Last Updated on July 5, 2023
What are extras in cricket? It is not a complicated question, though it sounds like one. Many cricket leagues have their own set of rules and regulations; however, there are a set of well-known and standard extras in cricket. Let’s explore those different types of extras.
Even the users of online cricket betting markets make note of these extras, to place their bets accordingly.
Cricket is a sport that has fans worldwide. To outscore the opponent is the game’s goal. But the sport has many technicalities and nuances, and players have many different roles and responsibilities on the field.
Extras, which refer to any run or delivery that is not counted as part of the primary scoring. Extras are a crucial part of the game and can often play a significant role in deciding the outcome of a game.
Table of Contents
What are Extras in Cricket?
In cricket, extras refer to the runs that are not scored by the batsman but are added to the team’s total score. The umpire awards these runs to the batting team, not attributed to the individual batter.
Literally, extras are extra runs (other than the actual runs scored by a batsman).
Extras are awarded for various reasons, such as:
- The bowler bowling a no-ball or a wide,
- The ball hitting the batsman’s body or equipment and batsmen take runs
- The ball is not collected by the keeper and batter took runs
- The fielding team infringed the laws of the game.
The teams often strive to minimize the number of extras in cricket, as it can impact the scores significantly.
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What Are the Different Types of Extras in Cricket?
There are five major types of extras in cricket, each with specific rules and conditions. By understanding these different types of extras, players and fans alike can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities and subtleties of this beloved sport. Continue reading to learn more about these Extras in cricket.
Byes:
Byes are runs that the team scores when the batsman misses, the keeper misses & the run is taken.
- During this, the ball doesn’t have any contact with the batsman.
- The keeper misses to collect the ball.
- The batsmen complete the run.
The runs collected are added to the team’s score. Batting team can take more than one run.
Leg Byes:
Leg byes are similar to byes, but the only difference is that there is contact of ball with the batsman.
- It occurs when the ball hits the batsman’s body or equipment
- It is before being caught by the wicket-keeper or a fielder.
- The batsmen complete the run.
The runs collected are added to the team’s score, and the umpire decides whether the ball hits the batsman’s body or equipment.
Wides:
Wides are another common type of extras in cricket. A wide delivery is bowled outside the batsman’s reach and is deemed too wide for him to hit.
- There is a wide line at the crease, adjacent to the stumps.
- If the ball goes beyond that line, it is given as Wide & one run is awarded to the batting team.
- Wides are also given, if the ball goes above the head (when the batter is standing in the normal position).
The batsman is not required to take runs. One run will be added automatically to the team’s score.
No Balls:
A no-ball is a ludicrous type of extras in cricket, as it has a “Free-hit” factor. This delivery is deemed illegal and can be caused by several factors:
- The bowler overstepping the crease
- Having too many fielders outside the circle
- A bouncer is bowled & it goes above waist height
In this case, the run is added to the team’s score, and the batsman is awarded a free hit, which means that the batsmen cannot be dismissed during that ball (unless it is a run out).
Penalty Runs:
If the fielding team intentionally violates the rules, the batting team is given penalty runs. It is not a rule with clarity and it is a call taken by the umpires.
In the modern day international cricket, the rules keep changing. It is mostly applicable to regional cricket. When the bowling team is not complying with the rules, extra runs will be provided to the batting team.
Not completing the overs within the time limit could be a violation. Previously, runs were provided for this violation, but now it has changed. The fielding restrictions will be imposed, if it happens these days, particularly in IPL.
One very clear aspect of penalty runs given actively in cricket is when the ball hits the helmet of the keeper. Then, the batting team will get 5 runs.
Is Overthrow an extra in cricket?
Overthrow is not an Extra in Cricket. However, debates are on the roll regarding this topic.
Why can’t overthrow be included as a part of extras in cricket?
Let’s understand what an overthrow is.
This is not a usual type of extras in any format of the game at the international level.
- If the fielding team player throws a ball attempting for a Run Out
- The ball is not collected by the keeper or others
- The batsmen make use of it and take runs
In this scenario, these runs will be added to the batsmen who hit the ball. Not to the team.
Why should overthrow be included as extras in cricket?
Here are the top three reasons why Overthrow should be included as extras in cricket.
- It is not a “legal run” taken by the batsman. So, the batter should not be awarded with those “extra” runs.
- It is a mistake committed by the fielding team and it goes as an “extra”.
- No one planned for these runs: Let us explain this further. To get runs during the powerplay, the batting team takes advantage of the field restrictions. To get more rins in the middle over, the batting team makes use of running between the wickets. To get more runs in the death overs, they use the hitters and slog it out. But, no one plans for an overthrow as a source of run-making. It is an “extra”.
Like wides, no-balls, byes, leg byes and penalty runs… overthrow should also be treated as an extra run in cricket.
Concluding Thoughts
Extras are an integral part of the game of cricket. They can often play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of a game. Understanding the different types of extras in cricket is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. By being aware of the various types of extras, teams can make better decisions on the field and improve their chances of winning the game.
