A team scored 300 runs and lost four wickets at the completion of the innings. The runs of the five batters were 120, 80, 23, 37 and 25. If we add these scores, we get a total of 285. This is 15 runs short of the total runs. So, how were these extra runs added?
These runs are not scored, but are gifted to the team, largely owing to mistakes made by the bowling side. These runs are called extras. Extra runs are ones that do not come off the batter’s bat. Some of the most common ways in which extras are scored are listed below.
No-Ball
When the bowler over-steps the bowling crease while releasing the ball, it is a no ball. The umpire signals this by extending one hand sideways. A no-ball is only when the entire foot of the bowler is over the crease line. A no-ball is also called for when the bowler’s back foot touches or is beyond the return crease.
Cricket in the last decade has seen the advent of an event called “Free Hit”. The umpire signals a free hit in conjunction with an over-stepping no ball. A free hit ensures that the batter cannot be ruled out by any means on the immediate next delivery.
The second-most common variant of a no-ball is when the ball is directed above the batter’s waistline. If the ball bounces more than twice before crossing the batter’s crease, or if the ball is rolled on the ground, then it also indicates a no-ball. No-balls reward the batting side with 1 run. The number of runs scored on a free hit are added.
Wide
A wide ball is one which is beyond the reach of the batter as per certain specified distance. On the off-side, if the ball is bowled beyond 35 inches wide of the middle stump, it is called a wide. A wide line guides the umpire in deciding whether a ball is wide or not. A ball bowled beyond the leg-side and left by the batter is always considered a wide in limited-overs cricket. This does not apply in test matches unless it is beyond 35 inches. Another variant of wide is when the ball bounces over the batter’s head.
An umpire indicates all forms of wide by extending both his hands on the sides. A wide is worth 1 run for the batting side. However, many times, a wide ball is so extravagant that the wicket-keeper fails to stop the ball, resulting in the ball reaching the boundary. This means that the batting team would get 5 runs (1+4).
If a wide ball and no-ball occur simultaneously, then a no-ball would supersede and the batting side gets one extra run only for the no ball.
Byes
It is often seen that wicket-keeper misfields or is slow to the ball on a legal delivery that was neither a wide, or no ball. This allows the batters to run between the wickets without even touching the ball with the bat. The number of runs scored on such occasions are called byes. The umpire raises one hand up with an open palm (no gap between the fingers) to indicate byes.
Leg-byes
Leg byes are extras scored when the ball hits any part of the batter’s body except the gloves and the bat. Later, the batters either run to score or the ball reaches the boundary. Leg-byes are indicated by the umpire by lifting and bending one leg from the knee and tapping the raised knee with the hand.
Penalty runs
Penalty runs are those which occur due to breaching of the laws of cricket. Wicketkeepers often place their helmet behind them when they are wearing a cap. In rare cases, if a bowl strikes this helmet, the batting team gets 5 runs. There are also instances where the fielding team has tried to tamper the ball, damage the pitch, or has taken excessive time between two overs. The batting side gets 5 runs for every such mishap. Needless to say, that a certain code of conduct if not maintained by the players might end up in the opposition getting 5 runs. The umpire indicates five runs by raising his hand to indicate the number five.
Extras have historically been crucial in the outcomes of various matches. They are an indication of the bowling side’s efficiency and their discipline in the process of restricting the opponent’s score.
