Explainers
What is a free hit, and how can you get out on one?
After a front-foot no-ball in white-ball cricket, the next delivery is a free hit.
In limited-overs cricket, a front-foot no-ball is followed by a free hit. On that delivery the batter cannot be dismissed in most of the usual ways.
How a batter can still be out on a free hit
- Run out.
- Hitting the ball twice.
- Obstructing the field.
- Handling the ball.
Bowled, caught, stumped and LBW do not apply. Bowlers therefore try hard to avoid overstepping, because a no-ball costs a run, an extra delivery and then a free hit as well.