Explainer On No-Ball: In cricket, a small mistake by a bowler can cost the entire team. Especially in limited overs cricket, no ball is considered a big mistake, because it can give the batting team an extra run and also get a chance of free-hit on the next ball. In the second T20 match played with New Zealand, there was a no ball from Jacob Duffy, which gave life to Abhishek Sharma. Since then this topic is being discussed in the corridors of cricket. So let us tell you in detail about no ball in this article. Let us know what it is, how many types there are and when did it start?
Abhishek Sharma got life support
In the second T20 match played with New Zealand, Abhishek Sharma was dismissed by Jacob Duffy, but a small mistake by the bowler gave Abhishek a lease of life. In fact, Nathan Smith had also caught the ball of Jacob Duffy on the boundary. But, then it came to light that the ball on which Duffy had dismissed Abhishek was a no ball.
Yes, signal of front foot no ball was received from the TV umpire. The ball was bowled short, on which Abhishek Sharma played a pull shot, but the ball hit the top-edge of the bat and went to Smith's left in deep square. An excellent catch and brilliant bowling, but Abhishek got a lease of life.
Just the kind of hitting we know Abhishek Sharma for! 🚀
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What is no ball?
In cricket, when the bowler does not bowl a valid ball as per the rules, the umpire can declare it a no ball. In such a situation, the batting team gets at least one extra run and that ball is not counted among the 6 legal deliveries of the over. This means that the bowler has to bowl an extra ball to complete the over. The batsman also has complete freedom to score runs on a no ball. He can hit a four or a six by taking the ball beyond the boundary.
When was the no ball rule made for the first time?
The history of no ball in cricket is very old. According to the information received, it was used for the first time in the laws of cricket in 1774. Its main objective in the initial phase was to ensure that the bowler does not go beyond the designated crease while bowling the ball. At that time, the rules of cricket were quite different from what they are today and the benefits to the batting team when a no ball was declared were also limited.
After this, changes were made in the rules with time. In 1811, the batsman was allowed to score runs on a no ball, while in 1829, a provision of penalty of one run for a no ball came into existence. After this the scope of this rule also increased. Today the decision of no ball is not made only on the basis of foot position, but bowling technique and other rules of the game are also included in it.
types of no balls
1- Front foot no ball:- The front foot no ball is the most common type of ball in cricket. When the bowler's front foot lands completely in front of the crease and no part of the foot remains behind or above the crease, the umpire declares no ball. Due to this mistake the bowling team has to give extra runs. After this, free-hit is also available in ODI and T20.
2. Throwing or chucking no ball:- In cricket, the bowler has to bowl as per the prescribed rules. If he throws the ball illegally with straight arms and his action is found against the rules, then it is called throwing or chucking. In such a situation the umpire can give no ball. However, bending or straightening of the arm is not illegal in itself, rather the prescribed rules of bowling action apply.
3. The ball being hit twice:- If the ball hits the pitch twice or more before reaching the batsman, it is considered a no ball under normal circumstances. Similarly, if the ball rolls on the ground before reaching the batsman, a no ball can also be given.
4. Ball falling outside the pitch:- The bowler has to bowl the ball on the designated pitch. If the ball falls outside the pitch before reaching the batsman, the umpire may give a no ball.
5. Full toss no ball above the waist :- If the ball reaches a height above the batsman's waist without being hit and the batsman is standing straight, then he is given a no ball. Such a ball can be dangerous for the batsman. In this rule the height of the ball and the applicable cricket laws are taken into account.
6. Dangerous bouncer no ball:- If the bowler bowls more bouncers than the prescribed limit or bowls dangerously against the rules, the umpire can give a no ball. However, not every bouncer is a no ball. This is decided on the basis of the rules of the respective format and the height of the ball.
Can a batsman be out on a no ball or not?
The rules for dismissing a batsman on a no ball are different from those on a normal ball. According to the rules of cricket, a batsman cannot be bowled, caught out, LBW, stumped or hit wicket on a no ball. However, this does not mean that the batsman is saved from getting out in every situation.
The batsman can be run out on a no ball. Apart from this, he can also be given out in certain circumstances like intentionally hitting the ball twice or obstructing the fielding. Therefore, despite no ball, the batsman has to be cautious while taking runs. The bowling team can also take advantage of the batsman's mistake and run him out.
Also read: What happened! Even after getting out, Abhishek Sharma did not have to return, know by which rule he got life?