What Is a Free Hit in Cricket? The Rule Explained
A free hit is the delivery a bowler must bowl after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket, on which the batter cannot be dismissed by most methods.
A free hit is the next delivery a bowler must bowl after conceding a no-ball in limited-overs cricket. On a free hit, the batter cannot be dismissed by most normal methods, only run-out-style dismissals apply. It rewards the batting side and penalises the bowler for overstepping the crease.
The free hit is one of the most batter-friendly rules in the modern white-ball game. Understanding when it applies, and what it changes, helps you follow ODIs and T20s far more clearly.
When Is a Free Hit Awarded?
A free hit is awarded on the delivery immediately following a no-ball. The umpire signals it by rotating a raised arm in a circular motion above the head. The batting side benefits twice: they get the run for the no-ball itself, plus a virtually risk-free scoring opportunity on the next ball.
In current ICC playing conditions for ODIs and T20Is, a free hit follows any no-ball, including those for overstepping the popping crease, exceeding the bouncer limit, or a fielding-position infringement.
How Can a Batter Be Out on a Free Hit?
The defining feature of a free hit is that most dismissals are switched off. Only methods that do not involve the bowler “beating” the bat count. The table below makes the distinction clear.
| Dismissal method | Allowed on a free hit? |
|---|---|
| Run out | Yes |
| Hit the ball twice | Yes |
| Obstructing the field | Yes |
| Handled the ball / handling | Yes |
| Bowled | No |
| Caught | No |
| Leg before wicket (lbw) | No |
| Stumped | No |
| Hit wicket | No |
In short, if the batter would normally be out for missing or edging the ball, they survive on a free hit. They can still be run out because that depends on running between the wickets, not on the delivery itself.
What If the Free Hit Is Also a No-Ball?
If the free-hit delivery is itself a no-ball, the free hit carries over. The next legal delivery again becomes a free hit. This continues until the bowler delivers a fair ball, so a bowler who keeps overstepping can face several free hits in a row.
Field-Change Rules on a Free Hit
To keep things fair when the same batter is on strike, fielders are generally not allowed to change positions for a free hit. The exception is when the no-ball caused a change of striker, for example if the batters crossed while running, the field may be adjusted accordingly. If a different batter is now on strike, normal field placement applies.
Is There a Free Hit in Test Cricket?
No. The free hit exists only in limited-overs cricket. In Test matches and other first-class cricket, a no-ball still counts as an illegal delivery, adding one run to the total and an extra ball to the over, but the bowler faces no free-hit penalty on the following delivery. The batter can be dismissed normally on the very next ball.
Quick summary: A free hit is the delivery bowled after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket. The batter can only be out by run-out-type methods (run out, hit the ball twice, obstructing the field, handling the ball), never bowled, caught, lbw, or stumped. Fields usually stay unchanged unless the strike rotated, and Test cricket has no free hit at all.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be out on a free hit?+
Yes, but only by run-out-style methods such as being run out, handling the ball, hitting the ball twice, or obstructing the field. You cannot be bowled, caught, stumped, or out lbw on a free hit.
Does a free hit apply in Test cricket?+
No. The free hit is a limited-overs rule used in formats such as ODIs and T20s. Test cricket has no free hit; a no-ball there simply adds one run and an extra delivery.
Why was the free hit introduced?+
It was introduced by the ICC to penalise bowlers more heavily for overstepping no-balls and to add excitement to limited-overs cricket, giving the batting side a near risk-free scoring chance.