Back Foot No Ball in Cricket: When the Bowler's Back Foot Crosses the Return Crease
A back foot no ball is called when the bowler's back foot lands outside the return crease during delivery, an infringement less common but equally illegal as the front foot no ball.
What Is a Back Foot No Ball?
A back foot no ball is called when the bowler's back foot (the foot that pushes off the ground before the delivery stride) lands outside the return crease at the time of delivery. The return crease runs parallel to the stumps down each side of the pitch, and the bowler's back foot must land inside or on this line to deliver legally.
Why Back Foot No Balls Happen
- Bowler trying to bowl from extremely wide of the crease
- Adjusting the delivery stride angle for a wider delivery
- Technique breakdown in the delivery stride
- Wind or ground conditions causing the bowler to drift laterally
Same Consequences as Front Foot No Ball
A back foot no ball carries the same consequences as a front foot no ball: one extra run for the batting side, the delivery is re-bowled, and in limited-overs cricket the next delivery is a free hit. Umpires may miss back foot no balls more often than front foot ones as they are less prominent.
Umpires and Back Foot No Balls
On-field umpires monitor the bowling crease area. The square leg umpire is positioned with a view of the return crease and is typically responsible for calling back foot no balls. With TV umpiring assistance in major tournaments, both types of no balls can now be reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a back foot no ball in cricket?
A back foot no ball occurs when the bowler's back foot lands outside the return crease during the delivery stride.
How common are back foot no balls?
Much less common than front foot no balls — they typically occur when a bowler delivers from an extreme angle wide of the stumps.
Does a wicket count if it's taken off a back foot no ball?
No — wickets (except run outs) cannot be taken off any type of no ball. The wicket does not count.