Top 10 Cricket Rules Which Will Leave You Amazed!
Dec 28, 2024, 22:26 IST
Unique Rules of Cricket: Interesting Aspects to Consider by Newbies
Cricket is the second most viewed sport in the world after football. Very faithful to cricket are the people of India and so many other different countries. All these wonderful things about it combine to make it, indeed, a very 'bewildering sport' for newcomers. Be it 42 Laws of Cricket or subrules under these laws, specific situations come up-for instance-the T20 formats- that make one scratch their heads. What is more interesting is that even with all of these complexities, the rules of the Super Over tend to be simpler comparatively. Let's look at the uncommon rules in cricket which can shock you.
1. A Batsman is Not Allowed to Hit the Ball Twice.
Some of you may have seen a batsman give up a chance to hit the ball further and wondered why. If you know the rule, intentionally hitting the ball again by the bat-before any fielder has touched it-results in the immediate declaration of the batsman out.
There are exceptions, though. A fielder asks for permission while returning the ball to the fielder. They can also strike the ball for the second time if they are trying to stop it from striking the stumps.
2. Spidercam Strikes Ready to Be Dead-ball
Yes, this can happen!A famous instance occurred when Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell hit the Spidercam during a match against India. The umpire ruled it as a dead ball, requiring the delivery to be retaken.
The same applies if the ball hits the stadium roof—an admittedly rare occurrence.
3. Trees on the Field Count as Boundaries
Unbelievable as it sounds, trees growing within a cricket field are considered fixed obstacles. If both captains agree, such obstacles are deemed boundaries. Moreover, if the ball hits the obstacle without touching the ground, it is scored as a boundary.
An example of this is the cricket ground in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where a large tree grows within the playing area.
4. No Kicking the Ball Over the Boundary
Fielders should avoid kicking a ball over the boundary, even if it is heading there. Doing so adds five penalty runs to the batting team’s total in addition to the four boundary runs.
A notable instance occurred in a match between South Africa and India when Virender Sehwag kicked the ball, and the umpire awarded penalty runs.
5. Playing Without Bails
In exceptional circumstances, cricket can be played without bails. This happened during a match between Afghanistan and West Indies in June 2017, when strong winds made it impossible to keep the bails on the stumps. The captains and umpires agreed to continue the game without them.
6. Be Ready to Bat or Be Timed Out
According to Law 31, a batter must be ready to face the next delivery within three minutes. Failing to do so can result in being timed out. While rare in professional cricket, this rule is an interesting piece of trivia to share while watching a match with friends.
7. Catch Must Be Taken with the Hands First
In cricket, a catch is only valid if the ball lands directly in the fielder's hands. If it touches the fielder’s clothing or other parts of the body before being caught, it is considered as having touched the ground, even if another fielder catches it.
8. When the Ball Is Lost
If the ball becomes unrecoverable, the delivery is declared dead, and the ball is replaced. However, the batting team still benefits as penalty runs are awarded in such cases.
9. Appeals Are Necessary to Get a Wicket
Unlike sports like football, where the referee decides on fouls, cricket requires the fielding team to appeal to the umpire for a wicket to be considered. Under Law 31, a batsman cannot be ruled out unless the fielding side makes a formal appeal.
10. Scorekeeper Acknowledgment Is Essential
When an umpire signals a decision, it might seem puzzling to spectators, but these signals are meant for the scorekeepers. The game resumes only after the scorekeepers acknowledge the call, typically by waving a flag.
These rules showcase the unique charm and complexity of cricket, making it a game that never ceases to surprise and entertain. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, such quirks add to the thrill of watching and playing the sport.
Cricket is the second most viewed sport in the world after football. Very faithful to cricket are the people of India and so many other different countries. All these wonderful things about it combine to make it, indeed, a very 'bewildering sport' for newcomers. Be it 42 Laws of Cricket or subrules under these laws, specific situations come up-for instance-the T20 formats- that make one scratch their heads. What is more interesting is that even with all of these complexities, the rules of the Super Over tend to be simpler comparatively. Let's look at the uncommon rules in cricket which can shock you.
1. A Batsman is Not Allowed to Hit the Ball Twice.
Some of you may have seen a batsman give up a chance to hit the ball further and wondered why. If you know the rule, intentionally hitting the ball again by the bat-before any fielder has touched it-results in the immediate declaration of the batsman out.
There are exceptions, though. A fielder asks for permission while returning the ball to the fielder. They can also strike the ball for the second time if they are trying to stop it from striking the stumps.
2. Spidercam Strikes Ready to Be Dead-ball
Yes, this can happen!A famous instance occurred when Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell hit the Spidercam during a match against India. The umpire ruled it as a dead ball, requiring the delivery to be retaken.
The same applies if the ball hits the stadium roof—an admittedly rare occurrence.
3. Trees on the Field Count as Boundaries
Unbelievable as it sounds, trees growing within a cricket field are considered fixed obstacles. If both captains agree, such obstacles are deemed boundaries. Moreover, if the ball hits the obstacle without touching the ground, it is scored as a boundary.
An example of this is the cricket ground in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where a large tree grows within the playing area.
4. No Kicking the Ball Over the Boundary
Fielders should avoid kicking a ball over the boundary, even if it is heading there. Doing so adds five penalty runs to the batting team’s total in addition to the four boundary runs.
A notable instance occurred in a match between South Africa and India when Virender Sehwag kicked the ball, and the umpire awarded penalty runs.
5. Playing Without Bails
In exceptional circumstances, cricket can be played without bails. This happened during a match between Afghanistan and West Indies in June 2017, when strong winds made it impossible to keep the bails on the stumps. The captains and umpires agreed to continue the game without them.
6. Be Ready to Bat or Be Timed Out
According to Law 31, a batter must be ready to face the next delivery within three minutes. Failing to do so can result in being timed out. While rare in professional cricket, this rule is an interesting piece of trivia to share while watching a match with friends.
7. Catch Must Be Taken with the Hands First
In cricket, a catch is only valid if the ball lands directly in the fielder's hands. If it touches the fielder’s clothing or other parts of the body before being caught, it is considered as having touched the ground, even if another fielder catches it.
8. When the Ball Is Lost
If the ball becomes unrecoverable, the delivery is declared dead, and the ball is replaced. However, the batting team still benefits as penalty runs are awarded in such cases.
9. Appeals Are Necessary to Get a Wicket
Unlike sports like football, where the referee decides on fouls, cricket requires the fielding team to appeal to the umpire for a wicket to be considered. Under Law 31, a batsman cannot be ruled out unless the fielding side makes a formal appeal.
10. Scorekeeper Acknowledgment Is Essential
When an umpire signals a decision, it might seem puzzling to spectators, but these signals are meant for the scorekeepers. The game resumes only after the scorekeepers acknowledge the call, typically by waving a flag.
These rules showcase the unique charm and complexity of cricket, making it a game that never ceases to surprise and entertain. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, such quirks add to the thrill of watching and playing the sport.
