# Law 34: Hit the Ball Twice (MCC Laws of Cricket)

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Law 34 sets out when the striker is out Hit the ball twice (a wilful second strike with bat or person before a fielder touches the ball), the exceptions (returning the ball to a fielder, striking after a fielder touched it), lawful second strikes solely to guard the wicket (even on a No ball, never to stop a catch), what happens to runs and the dead ball, and that the bowler gets no credit.

## 34.341 Hit the Ball Twice: Out

How the striker is out Hit the ball twice (a wilful second strike with the bat or person before a fielder touches the ball, other than a hand not holding the bat and other than to guard the wicket), what struck includes, and that the Law applies whether or not No ball is called.

### Test 1: When the striker is out Hit the ball twice

- The second strike must be wilful and before any fielder has touched the ball. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The Law begins with while the ball is in play. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The second strike before any fielder touch completes the dismissal. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The Law names the bat and the person as the means. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Only the wilful second strike before any fielder touch is out; the others are exceptions. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The Law says other than a hand not holding the bat. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- A wilful second strike outside the guarding exception dismisses him. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Laws 34.1 to 34.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- The first sub-clause gives the dismissal. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Law 34 follows Law 33, Caught. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)

### Test 2: Wilful strikes and the hand not holding the bat

- The Law says the striker wilfully strikes it again. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Only a wilful strike is the offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Accident is not the offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The Law excepts a hand not holding the bat. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- A hand not holding the bat is excepted by Law 34.1.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Only a hand not holding the bat is excepted. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- His person includes his foot. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The free hand is outside the offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- See 34.3 and Law 37 (Obstructing the field). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- A second strike solely to guard his wicket is permitted. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)

### Test 3: Strike includes the striker's person

- Law 34.1.2 extends strike to contact with the striker's person. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- The Law counts contact with the person as a strike. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- The pad contact is the first strike. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- Moving the body into the ball's path on purpose is a second strike by his person, so it falls under the offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- Only the thigh row is contact with the striker's own person; the rest are other objects. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- The second sub-clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- The pad hit counts as the first strike, and the deliberate kick is the wilful second one. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- Strike includes person. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- The definition runs through the whole Law. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)
- The Law speaks of contact with the person without limit. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.2)

### Test 4: The Law applies to a No ball too

- Law 34.1.3 says it applies whether or not No ball is called. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- No ball does not protect him from this dismissal. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- The No ball does not stop the dismissal. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- The third sub-clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- Law 34.1.3 applies the Law in either case. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- Bowled and Caught both exclude a No ball in their opening clause, while Hit the ball twice does not. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- Under Law 34.1.3 a No ball call makes no difference, so the striker can still be out Hit the ball twice. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- Laws 34.1.1, 34.1.2 and 34.1.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1)
- The Law applies either way. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)
- Law 34.1.3 applies the dismissal to a No ball; Laws 32, 33 and 36 each name a No ball as an exclusion. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)

### Test 5: Out Hit the ball twice in cases

- A deliberate second hit with no fielder touch is exactly the offence, however the ball first came off the bat. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Accidental contact is not wilful. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The decision follows the wilful strike. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The Law excepts a hand not holding the bat. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- The board's wilful second hit with no fielder contact yet is the exact case of the offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Law 34.1.1 requires the second strike to come before any fielder has touched the ball; nothing has to touch it first, and once a fielder has touched it a further strike is no longer this offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Law 34.3 allows a strike solely to guard the wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Laws 33, 34, 35 and 36. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 33 to 36)
- The first clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1)
- Clauses 34.1 to 34.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)

## 34.342 Hit the Ball Twice: Not Out and Lawful Strikes

When the striker is not out Hit the ball twice (returning the ball to a fielder, striking after a fielder touched it) and when he may lawfully strike the ball more than once, solely to guard his wicket before a fielder touches it, even on a No ball but never to prevent a catch.

### Test 1: Returning the ball to a fielder

- Returning the ball to any fielder is excepted. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- The Law excepts a strike to return the ball to a fielder. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- The return is excepted. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- Note Law 37.4, Returning the ball to a fielder. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- Only returning the ball to a fielder is excepted. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- The Law says any fielder. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- The note points to Law 37.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- Returning the ball is not an offence under this Law. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- The Law says a second or subsequent time. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- The first sub-clause of 34.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)

### Test 2: Striking the ball after a fielder touched it

- The exception turns on a fielder's earlier touch, not on what the striker meant to do. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- Once the fielder has fumbled it, the striker's later wilful strike is outside the offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- The fielder's touch lifts Law 34. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- Note Law 37.1, Out Obstructing the field. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- Only the row with a fielder's touch before the strike is lifted from the offence. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- The note points to Law 37.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- The touch by a fielder. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- Laws 34.2.1 then 34.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2)
- Only a fielder's touch is named. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- The second sub-clause of 34.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)

### Test 3: Guarding the wicket

- The Law's purpose test is guarding the wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- It must be before a fielder touches the ball. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The purpose makes it lawful. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Law 34.3 allows the bat or any part of his person other than a hand not holding the bat. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Only a strike solely to guard the wicket before a fielder touch is lawful. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- A tap to guard the wicket is allowed. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- A part of his person may be used to guard the wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Those are the conditions of the clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The third clause is headed Ball lawfully struck more than once. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The Law speaks of a second or subsequent time. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)

### Test 4: No ball and catches

- Law 34.3 says the striker may guard his wicket even if No ball. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- He may not prevent a catch by more than one strike. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The second stroke to stop a catch is outside Law 34.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- See Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The only row beyond the permission is the stroke aimed at stopping a catch from being held. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- He may not prevent a catch by striking more than once. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Law 34.3 allows the guard even on a No ball. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The clause states them in that order. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Preventing a catch is outside the exception. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The Law says even if No ball. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)

### Test 5: Not out and lawful strikes in cases

- He is not out because the second strike was made to return the ball to a fielder (Law 34.2.1); the fielder's touch came afterwards, so the 34.2.2 exception for a strike after a fielder's touch is not what saves him. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2)
- The second clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2)
- Each part is lawful. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- 34.2.1 and 34.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2)
- The heading for lawful multiple strikes is the third clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Law 33.2.2.2 allows a catch after more than one lawful strike. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 33.2.2.2)
- Obstructing the field. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 37)
- Law 34.2 comes before 34.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- Law 34.3 allows it. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Guarding is the exception; scoring is not. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)

## 34.343 Hit the Ball Twice: Runs, Dead Ball and Credit

What happens after a ball is lawfully struck more than once (Dead ball at the boundary or the first run, a catch allowed to complete, all runs disallowed, the not out batter returned, No ball signalled, 5-run penalties other than for helmets) and that the bowler gets no credit for a Hit the ball twice wicket.

### Test 1: Calling Dead ball after a lawful second strike

- Law 34.4 sets the limit at the boundary or the completion of the first run. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- He delays to allow the opportunity for a catch. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The delay allows the catch. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- He calls Dead ball at the completion of the first run. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The call is made at the boundary or at the end of the first run, not at the end of the over. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- He calls Dead ball as soon as it reaches the boundary. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- A catch in the air is still possible. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Dead ball follows the first run. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The fourth clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The Law says if the ball does not become dead for any reason. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)

### Test 2: What the umpire does about runs

- Law 34.4: disallow all runs to the batting side. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Return any not out batter to his original end. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The Law lists them in that order. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Signal No ball to the scorers if applicable. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Every run is disallowed, so none of the other rows could be the effect. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The Law excepts the helmet penalty of Law 28.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- All runs are disallowed. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The runs are disallowed but the No ball stands. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Except Penalty runs under Law 28.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Disallow runs, return not out batter, signal No ball, award 5-run penalty. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)

### Test 3: The bowler does not get credit

- The bowler does not get credit. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- The bowler does not get credit. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- The credit question follows the dismissal. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- The last clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- Law 34.5 gives the bowler no credit. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- The heading states the rule. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- Law 34.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- Laws 34.4 then 34.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- Law 34.5 deals with who is credited with the wicket, not with whether the striker is out. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- The clause is about the bowler. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)

### Test 4: Cross-references in Law 34

- Law 37.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- Law 37.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.1)
- Law 37.1, 37.3 and 37.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- Law 37.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2.2)
- Law 34.4 excepts the Penalty runs under Law 28.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Law 28.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- Law 33.2.2.2 cites Law 34. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 33.2.2.2)
- Law 34.1.1 refers to Law 37 as a whole, 34.2.1 to Law 37.4 on returning the ball, 34.3 to Law 37.3 on obstructing a catch, and 34.4 to Law 28.3 on fielding-side helmets. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- Obstructing the field. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.1)
- Laws 37 and 28.3 are cited. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)

### Test 5: Law 34 as a whole

- Law 33 is Caught. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 33)
- Law 35 is Hit wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 35)
- Laws 34.1 to 34.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- Clauses 34.1 to 34.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- Law 34.5 is headed Bowler does not get credit. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.5)
- The fourth clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.4)
- The second clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.2)
- The credit question follows. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34)
- The third clause. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.3)
- The third sub-clause of 34.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 34.1.3)

Sources: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 34 with Laws 28.3, 33.2.2.2 and 37 as cross-references (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

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