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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 21: No Ball

4 parts · 20 tests · 200 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 21 sets out the mode of delivery, the fair delivery in respect of the arm (no throwing) and the feet, the umpires' action and suspension for throwing or underarm bowling, breaking the wicket, a ball that bounces more than once, pitches off the pitch, stops in front of the wicket, is intercepted by a fielder or passes over head height, the other Laws that require No ball, revoking a No ball, No ball overriding Wide, the one-run penalty, and how a batter can be out from a No ball.

21.211No Ball: Mode of Delivery, the Arm and Throwing

Telling the umpire how the bowler will bowl and the No ball for an unannounced change, underarm bowling only by agreement, the elbow rule for a fair delivery, which umpire judges the arm, the first and final warning, suspension after a further throw, the report after the match, and a throw before the delivery stride.

Test 1Mode of delivery and the notice to the strikerTake a test

  1. Law 21.1.1: the umpire finds out whether the bowler bowls right- or left-handed and over or round the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · recall

  2. Law 21.1.1 says the umpire shall so inform the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · recall

  3. The umpire asks the bowler and then informs the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · recall

  4. The umpire must inform the striker of the mode of delivery.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · applied

  5. It is unfair not to notify a change of mode; the umpire calls and signals No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · applied

  6. The unfairness lies in staying silent about the change, not in the change itself.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · recall

  7. Law 21.1.1 makes the failure to notify a No ball in itself.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · applied

  8. The bowler must notify the umpire of a change in mode of delivery.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · applied

  9. Telling the umpire in good time is what keeps a change of arm fair.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · recall

  10. Law 21.1.1 covers the mode of delivery and the notice to the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.1 · recall

Test 2Underarm bowling and the special agreementTake a test

  1. Law 21.1.2 bans underarm bowling except by special agreement before the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.2 · recall

  2. Law 21.1.2: the agreement must be made before the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.2 · recall

  3. Law 21.3.1: an underarm delivery without agreement is called and signalled No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · applied

  4. Underarm is banned only unless permitted by agreement under 21.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.2 · applied

  5. Law 21.1.2 is the sub-clause on underarm bowling.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.2 · recall

  6. Law 21.3.1 treats an underarm delivery like a thrown ball: first and final warning.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · applied

  7. Law 21.3 covers a ball thrown or delivered underarm, unless permitted by agreement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  8. Either umpire may make the call for an underarm delivery once the stride has been entered.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  9. Law 21.3.2 applies to a further underarm or thrown delivery: suspension.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.2 · applied

  10. Underarm bowling can only be allowed by an arrangement made ahead of the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

Test 3The fair delivery in respect of the armTake a test

  1. Law 21.2 begins: the ball must not be thrown.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  2. Law 21.2 measures the elbow from the moment the arm reaches shoulder level.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  3. The elbow joint must not be straightened after shoulder level.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  4. Law 21.2 says the definition does not debar flexing or rotating the wrist.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  5. The elbow must stay unstraightened until the ball has left the hand.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  6. Law 21.2 says partially or completely.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  7. The elbow rule starts only when the arm reaches shoulder level.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · applied

  8. Flexing or rotating the wrist is not a throw, and the elbow was not straightened.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · applied

  9. That straightening makes the delivery a throw under Law 21.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · applied

  10. Law 21.2 is headed Fair delivery - the arm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

Test 4Who judges the arm, and the first warningTake a test

  1. Law 21.2 gives the primary responsibility to the striker's end umpire.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  2. Nothing in Law 21 debars the bowler's end umpire from calling No ball for a throw.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.2 · recall

  3. Law 21.3.1: after the bowler has entered his or her delivery stride.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  4. That umpire calls No ball and signals it, once the stride has been entered.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · applied

  5. Law 21.3.1: when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the reason.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  6. Law 21.3.1 gives the warning to the bowler's end umpire.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  7. The umpire informs the fielding captain and the batters at the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  8. The warning is a first and final warning.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  9. The warning applies to that bowler throughout the innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

  10. The umpire who called No ball informs the other umpire when the ball is dead.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.1 · recall

Test 5A further offence, suspension and the reportTake a test

  1. Law 21.3.2: the bowler is suspended immediately and may not bowl again in the innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.2 · applied

  2. The umpire directs the fielding captain to suspend the bowler immediately.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.2 · recall

  3. The replacement must not have bowled the previous over or part of it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.2 · recall

  4. The replacement bowler is not allowed to bowl any part of the next over.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.2 · recall

  5. Once suspended, that bowler is out of the attack for the remainder of the innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.2 · recall

  6. The umpire informs the batters and, as soon as practicable, the batting captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.2 · recall

  7. Law 21.3.3 says the umpires together shall report the occurrence.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.3 · recall

  8. Law 21.3.3: report to the Executive of the offending side and any Governing Body.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.3 · recall

  9. Law 21.4: a throw before the delivery stride is not a No ball and 21.3 does not apply.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.4 · applied

  10. Law 21.4: the umpire calls and signals Dead ball under Law 20.4.2.9.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.4 · applied

21.212No Ball: The Feet and Breaking the Wicket

Where the back foot must land in the delivery stride (within and not touching the return crease), where the front foot must land (behind the popping crease, on the correct side of the middle-stump line), the three conditions, the bowler's end umpire's decision, and a No ball for breaking the wicket in delivery, including falling clothing and the Law 38.3 exception.

Test 1The back foot in the delivery strideTake a test

  1. Law 21.5.1: within and not touching the return crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · recall

  2. Law 21.5.1: the return crease on the side of the stated mode of delivery.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · recall

  3. Law 21.5.1 requires landing within and not touching the return crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · recall

  4. A back foot touching the return crease is not within it: No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · applied

  5. A back foot that lands outside the return crease fails the back foot condition.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · applied

  6. Within and not touching is exactly what Law 21.5.1 asks for.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · applied

  7. It must be the return crease on the side of the stated mode.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · applied

  8. Of the creases named in Law 21.5, the return crease is the one that limits the back foot.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · recall

  9. Law 21.5.1 is the back foot requirement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · recall

  10. Round the wicket, the back foot is judged against the return crease on that side.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · applied

Test 2The front foot in the delivery strideTake a test

  1. Law 21.5.2: behind the popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  2. Law 21.5.2 says some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  3. Law 21.5.2: the imaginary line joining the two middle stumps.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  4. The front foot lands on the same side as the return crease of 21.5.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  5. A grounded toe behind the crease is enough, whatever the heel is doing.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · applied

  6. With no part of the foot behind the crease, the front foot condition fails.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · applied

  7. Both the side and the popping crease conditions must be met.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · applied

  8. Law 21.5.2 is the front foot requirement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  9. The popping crease is the line against which the front foot is judged.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  10. The popping crease governs the front foot; the return crease governs the back foot.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

Test 3Three conditions and the umpire's decisionTake a test

  1. Law 21.5 lists three conditions: back foot, front foot side, front foot behind the popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · recall

  2. This is the popping crease condition, one of the three set by Law 21.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  3. The umpire at the bowler's end is the one who has to be satisfied about the feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · recall

  4. All three conditions have to be satisfied; otherwise the call must be No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · recall

  5. Law 21.5: shall call and signal No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · applied

  6. Law 41.8 deals with the bowling of a deliberate front foot No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · recall

  7. Law 21.5 requires all three conditions.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · applied

  8. Doubt means the umpire is not satisfied, and Law 21.5 then requires the call.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · applied

  9. Law 21.5 refers to the delivery stride.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · recall

  10. Law 21.5 is headed Fair delivery - the feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · recall

Test 4Breaking the wicket in delivering the ballTake a test

  1. Law 21.6: the bowler breaks the wicket after the ball comes into play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

  2. Under 21.6 both umpires are free to make this call, not only the one at the bowler's end.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

  3. The rule covers any moment from the ball coming into play, not only the instant of release.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

  4. Law 21.6: before completion of the stride after the delivery stride.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

  5. Clothing or an object that falls from the bowler and breaks the wicket counts.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · applied

  6. Law 21.6 applies only if the non-striker is not dismissed under Law 38.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · applied

  7. Law 21.6 says: See Appendix A.12.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

  8. Law 21.6 refers to 20.4.2.8, 20.4.2.10 and 21.12.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

  9. After that extra stride, breaking the wicket no longer makes a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · applied

  10. Only the bowler breaking the wicket within the period counts.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · applied

Test 5Feet and wicket: cases and clausesTake a test

  1. All three conditions of Law 21.5 are met.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · applied

  2. Either fault alone makes a No ball; here both are broken.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · applied

  3. Law 21.5.1 concerns the back foot.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.1 · recall

  4. Law 21.5.2 concerns the front foot.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · recall

  5. Law 21.6 is headed Bowler breaking wicket in delivering ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

  6. Law 21.5 is headed Fair delivery - the feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · recall

  7. A legal back foot does not make up for a front foot that lands wholly beyond the popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.2 · applied

  8. Law 21.2 and Law 21.5 are separate tests of a fair delivery.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5 · applied

  9. Law 21.12 revokes No ball when Dead ball is called under 20.4.2.8.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

  10. The No ball for breaking the wicket does not apply if the non-striker is dismissed under 38.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.6 · recall

21.213No Ball: The Flight of the Ball

A ball that bounces more than once, rolls along the ground or pitches off the pitch (turf and non-turf), a ball that comes to rest in front of the striker's wicket or is out of the striker's reach, a delivery intercepted by a fielder, and a ball that passes over the striker's head height after pitching, with the calls of No ball and Dead ball.

Test 1More than one bounce, or rolling along the groundTake a test

  1. Law 21.7: a ball that bounces more than once or rolls along the ground is a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  2. More than one bounce before the popping crease is a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  3. A ball that rolls along the ground before the popping crease is a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  4. A ball that bounces more than once is a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  5. Law 21.7 applies to a ball that has not previously touched bat or person.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  6. Law 21.7 concerns bounces, rolling and pitching off the pitch; a full toss fails none of them.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  7. Law 21.7: bounces more than once before it reaches the popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  8. The pad had already been touched, so the ball fails the untouched condition of Law 21.7.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  9. The two bounces came before any touch of the bat.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  10. Law 21.7 begins: a ball which he or she considers to have been delivered.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

Test 2Pitching off the pitchTake a test

  1. Law 21.7: a ball pitching off the pitch is a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  2. Law 21.7 says wholly or partially.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  3. Law 21.7 refers to the pitch as defined in Law 6.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  4. Law 21.7: before it reaches the line of the striker's wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  5. Law 21.7: on a non-turf pitch it applies to any ball that wholly or partially pitches off the artificial surface.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  6. Partially off the artificial surface is enough for a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  7. Since the pad was hit first, the ball is outside the scope of the pitching test.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  8. The test uses the pitch defined in Law 6.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  9. Both are in Law 21.7.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · recall

  10. Law 21.15 awards one run instantly on the call of No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · applied

Test 3A ball that stops in front of the wicket or is out of reachTake a test

  1. The umpire makes two calls in a row, No ball and then Dead ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

  2. Once Dead ball has been called the ball is out of play at that moment.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

  3. Law 21.8: so far from the pitch that the striker would need to leave it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · recall

  4. Law 25.8 is the Striker's right to play the ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · recall

  5. Law 21.8 makes it a No ball and Dead ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

  6. The bat had already touched the ball, so Law 21.8 cannot be used.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

  7. Only five Dead balls revoke a No ball under 21.12, and that of 21.8 is not one, so the penalty stays.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · applied

  8. No runs can be scored once the ball is dead.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

  9. Law 21.8 is headed Ball causing the striker to leave the pitch, or ball coming to rest in front of striker's wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · recall

  10. Such a delivery is a No ball, with Dead ball called at once; it is not treated as a Wide, because a call of No ball overrides a Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

Test 4A fielder intercepting, and head heightTake a test

  1. Contact with a fielder first brings two calls together, No ball and then Dead ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.9 · applied

  2. Law 21.9 begins: except in the circumstances of Law 27.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.9 · recall

  3. Law 21.9 says any part of a fielder's person.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.9 · applied

  4. Law 21.9 applies only if the fielder is touched before the striker's bat or person.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.9 · applied

  5. Law 21.9 covers contact before it makes contact with the striker or passes the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.9 · applied

  6. Law 21.10: after pitching, over head height.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.10 · recall

  7. Law 21.10: the striker standing upright at the popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.10 · recall

  8. The test only looks at what happens after pitching, so the ball must have pitched first.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.10 · recall

  9. Law 21.10 includes a ball that would have passed over head height.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.10 · applied

  10. Law 21.10 needs a bounce; a dangerous non-pitching ball is dealt with in Law 41.7.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.10 · applied

Test 5Flight of the ball: mixed cases and clausesTake a test

  1. Law 21.9 is headed Fielder intercepting a delivery.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.9 · recall

  2. Law 21.10 is headed Ball bouncing over head height of striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.10 · recall

  3. Only Laws 21.8 and 21.9 call Dead ball at once.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

  4. Law 21.7 gives No ball, and the ball stays in play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  5. Playing the ball takes it out of Law 21.8, which needs a ball untouched by the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · applied

  6. Law 21.7 covers both: a delivery that bounces more than once (or rolls) before reaching the popping crease, and one that pitches wholly or partly off the pitch. A single bounce, passing the wicket or a touch of the bat is not in that clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  7. Appendix A.12 counts clothing as part of the person.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.9 · applied

  8. In Laws 21.8 and 21.9 the umpire immediately calls Dead ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.8 · recall

  9. A single bounce on the pitch is fair.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

  10. Laws 21.7 and 21.8 both carry that phrase; Law 21.9 states a similar condition in other words, and Law 21.10 has none.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.7 · applied

21.214No Ball: Other Laws, Revoking, Penalty and Dismissals

The six other Laws that require No ball to be called, when a called No ball is revoked, No ball overriding Wide, the ball staying live, the one-run penalty and how it counts in the over, and the only ways a batter can be out from a No ball (Laws 34, 37 and 38).

Test 1The other Laws that require a No ballTake a test

  1. Law 21.11 lists Laws 27.3, 28.4, 28.5, 41.6, 41.7 and 41.8.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  2. Law 27.3 is Position of wicket-keeper.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  3. Law 28.4 is Limitation of on side fielders.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  4. Law 28.5 is Fielders not to encroach on pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  5. Law 41.6 is Bowling of dangerous and unfair short pitched deliveries.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  6. Law 41.7 covers balls that are dangerous and unfair without pitching.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  7. Deliberately overstepping is the subject of Law 41.8.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  8. Law 21.11 lists other Laws which require No ball to be called and signalled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  9. Law 25.8 is cited in Law 21.8, not listed in 21.11.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

  10. Law 21.11 is headed Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.11 · recall

Test 2Revoking a call of No ballTake a test

  1. Law 21.12 lists the Dead ball reasons under which a No ball is revoked.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · recall

  2. Law 21.12 lists 20.4.2.4, 20.4.2.5, 20.4.2.6, 20.4.2.8 and 20.4.2.10.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · recall

  3. Bails falling before the striker can play is Law 20.4.2.4, one of the five cases in Law 21.12.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

  4. A striker who is not ready and makes no attempt to play (20.4.2.5) is on the Law 21.12 list.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

  5. Distraction of the striker (20.4.2.6) leads to Dead ball and the No ball falls away.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

  6. Law 21.15: unless the call is revoked, the penalty shall stand.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · recall

  7. Law 21.12 lists only five sub-clauses, and 20.4.2.11 is not one of them.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

  8. A possibly serious injury is 20.4.2.2, which the list in Law 21.12 leaves out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

  9. A ball that stays in the bowler's hand (20.4.2.10) also cancels a No ball already called.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

  10. The ball that cannot be recovered is 20.4.2.11, so Law 21.12 does not revoke a No ball for it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.12 · applied

Test 3No ball overrides Wide, and the ball is not deadTake a test

  1. Law 21.13: a call of No ball overrides the call of Wide ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.13 · recall

  2. Law 21.13: at any time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.13 · recall

  3. Wide ball is judged and signalled under Laws 22.1 and 22.2, the ones cited here.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.13 · recall

  4. Law 21.14: the ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.14 · recall

  5. The ball stays live after a call of No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.14 · applied

  6. Law 21.13: No ball overrides Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.13 · applied

  7. Law 21.13 is headed No ball to override Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.13 · recall

  8. Law 21.14 is headed Ball not dead.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.14 · recall

  9. The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.14 · recall

  10. Law 21.14.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.14 · recall

Test 4The penalty, the run scored and the overTake a test

  1. One No ball extra plus the three leg byes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · applied

  2. The bowler is debited with the striker's runs and the No ball extra.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · applied

  3. No balls do not count as one of the over, so the total is 6 plus 3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.17 · applied

  4. The No balls do not count, so 4 valid balls have been bowled and 2 remain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.17 · applied

  5. Law 21.17 says: See Law 17.3 (Validity of balls).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.17 · recall

  6. The No ball run is added to the runs off the bat and to the five Penalty runs: 2 + 1 + 5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · recall

  7. Law 21.15: unless revoked, the penalty stands even if a batter is dismissed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · applied

  8. Law 21.16 is headed Runs resulting from a No ball - how scored.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · recall

  9. The penalty is one run, scored as a No ball extra.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · recall

  10. The penalty is awarded instantly on the call.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · applied

Test 5Out from a No ballTake a test

  1. Law 21.18 allows only Laws 34, 37 and 38.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · recall

  2. Law 21.18 lists only Laws 34, 37 and 38.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

  3. A catch is not one of Laws 34, 37 and 38.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

  4. Stumped is not one of Laws 34, 37 and 38.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

  5. Run out is an exception in Law 21.18.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

  6. Hit the ball twice is an exception in Law 21.18.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

  7. Obstructing the field is an exception in Law 21.18.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

  8. LBW is not one of Laws 34, 37 and 38.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

  9. Hit wicket is not among the exceptions.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · recall

  10. Law 21.18 says neither batter is out except under Laws 34, 37 and 38.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.18 · applied

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 21 with Laws 6.1, 17.3, 20.4.2, 22.1, 22.2, 25.8, 27.3, 28.4, 28.5, 38.3, 41.6, 41.7, 41.8 and 41.17 as cross-references (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.723
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.113
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.213
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.513
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.212
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.612
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.812
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.5.111
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.110
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1210
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1110
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1810
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.27
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.97
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.156
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.106
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.135
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.145
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.1.24
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.164
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.173
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.3.32
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.42