Legitimate Delivery in Cricket: What Makes a Ball Count in the Over
A legitimate delivery in cricket is a legal ball that counts as one of the six deliveries in an over, as opposed to no balls and wides which must be re-bowled.
What Is a Legitimate Delivery in Cricket?
A legitimate delivery (or fair delivery) is a legal ball that counts as one of the six deliveries that make up an over. A delivery is legitimate if: it is not a no-ball (no foot fault, no illegal action), it is not a wide (not too far from the batsman), and it is bowled with a legal arm action. Only legitimate deliveries count toward completing an over.
Legitimate vs Illegal Deliveries
| Delivery Type | Counts in Over? | Extra Runs? | Must Re-Bowl? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legitimate delivery | Yes | No | No |
| Wide | No | Yes (1 run) | Yes |
| No ball (foot fault) | No | Yes (1 run) | Yes |
| No ball (illegal action) | No | Yes (1 run) | Yes |
Why This Matters in Match Tactics
Understanding legitimate deliveries is crucial in tight finishes. An over with three wides and a no-ball might require 10 or more balls to be bowled before six legal deliveries are completed. In the final over of a T20 match, wides and no-balls can add several extra scoring opportunities for the batting side.
Free Hits and Legitimate Deliveries
In limited-overs cricket, a free hit (following a no-ball) IS a legitimate delivery if bowled legally — it counts toward the over. The 'free' in free hit refers to the batsman's protection from most dismissals, not to the over counting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a legitimate delivery in cricket?
A legitimate delivery is a legal ball that counts as one of the six deliveries required to complete an over — neither a no ball nor a wide.
Do no balls and wides count toward an over?
No — no balls and wides are extra deliveries that must be re-bowled. An over is complete only when six legitimate deliveries have been bowled.
Is a free hit a legitimate delivery?
Yes — a free hit is a legitimate delivery (if bowled legally). The 'free' refers to the batsman's protection from most dismissals, not to whether the ball counts in the over.