Bouncer Rules in Cricket — Limit Per Over, Dangerous Bowling & Helmet Laws
A bouncer is a short-pitched delivery that rises toward the batter's head. Learn the legal limit of bouncers per over in Tests and T20s, what counts as dangerous bowling, and why helmets are mandatory for facing them.
A bouncer (also called a short-pitched delivery or bumper) is a delivery in which the ball is pitched short of a good length so that it rises sharply toward the batter's chest or head. It is a legitimate and frequently used weapon, but it is subject to laws limiting its use — both to preserve fairness and to protect batters from injury.
Bouncer limit per over
| Format | Max bouncers per over |
|---|---|
| Test / First-class | 2 |
| ODI | 2 |
| T20 International | 1 |
A bouncer is defined in the Laws as a short-pitched delivery that passes (or would have passed) above the shoulder height of the batter standing upright in their stance at the crease. If a bowler exceeds the limit, the umpire signals 'no-ball' and warns the bowler. A repeat offence can lead to the over being completed by another bowler.
Dangerous bowling
Dangerous and unfair bowling is defined under Law 41.6 of the Laws of Cricket. A delivery is considered dangerous if the umpire deems it to be intimidatory rather than purely strategic — for example, a series of bouncers aimed specifically at a tail-end batter who cannot adequately defend themselves. Umpires have the authority to issue warnings and, if warnings are ignored, to prohibit the bowler from bowling for the remainder of the innings.
Helmets and the duty of protection
Helmets with faceguards became standard equipment in the late 1970s and early 1980s following a series of serious head injuries. Under the Laws, the fielding captain and team management have a duty of care to not use bouncers in a deliberately intimidatory way. Batters, particularly tail-enders, have the right to request time to put a helmet on when a short-pitched delivery programme begins. No batter can be compelled to face bouncers without protective equipment in any ICC-sanctioned match.
Strategic use of the bouncer
Despite its fearsome reputation, the bouncer is primarily a tactical tool. It is most effective against batters who like to play front-foot drives (the short ball forces them back, disrupting their game plan), after a sequence of full deliveries (when the batter is expecting full-pitched bowling), and to create catching chances at fine leg or top edge to wicketkeeper. At the death in T20s, a single bouncer in a six-ball over — usually ball 4 after three yorkers — can be decisive.
Frequently asked questions
How many bouncers are allowed per over?
In Tests and ODIs, two bouncers per over are allowed. In T20 internationals, only one bouncer per over is permitted. Exceeding the limit results in a no-ball.
What counts as a bouncer in cricket?
A bouncer is a short-pitched delivery that rises above the shoulder height of the batter standing upright in their normal batting stance at the crease. If it passes above the head height, it is called a no-ball even within the bouncer limit.
What is dangerous bowling?
Dangerous bowling is defined under Law 41.6 and refers to using short-pitched deliveries in an intimidatory or threatening way — particularly against tail-end batters who lack the skill to protect themselves. Umpires can warn and ultimately remove a bowler for dangerous bowling.