Here on Read Scoops today, let’s delve into the intricacies of the rule of the side-line no-ball in cricket, also known as the return crease no-ball, which relates to the bowler’s back foot and not the more common front foot n0-ball. It’s a fascinating aspect of the game, often overlooked until a contentious decision brings it sharply into focus.
In the grand tapestry of cricket’s laws written by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the concept of a ‘no-ball’ exists to ensure fair play and adherence to the established parameters of bowling. While the more commonly discussed no-balls involve exceeding the popping crease at the front foot or illegal bowling actions or an over-waist delivery, the side line no-ball, concerning the placement of the bowler’s feet behind the bowling crease, holds its own significance.
The primary objective of this rule is to prevent bowlers from gaining an unfair advantage by encroaching into the danger area on the pitch or by delivering the ball from an angle that significantly deviates from the established line of bowling, potentially making it more difficult for the batsman to anticipate and play. It’s an important part of the cricket bowling rules.
What is the sideline no ball in cricket?
To understand this rule precisely, we must refer to the official laws of cricket as stipulated by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Law 21 of the Laws of Cricket, which pertains to ‘Fair delivery; the arm’, also encompasses the regulations regarding the bowler’s feet in Law 21.5, specifically addressing the ‘Foot fault’. While this law primarily focuses on the front foot landing, it also implicitly covers the positioning of the back foot and the general requirement for a fair delivery.
However, the specific nuances of the side line no-ball are more directly addressed within interpretations and guidelines related to the bowling crease and the return crease. The bowling crease is the line behind which the bowler’s back foot must land in the delivery stride. The return creases are the two lines perpendicular to the popping crease at each end (left and right), extending behind the stumps. These creases essentially define the permissible area within which the bowler’s feet must land during the delivery.
The crux of the side line no-ball rule lies in ensuring that some part of the bowler’s back foot, in the delivery stride, lands within or behind the return crease. This refers to, obviously, being on the same side of the stumps as they are bowling from. If the bowler’s back foot touches this return crease line, an umpire can call a no-ball, unlike the popping crease where the foot has to be entirely across the line.
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The rationale behind this rule is multifaceted. Firstly, it maintains the integrity of the pitch by preventing bowlers from repeatedly landing in areas that could unduly roughen up the surface outside the established tramlines, potentially creating unfair conditions for batsmen later in the innings or for subsequent bowlers. Secondly, it ensures that bowlers operate within a reasonable line of attack, preventing them from delivering the ball from an extreme angle that could surprise the batsman unfairly.
While front foot no-balls are relatively common among cricket bowling rules, side line no-balls are a rarer occurrence. This is because most bowlers naturally align their run-up and delivery stride to land their back foot within the confines of the return crease. However, instances do arise, often due to a slight misjudgment in the run-up or a change in bowling angle.
According to the MCC’s laws of the game (law 21.5):
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride
(21.5.1) the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery.
(21.5.2) the bowler’s front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised
– on the same side of the imaginary line joining the two middle stumps as the return crease described in 21.5.1, and
– behind the popping crease.
One such instance among controversial no ball decisions in a live cricket match, was where Mitchell Starc bowled the side-line no-ball in a crucial super over clash for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals. The batsmen were awarded a no-ball and free hit and while Starc and the commentators complained initially that the foot was only touching the line, it was later revealed that it was the right call by the umpires during this IPL 2025 game.
No ball by Starc Fair ball by Vignesh pic.twitter.com/huPwEtJh28
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) April 17, 2025
Back foot noball explanation by umpire Anil Chaudhary.
Why Starc was a noball and Vignesh putur’s wasn’t is because of the landing. pic.twitter.com/G3VbjWQivE— Harishwar Reddy (@ReddyMnc16) April 17, 2025
This decision, while technically correct according to the laws, became controversial due to the context of the game. The batting team received a free hit, though Riyan Parag missed it completely, and was actually run out – the only way you can get out on a free hit. The incident highlighted the fine margins in professional cricket and how even seemingly minor infringements can have significant consequences. It also underscored the crucial role of the umpires in interpreting and applying the laws of the game accurately, even under pressure.
Different rules for different teams 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qpDWS8bnUy
— Beast (@Beast__07_) April 17, 2025
In conclusion, the Rule of Side Line No-Ball in cricket is a vital, though less frequently invoked, aspect of the game’s regulations. It ensures fair play by dictating the permissible landing area for the bowler’s back foot, preventing encroachment onto the pitch and extreme bowling angles. While controversies surrounding its application are rare, they serve as reminders of the delicate balance between adhering to the laws and the flow of the game.
FAQs – side line no ball
Q. What is a back foot no-ball?
Ans. A back foot no-ball refers to when the bowler’s back foot, while in his / her delivery stride, doesn’t land within the return crease on the same side of the stumps they are bowling from. According to the laws, the back foot touching this line for the return crease shall mean an illegal delivery, and the umpire can call a no-ball.
Q. Is bowling behind the stumps a no-ball?
Ans. Bowling directly behind the stumps is not inherently a no-ball, provided the bowler’s feet land legally within the return crease and behind the bowling crease (for the back foot) and the front foot lands legally behind the popping crease (unless overstepped). The issue arises if the bowler’s feet, particularly the back foot, land outside the return crease while delivering the ball over the stumps.
Q. What is the no-ball return crease law?
Ans. The no-ball return crease law dictates the permissible area for the bowler’s back foot to land during the delivery stride. The return creases are the two white lines perpendicular to the popping crease at each end of the pitch. The law states that for a fair delivery, the bowler’s back foot must land within or behind the return crease on the same side of the wicket as the stumps being bowled over. If the entire back foot lands outside this return crease, it constitutes a no-ball.
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