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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 22: Wide Ball

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 22 sets out how the umpire judges a Wide (wide of where the striker stands or has stood and of a normal stance, within reach of a normal stroke), when Wide ball is called and from when it counts, when the call is revoked, when a delivery is not a Wide, that the ball is not dead, the one-run penalty, how runs from a Wide are scored and debited to the bowler, that a Wide does not count as one of the over, and the four ways a batter can be out from a Wide.

22.221Wide Ball: Judging, Calling, Revoking and Not a Wide

How the umpire judges a Wide (wide of where the striker stands or stood and of a normal stance), what within reach of a normal stroke means, when Wide ball is called and signalled and from when it counts, when the call is revoked (contact with bat or person before a fielder, or a No ball), and when a delivery is not a Wide (the striker moved, or a touch only as the ball passes).

Test 1Judging a Wide: the two positions of the strikerTake a test

  1. Law 22.1.1 asks for both: wide of where the striker is or was standing, and wide of a normal batting position.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · recall

  2. The Wide rule opens with a ball, not being a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · recall

  3. Law 22.1.1 is the Wide judgement rule; 22.1.2 defines passing wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · recall

  4. The ball must also have passed wide of the striker in a normal batting position.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · applied

  5. Both conditions of Law 22.1.1 are met.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · applied

  6. Law 22.1.1 speaks of any point after the ball came into play for that delivery.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · recall

  7. The striker's earlier stance during the same delivery also counts.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · recall

  8. Law 22.1.1 says the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · recall

  9. The rule covers a ball, not being a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · recall

  10. Law 22.1.1 refers to the definition of passing wide in 22.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.1 · applied

Test 2Within reach of a normal strokeTake a test

  1. Law 22.1.2 gives the definition of passing wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · recall

  2. Law 22.1.2: a ball is wide unless sufficiently within reach for a normal stroke.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · recall

  3. The test is a normal cricket stroke.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · recall

  4. Law 22.1.2 speaks of hitting the ball with the bat.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · recall

  5. It is out of reach of a normal stroke.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · applied

  6. It is not a Wide when it is sufficiently within reach.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · applied

  7. Reaching beyond a normal stroke means the ball is wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · applied

  8. Passing the striker outside his reach makes the ball wide by default.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · recall

  9. The test is what a normal stroke could reach, not what he played.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · applied

  10. Only the ball out of reach of a normal stroke is wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.2 · applied

Test 3The call and signal of Wide ballTake a test

  1. Law 22.2: the call is made as soon as the ball passes the striker's wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · recall

  2. It counts as a Wide from the delivery stride, even though it cannot be called until it passes the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · recall

  3. Law 22.2 says it cannot be called Wide until it passes the striker's wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · recall

  4. Law 22.2 requires both a call and a signal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · recall

  5. Law 22.2 is headed Call and signal of Wide ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · recall

  6. The call comes later than the point from which it is a Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · applied

  7. Law 22.2 sets the striker's wicket as the earliest point.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · recall

  8. Law 22.2 places the call at the striker's wicket, not at release.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · recall

  9. The call depends on the ball passing the striker's wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · applied

  10. Only when the ball has gone past can its width be confirmed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · applied

Test 4Revoking a call of Wide ballTake a test

  1. Law 22.3.1: any contact with the striker's bat or person before any fielder.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.1 · recall

  2. Law 22.3.1 revokes the call.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.1 · applied

  3. A pad is part of the person, so the touch comes before any fielder's.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.1 · applied

  4. The contact with the striker came after contact with a fielder.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.1 · applied

  5. Law 22.3.2: revoke if the delivery is called a No ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.2 · recall

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

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.2 · recall

  7. The No ball overrides the Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.2 · applied

  8. Law 22.3.1 and Law 22.3.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3 · recall

  9. Contact with any part of his body before a fielder cancels the Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.1 · applied

  10. Law 22.6 keeps the penalty unless the call is revoked under 22.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · applied

Test 5A delivery that is not a WideTake a test

  1. Law 22.4.1: not a Wide if the striker by moving causes the ball to pass wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.1 · applied

  2. Bringing the ball within reach removes the ground for a Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.1 · applied

  3. Law 22.4.2 covers a touch only as the ball passes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.2 · applied

  4. Law 22.4.2 covers the bat or the person.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.2 · applied

  5. Law 22.4.1 covers the striker moving.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.1 · recall

  6. The touch-as-it-passes rule sits in 22.4.2, the second sub-clause of 22.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.2 · recall

  7. Law 22.4.2 stops the Wide from being adjudged.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.2 · recall

  8. By moving he brought it within reach.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.1 · applied

  9. The striker's own walk across is what put the ball wide, so no Wide is given.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.1 · applied

  10. Law 22.4.2 stops the umpire from adjudging a Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.2 · applied

22.222Wide Ball: Live Ball, Penalty, Runs, the Over and Dismissals

The ball staying live after a Wide, the one-run penalty and how it is awarded, how runs from a Wide are scored and debited to the bowler, why a Wide does not count as one of the over, the four ways a batter can be out from a Wide (Laws 35, 37, 38 and 39), and comparisons with No ball.

Test 1The ball stays live, and the one-run penaltyTake a test

  1. The call leaves the ball live, so play carries on.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.5 · recall

  2. The call of Wide does not make the ball dead, so runs may be taken.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.5 · applied

  3. Law 22.5 is headed Ball not dead.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.5 · recall

  4. The ball is not dead, so the fielding side may still act.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.5 · applied

  5. The penalty follows the call, which is made at the striker's wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · applied

  6. Law 22.6: the penalty stands even if a batter is dismissed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · applied

  7. The penalty is tied to the revoking clause, 22.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · recall

  8. One Wide penalty and three completed runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · applied

  9. Law 22.6 lists runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalty runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · recall

  10. The penalty is awarded instantly on the call.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · applied

Test 2Runs from a Wide: how scored and who is debitedTake a test

  1. The penalty run plus the two completed runs are all Wides.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  2. The penalty run and four completed runs make five Wides.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  3. One run added to the Wide gives two Wides; the five are separate.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  4. Apart from an award of 5 Penalty runs, runs from a Wide are debited to the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  5. Law 22.7 excepts the 5 Penalty runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · recall

  6. All completed runs from a Wide are scored as Wides.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  7. Law 22.7 is headed Runs resulting from a Wide - how scored.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · recall

  8. Law 22.7: all runs completed by the batters or a boundary allowance, with the penalty.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · recall

  9. Four Wides plus the five Penalty runs come to nine.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  10. The bowler carries the debit for the Wide runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · recall

Test 3A Wide does not count as one of the overTake a test

  1. Law 22.8 sends the reader to Law 17.3, Validity of balls.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · recall

  2. Wides do not count, so 5 valid balls have been bowled and one is needed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · applied

  3. A Wide does not count as one of the over.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · applied

  4. Wides do not count towards the six, so the total is 6 plus 4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · applied

  5. The Wide does not count as one of the over.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · applied

  6. The three Wides do not count, so nine deliveries are bowled in all.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · applied

  7. The runs do not turn the Wide into a valid ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · applied

  8. Laws 21.17 and 22.8 exclude both.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · recall

  9. Law 22.8 is headed Wide not to count.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · recall

  10. Only valid balls count towards the six.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · applied

Test 4Out from a WideTake a test

  1. Law 22.9 allows Laws 35, 37, 38 and 39 only.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · recall

  2. Stumped is an exception in Law 22.9.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  3. Bowled is not among Laws 35, 37, 38 and 39.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  4. Caught is not one of Laws 35, 37, 38 and 39.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  5. Hit wicket is an exception in Law 22.9.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  6. Run out is an exception in Law 22.9.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  7. Obstructing the field is an exception in Law 22.9.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  8. LBW is not one of Laws 35, 37, 38 and 39.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  9. Stumped is allowed off a Wide; a No ball allows only Laws 34, 37 and 38.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  10. Hitting the ball twice is not among the four exceptions.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · recall

Test 5Wide and No ball side by sideTake a test

  1. Laws 21.15 and 22.6 both award one run.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · recall

  2. Stumped is in Law 22.9 but not in Law 21.18.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  3. Law 34 is in Law 21.18 but not in Law 22.9.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · applied

  4. The Wide waits for the wicket, unlike the No ball for a foot fault.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.2 · applied

  5. Law 21.13 and Law 22.3.2 both make No ball override Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.2 · recall

  6. Law 21.14 and Law 22.5 both keep the ball live.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.5 · recall

  7. Law 22.6 is the penalty for a Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · recall

  8. Law 22.8 is Wide not to count.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · recall

  9. Law 22.7 and Law 21.16 both debit them to the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · recall

  10. Law 22.9 is headed Out from a Wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.9 · recall

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 22 with Laws 17.3, 21.13, 21.14, 21.15, 21.17 and 21.18 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 22.913
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.211
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.711
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.811
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.110
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.1.210
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.69
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.15
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.15
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.4.25
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.55
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.3.24
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.31