches the batter or the stumps, the delivery is ruled a no-ball, and the ball is considered dead.
Too Many Fielders on the Leg Side
If there are more than two fielders behind square on the leg side (excluding the wicketkeeper), the delivery is called a no-ball as per Law 28.4 of cricket.
Delivery Coming to Rest Before the Batter
If the ball stops before reaching the batter without making contact, it’s considered a no-ball.
Wicketkeeper Standing in Front of the Stumps
The wicketkeeper must remain behind the stumps until the ball touches the batter or their bat. If the keeper collects the ball in front of the stumps before this, the umpire will call a no-ball.
By knowing these different types of no-balls, you can better understand the complexities and rules that govern cricket matches.
READ MORE:
