What is a Free Hit in Cricket? Various Formats Rules

What is a free hit in Cricket? In limited-overs cricket, a free hit is a special delivery awarded to the batting team after a no-ball. As the name suggests, the batter gets to swing freely at this ball without worrying about being dismissed by most means. 

The free hit in cricket is a clever way to keep bowlers in check. If a bowler bowls a no-ball, the batter gets a special chance to score freely on the next legal delivery. They can’t be dismissed in most ways, except for getting run out, blocking the field, or hitting the ball twice. 

This rule was introduced in the 2007 T20 World Cup and it originally focused on punishing bowlers who overstepped the crease. But in 2015, the ICC decided to be even tougher on no-balls of all kinds, making the free hit apply to any illegal delivery in white ball cricket.

What is a Free Hit in Cricket? – The Rules

As mentioned earlier, a free hit in cricket is awarded to the batting team after a no-ball is scored by the bowler. There are some rules and technical aspects involved. Let us have a look at them:  

Signalling a Free Hit: When the bowler bowls a no-ball (overstepping, high bouncer, waist height no-ball, extra fielder, etc.), the umpire raises one arm and circles it overhead to signal a free hit after they have signalled for the no-ball.

Types of No-balls Leading to Free Hits: In 2015, the ICC expanded the free hit rule. Now, all no-balls, not just those for foot faults, trigger a free hit.

What if Free Hit delivery is not legal: If the bowler bowls another no-ball or a wide during a free hit, the umpire signals another free hit. That means the whole free-hit situation continues until a legal ball is delivered by the bowler.

Fielding Restrictions: The fielding team can’t change their positions if the same batter faces the free hit. However, they can adjust the field if:

• The batter is dismissed (run out, etc.) or has taken a single or a three,  and the other batter is on strike.
• Of course, if the no-ball was for the extra fielder outside of the circle, the field must be changed even on a free hit.

For safety reasons, the wicketkeeper can always move back for fast bowlers, even during a free hit.

Related Read: Leg Before Wicket In Cricket Explained in Details

Importance of Free Hit in Cricket

So, why is Free Hit in cricket even a big deal? One might argue that the batting team gets an additional run for every no-ball bowled, and they also get to play that delivery again, so why a free hit on top of that?

Well, a Free Hit is a necessity, especially in white ball cricket, as the bowler may derive an unfair advantage from bowling a no-ball. Moreover, some no-balls are a serious threat to the batter. For instance, it is very difficult to judge and play when a fast bowler delivers a beamer to a batter that does not bounce and is above their waist. 

So, the batter can get hurt badly in a situation like that. In this case, that particular ball is declared a no-ball, and to penalise the bowler furthermore, a Free Hit is declared.    

For batters, a free hit is like a free ticket to boundaries. It’s a chance to go all out without worrying about getting dismissed (there are some exceptions if you are really unlucky). This freedom lets them swing for the fences with risky shots they might normally avoid. Free hits encourage batters to be creative and bold with their shot selection, maximising their chances to score big.

But it’s not just about the batters. Captains and strategists have to adjust their plans too. Fielding positions might shift to try and stop boundaries on the free hit. Bowlers might even practice special deliveries specifically for these situations, aiming to keep the runs down even when batters are aggressive.

The free-hit rule adds another layer of strategy to the game, making everyone think on their feet!

So, Why is Free Hit Not Allowed in Test Cricket?

The very basic thing here to understand is that Test cricket as a format does not bring in the constraint of time with it as it is played over 5 days. The red ball game is considered the purest format of the game and therefore the governing bodies did not add some rules that are very important in limited-overs cricket. 

Here is why a Free Hit is not necessary in Test Cricket, in our opinion: 

• Focus on Skill and Strategy: Test cricket emphasises sustained skill and strategic battles over a long duration. A free hit, with its potential for quick runs, disrupts this focus.
• Slow Process: In Tests, a single ball (even a no-ball) has less impact than in limited-overs cricket, where every delivery can drastically change the game.
• Preserving Tradition: Test cricket values its traditional challenge for batters. Regardless of a no-ball, every ball requires careful planning and calculated shots.

So, in test matches, a no-ball still gives the batting team an extra run, but bowlers face no additional penalty of a free hit. This keeps the focus on the core elements that make Test cricket unique.

However, with the times changing and approaches like ‘Bazball’ coming into action, there might be changes in this rule too to make the game more entertaining. But for that, we will have to wait.

Controversy Surrounding the Free Hit

Now, we have to understand that there have been several controversies related to a Free Hit, but the thing in question was not a free hit itself. The part causing controversy was a no-ball declaration that ultimately invited a Free Hit.

Even with all the technology in existence today, many no-balls have caused controversy. While front-foot no-balls are now called by the third umpire, waist-line no-balls have been an area of problem. 

This is because the waistline no-balls involve the judgement of umpires, which can be subjective.

Famous Free Hit Incident in India vs Pakistan 2022 T20 World Cup Match

Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz bowled a full toss in an agitated situation of the game, and Virat Kohli, in response, launched it high and handsome over the square leg boundary for a six.

However, Kohli, ever alert, immediately signalled a no-ball. South African umpire Marais Erasmus initially missed the call following the ball’s flight. But after the six was confirmed, Erasmus conferred with the standing umpire Rod Tucker. Upon review, they determined the delivery was indeed above the waist – a no-ball!

Even though Mohammad Nawaz bowled Virat Kohli on the free hit delivery, India still ran between the wickets to score three byes. Yes, the rules say that when a batter is bowled a Free Ht, they can still run between the wickets. 

So, this crucial no-ball call swung the game in India’s favour. With the extra run awarded for the no-ball, India managed to scrape through for a thrilling four-wicket victory in this famous T20 World Cup match.

Many were of the opinion that Free Hit and the no-ball was given by the umpires under pressure of the tense situation of the game. This started a debate on social media and it became a huge controversy. 

Also Read: Leg Byes Run in Cricket: Rules & Scoring

Can A Batter Get Out on a Free Hit in Cricket? 

Well, if they are very unlucky, then yes. A Free Hit, ideally, is like a licence for the batter to go all out and hit the ball without the fear of getting caught on the boundary. However, there may be instances when even a Free Hit cannot save them. 

In cricket, a batter can be dismissed even on a free hit using these modes of dismissal: Run-out, Obstruction of the wicket, and hitting the ball twice. 

Conclusion

In the end, a rule like Free hit in cricket makes the game more interesting and entertaining for fans. Moreover, it also decreases the margin of error available for the bowlers; a no-ball in white ball cricket can change things for their team because of the Free Hit.

Unlike the fast-paced world of limited-overs cricket, test matches don’t have the free hit rule. This focuses on the classic skills that make test cricket unique – things like rock-solid technique and strategic patience. The absence of a free hit preserves the traditional spirit of the longest format.

Looking forward, the free hit is likely to stay here in limited-overs cricket, and it might even change further. It already has a big impact on tactics and strategies in these matches. Teams will keep emphasising accurate bowling and sharp fielding to avoid those free hits and the extra runs they bring.