What Is a Free Hit in Cricket? Simple Rules Explained

Cricket has many rules that can confuse new fans. One of them is the free hit. You may hear the commentator say, “It is a free hit!” and notice that the next ball becomes very important.

So, what does a free hit mean?

In simple words, a free hit gives the batter a special chance to score because they usually cannot get out in the normal ways on that delivery.

However, this does not mean the batter can never get out. Some methods of dismissal are still possible.

Let’s understand the free hit rule in a simple way.

Why Is a Free Hit Given?

A free hit is usually given after a bowler delivers a no-ball.

For example, if the bowler crosses the front line with their foot while bowling, the umpire may call it a no-ball.

As a result, the batting team gets an extra run. In limited-overs cricket, the next delivery is generally a free hit.

Therefore, the bowler faces extra pressure. The batter knows that the next ball gives them a better chance to attack.

How Does a Free Hit Work?

The free hit comes on the delivery after the no-ball.

The bowler still has to bowl the ball properly. Meanwhile, the batter can try to score as many runs as possible.

However, the batter is protected from getting out in many common ways.

Here is a simple example:

A bowler delivers a no-ball.

The umpire signals the no-ball.

The batting team gets the no-ball run.

Then, the next legal delivery becomes a free hit.

This can quickly change the mood of a match, especially during the final overs.

Can a Batter Get Out on a Free Hit?

Yes, but only in certain ways.

A batter usually cannot be out bowled, caught, LBW, or stumped on a free hit.

However, they can still be out through other methods.

For example, the batter may be:

• Run out

• Obstructing the field

• Hit wicket in some situations

So, a free hit does not mean the batter is completely safe.

Instead, it mainly removes the common ways a batter may get out from the bowler's delivery.

A Quick Look at the Free Hit Rule

As you can see, the free hit gives the batting side an advantage. However, the batter still needs to stay alert.

What Happens If the Free Hit Is a Wide?

Sometimes, the free hit itself may not be a legal delivery.

For example, the bowler may bowl a wide ball.

In that case, the batting team gets the extra run for the wide. More importantly, the free hit does not disappear.

The bowler must bowl again.

Therefore, the next delivery will still be a free hit.

The same idea can apply if another no-ball occurs. As a result, the batting team may receive another chance.

This can put a lot of pressure on the bowler.

Can the Bowler Change the Field?

Yes, the fielding team can make changes before the free-hit delivery, depending on the rules and match conditions.

The bowler may also change the type of delivery they plan to bowl.

For example, they may choose a slower ball instead of a fast one.

However, the bowler still needs to follow the rules.

The fielding team will often try to stop the batter from hitting a boundary. Meanwhile, the batter may look for the best scoring area.

That is why a free hit can create an exciting battle between the batter and bowler.

Why Is a Free Hit Important in T20 Cricket?

A free hit can be very important in T20 cricket.

In this format, teams often try to score quickly. Therefore, one extra delivery with a lower risk of a normal dismissal can be valuable.

Imagine a team needs 15 runs from the final over.

The bowler starts with a no-ball.

Now, the batting side gets an extra run and a free hit.

Suddenly, the situation becomes harder for the fielding team.

One good shot can change the match.

Because of this, bowlers must be very careful with their front foot and bowling action.

Free Hit vs Normal Delivery

A normal delivery gives the bowler more ways to dismiss the batter.

For example, the batter can be bowled, caught, or given out LBW.

On a free hit, these common dismissal methods usually do not apply.

However, the ball is still live.

The batter can score runs, and the fielding team can try to stop them.

Also, a careless run can still lead to a run-out.

So, even though a free hit favors the batter, they should not forget the basic rules of cricket.

Why Do Fans Get Excited About a Free Hit?

The answer is simple: anything can happen.

A batter may hit a six. On the other hand, the bowler may deliver a clever slower ball and stop a big shot.

Free hits often become exciting because the batter usually has more confidence to attack.

Moreover, in close matches, one free hit can change the score quickly.

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Things to Remember About a Free Hit

A free hit may sound complicated at first. However, the main rule is easy to remember.

It usually follows a no-ball in limited-overs cricket.

The batter can play more freely because common dismissals such as bowled, caught, and LBW do not apply.

Still, a run-out remains possible. Therefore, the batter must stay careful while running between the wickets.

Also, if the free-hit delivery is not legal, the chance may continue to the next delivery.

Final Thoughts

A free hit is one of the most exciting rules in modern limited-overs cricket.

It usually comes after a no-ball and gives the batting side an extra advantage. Although the batter cannot normally be out in common ways such as bowled or caught, they can still get out through methods like a run-out.

Therefore, a free hit is not a completely safe ball. Still, it gives the batter a great chance to attack and score quickly.

Now, when you hear “free hit” during a cricket match, you will know exactly why everyone is watching the next ball so closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a free hit in cricket?

A free hit is a special delivery, usually given after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket.

2. Can a batter be bowled on a free hit?

No. The batter cannot normally be dismissed bowled on a free hit.

3. Can a batter be caught on a free hit?

No. A catch does not normally dismiss the batter on a free-hit delivery.

4. Can a batter be run out on a free hit?

Yes. A batter can still be run out because the ball remains live.

5. What happens if a free hit is bowled as a wide?

The free hit usually continues to the next delivery because a wide is not a legal ball.

6. Does every no-ball result in a free hit?

Free-hit rules apply in limited-overs formats under the relevant playing conditions. The exact rules can depend on the competition.

7. Why is a free hit important?

It gives the batting side a better chance to score because many common forms of dismissal do not apply.

8. Can a free hit change a match?

Yes. Especially in T20 cricket, a big shot during a free hit can quickly change the score and match situation.