Understanding No Balls in Cricket: A Complete Guide

Cricket is often referred to as the “gentleman’s game”, but few sports have such complex laws. Of these, the no-ball rule is the most important in maintaining equality between batsmen and bowlers. In a single ball, it can change the course of a match: from losing a wicket to giving the batting team a free hit.

We will take a detailed look at the no-ball in cricket, what it is, the types, the laws that govern it and how this factor can change throughout the game. We will add examples from real matches and include a summary table covering the results of bowling and batting.

What is a No Ball in Cricket?  

A no ball is an illegal ball bowled by a bowler, called by the umpire under Law 21 of the MCC, commonly known as the Marylebone Cricket Club. When a ball is called a no ball:

• The batting team is awarded an extra run as a reward.
• The bowler has to re-ball the ball as it is not considered one of the six legal balls of the over.
• In limited overs cricket – ODIs and T20s – the ball after a no ball is considered a free hit. This means that the batsman is free to hit it without being out, except for a run-out.
• A no ball in cricket falls under the category of “extras”, which include wides, byes, leg byes and penalty runs. However, unlike other balls, there are several types of no balls, each with specific conditions.

Why are No Balls Important?  

No-balls are very important to maintain the spirit of cricket.

Prevent bowlers from taking unfair advantage by overstepping or delivering dangerously.

Ensure that players are safe, especially from high full tosses and bouncers.

Ensure consistency in bowling action and field restrictions.

No-balls can change the pace of a high-pressure game. For example, during the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final, India’s Jasprit Bumrah relieved Lendl Simmons by overstepping.

All Types of No Balls in Cricket: With Examples  

The complete list of all types of no balls in cricket as per MCC laws is given below.

1. Front-foot no ball

This is the most common type of no ball: While bowling, the bowler’s front foot lands on the ground with no part behind the popping crease.

Even if the foot slips, it is legal if part of it is behind the crease at the point of impact.

Example: Overstepping out in T20 has been reported to the third umpire repeatedly. If his foot is outside the line, it is immediately signalled as a front-foot no ball.

2. Back-foot no ball

A back-foot no ball occurs when, at the time of delivery, both the bowler’s feet are touching or facing the return crease.

According to Law 21.5, the bowler’s back foot must remain inside the return crease at all times during his delivery stride.

3. Waist-high no ball (full toss)

A full toss is a no ball that clears the batsman’s waist while he is standing in the popping crease.

Such deliveries are also called beamers.

Two beamers in a match can prevent a bowler from bowling further.

4. Ball bounces over the batsman’s head

If a delivery bounces and passes over the batsman’s head while standing upright, the umpire signals a no ball.

This ensures that the batsman is not hit by a dangerously high bouncer.

5. Ball is pitched outside the playing area

If the ball pitches outside the cut strip or playing area before reaching the striker, it is an automatic no ball. This rarely happens but ensures that the ball remains in the legal playing zone.

6. Bowler breaks stumps while bowling

When a bowler uses any object to hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end while bowling, before completing the delivery, the umpire calls a no ball.

This rule was changed after England’s Steven Finn repeatedly broke the stumps during a Test match against South Africa in 2013.

7. Throwing (chucking)

The bowler has to straighten his arm to 15 degrees to throw the ball. Any extension beyond this is considered illegal and, therefore, a no ball, also known as a chucking.

8. Underarm delivery

Under Law 21.1.2, an underarm delivery is considered a no ball unless both the captain and the umpire agree.

This rule has been in place since the Trevor Chappell underarm bowling incident in 1981 to prevent New Zealand from hitting a six off the last ball.

9. Throwing the ball before delivery

If the bowler throws the ball towards the striker before he has completed his delivery stride, it is called a no ball. It is against unfair or cheating practices.

10. Failure to inform the umpire about the bowling mode

Law 21.1.1: The bowler must inform the umpire about:

Bowling arm (right or left)

Bowling style: over or around the wicket

Failure to do so will result in a no ball.

11. Ball touches a fielder before reaching the batsman

If the ball touches any fielder before reaching the striker or his bat, the delivery is considered illegal and is called a no ball.

12. More than two fielders behind square leg

As per Law 28.4, there can be only two fielders behind square leg, except the wicketkeeper.

If a third player is standing beyond this point at the time of delivery, the umpire signals a no ball.

13. Ball comes to rest before reaching the batsman

If the ball stops spinning before reaching the batsman after being released, it is considered a no ball as per Law 21.8. The ball must be re-balled.

14. Wicketkeeper in front of stumps

Under Law 27.3.1, the wicketkeeper must remain behind the stumps until the ball touches the bat or passes through the stumps.

If they take it in front of the stumps prematurely, the umpire declares a no ball.

Summary Table: Types of No Balls in Cricket

Impact on Batting and Bowling Performance

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