Cricket Free Hit — Rules and Strategy Explained
Everything about the cricket free hit — when it is awarded, what dismissals are possible on a free hit, and how batters should approach it.
The free hit is a rule in limited-overs cricket (T20 and ODI) that awards the batting side a delivery on which they cannot be dismissed by most conventional methods. A free hit is triggered by a front-foot no ball — the delivery immediately following is a free hit, identifiable by the on-field umpire raising their arm and moving it in a circular motion above their head.
When is a Free Hit Awarded?
A free hit is awarded exclusively in T20 Internationals and ODIs following a front-foot no ball. Other types of no balls (back foot, beamer, bouncer limit) also result in free hits in some competitions, depending on the specific playing conditions. The free hit is not awarded in Test cricket — a concept unique to limited-overs formats.
What Dismissals Are Possible on a Free Hit?
On a free hit delivery, a batter can ONLY be dismissed by run out, obstructing the field, or handled the ball (obstructing). The batter cannot be dismissed by: bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, or hit wicket. This makes a free hit one of the safest deliveries for the batting side — virtually any attacking shot can be played without fear of conventional dismissal.
Field Restrictions on Free Hits
On a free hit, the fielding side may NOT change their field setting from how it was set for the no ball, except to make adjustments permitted for a change of striker (switching left/right hand batter). If the batting side change striker between the no ball and the free hit (e.g. through running a bye), the fielding side can readjust to the new batter's natural field. This restriction amplifies the batting side's advantage — they know exactly where the fielders are.
Batting Strategy on Free Hits
Batters typically take aggressive options on free hits — hitting over the infield or targeting specific gaps. The best batters use the knowledge of where fielders are to identify the most productive scoring zones. However, even on a free hit, batters must avoid rash shots that could go straight to fielders. The most important instruction is: do not sacrifice your wicket trying to take a free hit for maximum — if the shot is not on, it can be blocked for a single.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be out caught on a free hit in cricket?
No. A batter cannot be dismissed caught off a free hit delivery. The only dismissals possible on a free hit are run out, obstructing the field, and handled the ball.
Does the free hit apply in Test cricket?
No. The free hit rule only applies in limited-overs cricket — T20 Internationals and ODIs. In Test cricket, a no ball results in an extra run but no free hit.