There are many different rules to play cricket professionally. These rules keep the excitement in the game intact. One amazing rule among these is free hits. This rule gives the batsman a golden opportunity to score extra runs for his team without the fear of getting out.
This blog will tell you what exactly is a free hit and which rules are associated with it.
What is a Free hit?
The free-hit rule was first established by the ICC. The primary goal of this rule is to penalize bowlers for bowling no balls while giving batsmen a chance to score well. After indicating a no-ball, the umpire signals a free hit by raising one arm and swinging the ball above his head.
A free hit is a situation that occurs after no ball, in which the batter is free to play the ball in his own way without fear of being out. Batsmen only have to keep in mind the rule of runout. If the bowler again bowls a wide or a no ball, the free hit continues.
Various Format Rules
Free hits mainly apply to limited overs matches such as One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 matches. The significance of it in various cricket formats is as follows.
Free Hit in T20 Cricket
T20 cricket is known to deliver huge shots. The free hit rule is particularly important in this format as it has a significant impact on what happens in the match. In this, there is pressure on the bowlers not to make mistakes because even one free hit can change the entire game.
Free Hit in One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Just like in T20, if the bowler oversteps or bowls a high ball, the free-hit rule applies. However, because there are more overs in this format than in T20, the free hit allows the batsman to reach his target quickly or set a high target.
Free Hit in Test Cricket
Test matches are mainly played for 5 days or more. The free hit rule does not apply in this, like the above 2 formats. This match mainly focuses on traditional aspects like the player’s skills and patience.
Conclusion
A Free hit is an amazing rule of cricket. It increases the excitement of the game among the audience. In some matches, it can also prove to be a game-changer. But its significance is different in different cricket formats. It is applicable in limited matches like T20 and ODI but not in others like Test cricket.
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