The Free Hit in Cricket: Rules, Scope and When It Applies
What is a free hit in cricket, when is it awarded, what dismissals are possible off a free hit, and how the fielding side must respond when one is signalled.
What Is a Free Hit?
A free hit is a delivery in T20 and ODI cricket that follows a front-foot no-ball. The batter cannot be dismissed on a free-hit delivery except by run-out, obstructing the field, or hitting the ball twice. All other forms of dismissal — caught, bowled, LBW, stumped, and hit wicket — are disallowed. The umpire signals a free hit by rotating their arm in a large circle above their head.
Fielding Restrictions on a Free Hit
On a free-hit delivery, fielders may not be repositioned between the no-ball and the free hit. The fielding captain cannot adjust the field to respond to the free hit. This is a significant advantage for the batter — in death overs, a captain who would put an extra man in the deep for a big-hitting batter cannot do so on the free hit after an accidental no-ball.
Can the Batter Be Stumped on a Free Hit?
No — stumping is not a valid dismissal on a free hit. However, the batter can be run out if they attempt a run and are short of the crease when the stumps are broken. The batter is only protected from being stumped, not from run-out.
Why the Free Hit Matters Tactically
The free hit dramatically increases the cost of a front-foot no-ball in T20 cricket. A front-foot no-ball costs the bowling team: (1) one extra run, (2) an unbowlable delivery (the over is one ball longer), and (3) a free-hit delivery where the batter can swing freely. In death overs with a dangerous batter at the crease, a single front-foot no-ball can cost 8–12 runs in two deliveries.
Frequently asked questions
What dismissals are not allowed on a free hit?
On a free hit, the batter cannot be out caught, bowled, LBW, stumped, or hit wicket. The only valid dismissals are run-out, obstructing the field, and hitting the ball twice.
Is there a free hit in Test cricket?
No. The free hit exists only in T20 and ODI cricket. In Test cricket, a no-ball results in one extra run and a rebowled delivery only.
What happens if the free hit is a wide?
If the free-hit delivery is also bowled as a wide, it is called a wide — the batting team receives an extra run, the delivery is rebowled, and another free hit follows.