What is Free Hit In Cricket?
The concept of free hit is somewhat recent when it comes to cricket. It was made official in October 2007. As many of you might be knowing, it is given by the umpire when the bowler in question bowls a no ball.
Earlier, only the foot crossing the line while bowling would mean the batsman would be awarded with it but since 2015, all types of no balls result in a free hit being given.
Free Hit Rules In Cricket
- Fielding side isn’t allowed to change the existing fielders’ locations.
- A no ball on a free hit would mean another free hit on the upcoming delivery.
- The umpire while awarding one to the batting side has to make a circular motion with his finger on the top of his head.
While most batsmen try to hit it big on a delivery like this one, there have been a lot of cases where batsmen fail to leverage things in their favor.
Can a batsman be stumped out on a free hit?
No, a batsman cannot be stumped out on a free hit. The allowed ways of dismissal on a free hit are run out, obstructing the field, touching the ball with the bat twice, and handling the ball.
It should also be noted that the wicketkeeper can stand at some safe distance away from the stumps just in case so he stays safe.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a free hit used for?
The main purpose of a free hit is to discourage the bowler from bowling a no ball as the repercussions of the doing the same are greater number of runs for the opposition team.
Is stump out is valid on free hit?
Is free hit ball counted?
But in case the free hit becomes a no ball or a wide ball, it isn’t counted and the next ball is then considered as a free hit.
Can you be out on a free hit?
Handling the ball
Getting in contact with the ball twice with the bat
Field obstruction
Run out.