When is free hit given in cricket
Cricket is a traditional sport enjoyed and followed by millions worldwide, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, England, Australia, and more. Understanding cricket rules can be quite overwhelming for new beginners because of its complex nature of rules that govern the game. One such rule deserving focus pertains to the ‘free hit,’ which often arouses curiosity among enthusiasts due to how it has the potential to make or break the match’s rhythm. A free hit means the fielding side cannot dismiss the batsman usually unless he/she gets run out.
Origins and Introduction of Free-Hit Rule
The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the concept of a “free hit” in one-day crickets back in October 2007 with an aim to add excitement and curb bowlers from bowling dangerous deliveries known as “front foot no-balls.” Essentially designed to punish errant bowlers while favoring batters, this rule empowers batsmen tremendously once awarded.
No-Ball Event Resulting in Free Hit
In cricket matches’ laws governed by ICC, a free-hit follows immediate after every ‘no-ball.’ When a bowler delivers a front-foot no-ball wherein their overstepping denies landing any part behind the popping crease, umpires call it ‘no ball’, resulting in a free hit on the very next delivery regardless of whether it is legitimate or another no ball. Consequently, if a subsequent delivery results again into no-ball post awarding free-hit initially, the chain continues. That means another no-ball will likewise lead to another consecutive free-hit.
Situation Applicable to Every Format
Interestingly, even though initially limited only within ODIs format during introduction period in 2007, popularity and effectiveness of these rules led ICC eventually extending them across all formats – Test Matches & Twenty20 Internationals inclusive later. Now you see them adopted worldwide, adding edge and thrill to each game.
Full Video in Youtube
Restrictions on Fielding Side
Guaranteed by law under free-hit delivery is that the fielding side has no permission for altering their field set-up posturing from preceding ball unless either they or opposition team ran during previous ball. Similarly, if the same strikers remain at crease as earlier, changing field positions also stand denied otherwise.
Batting Restrictions and Provisions
When batsmen face a free hit, they are slightly relaxed knowing their wickets cannot be taken except in situations of run-outs. This gives them an opportunity to score big runs without burdening themselves with worries concerning dismissals other than said case like bowled, caught amongst others. However, practical sense mandates that batsman must safeguard his/her wicket against possible run-outs during such deliveries made free-hits.
Vital for Understanding Game Dynamics
Awareness about conditions leading up to “free-hits” caters critical understanding towards comprehending cricket’s dynamics in entirety. Being one crucial feature within arduous rulebook defining this sport, it offers giddy balance between batting and bowling units ensuring fair play while maintaining viewers’ excitement unwavered all through matches happening anywhere around globe.
Overall, the introduction of ‘Free Hit’ brought contemporary dynamism into traditional settings of cricket rules thereby potentially tilting match outcomes based on how teams exploit these opportunities offered which might prove substantial over course of whole innings irrespective of format type being played in ICC games. They sum-up encompassing apt encapsulation telling us why Cricket remains pure spectacle loved across various countries worldwide.
