Cricket, often referred to as a gentleman’s game, is a sport rich in history, tradition, and a set of rules that can sometimes be complex and nuanced. While most fans are familiar with the basic rules, there are several lesser-known rules that have come into play at crucial moments, leading to confusion, surprise, and even controversy among players and spectators alike. This article explores ten of these lesser-known cricket rules, highlighting incidents when these rules were applied, leaving the cricketing world astonished.
Table of Contents
1. **The Law of “Handled the Ball”**
**Rule Explanation:** A batsman can be given out if they deliberately use their hand to touch the ball while it is in play, without the permission of a fielder.
**Notable Incident:** One of the most famous instances of this rule being applied occurred in 1993 during a Test match between India and South Africa in Durban. Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath was given out for handling the ball after he used his hand to stop the ball from rolling onto the stumps. While his intentions were clearly defensive, the umpires ruled him out under the “handled the ball” law. The decision surprised Amarnath and stunned spectators, who were unaware of this rule. The law has since been merged with the “obstructing the field” rule, but the incident remains a memorable example of how cricket’s obscure rules can come into play.
2. **The “Timed Out” Rule**
**Rule Explanation:** A batsman must be ready to face the next delivery within three minutes of the previous batsman being dismissed, or they can be given out “timed out.”
**Notable Incident:** In 2007, during a Test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South African batsman A.B. de Villiers was nearly given out under this rule. After the dismissal of Jacques Kallis, de Villiers was delayed in coming to the crease, taking almost the full three minutes. The umpires were about to enforce the “timed out” rule when de Villiers finally arrived. Although he wasn’t given out, the incident highlighted the strictness of the rule and caught many spectators off guard. This rare rule serves as a reminder of the importance of time management in cricket.
3. **The “Obstructing the Field” Rule**
**Rule Explanation:** A batsman can be given out if they deliberately obstruct a fielder attempting to take a catch or effect a run-out.
**Notable Incident:** One of the most dramatic instances of this rule being applied happened during an ODI match between England and Pakistan in 2017. Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal was given out for obstructing the field when he changed his running direction and used his body to block a throw aimed at the stumps. The decision sparked controversy and debate, as some argued it was an instinctive reaction rather than deliberate obstruction. Nevertheless, the umpires ruled in favor of the fielding team, applying the rule to the letter. The incident left the crowd in disbelief and sparked discussions about sportsmanship and fair play.
4. **The “Hit the Ball Twice” Rule**
**Rule Explanation:** A batsman can be given out if they intentionally hit the ball twice, unless the second hit is made to prevent the ball from hitting the stumps.
**Notable Incident:** In 2006, during a county match in England, Mark Ramprakash was involved in a rare instance of the “hit the ball twice” rule. After playing a defensive shot, the ball bounced off the ground and started rolling back toward the stumps. Ramprakash instinctively used his bat to hit the ball away, and the fielding team appealed. The umpires, however, did not give him out because his second hit was deemed to be an act of self-preservation, preventing the ball from hitting the stumps. While he survived, the appeal highlighted this obscure rule, which few fans and even some players were aware of.
5. **The “Law of Declarations and Forfeiture”**
**Rule Explanation:** A captain can declare an innings closed at any time or even forfeit an innings altogether.
**Notable Incident:** The most famous application of this rule occurred in the 2000 Test match between South Africa and England in Centurion. On the final day, South African captain Hansie Cronje offered a deal to England’s Nasser Hussain, proposing that both teams forfeit an innings to create a result in a match that was otherwise heading for a dull draw. Hussain accepted the offer, leading to an unusual scenario where both teams forfeited an innings. England chased down the target and won the match, but the incident raised eyebrows, with many questioning the spirit of the game. This match later became infamous when Cronje’s involvement in match-fixing was revealed, casting a shadow over the incident.
6. **The “One Short” Rule**
**Rule Explanation:** A run is declared “one short” if the batsman fails to touch the crease at the non-striker’s end while attempting a run.
**Notable Incident:** In the 2011 ICC World Cup match between India and England, this rule was applied under high-pressure circumstances. Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was adjudged to have completed “one short” while attempting a quick single. As a result, India was denied an extra run. The match ended in a dramatic tie, and the “one short” call became a major talking point. Fans were astonished that such a minute detail could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match, illustrating the importance of precision in cricket.
7. **The “Dead Ball” Rule for Non-Striker Movement**
**Rule Explanation:** If a non-striker leaves the crease before the bowler has released the ball, the bowler can legally attempt to run them out, known as a “Mankad.” However, a lesser-known aspect is that the ball is declared dead if the non-striker moves too early and the bowler does not deliver the ball.
**Notable Incident:** In the 2014 Indian Premier League, Ravichandran Ashwin of the Chennai Super Kings threatened to run out non-striker Jos Buttler of Rajasthan Royals, who had backed up too far. Ashwin didn’t release the ball, and the umpire declared it a dead ball. While no dismissal occurred, the incident highlighted the fine line between gamesmanship and fair play, leading to heated discussions in the cricketing community. The crowd was taken aback by this interpretation of the “dead ball” rule, which remains a point of contention.
8. **The “Double Hit” Rule**
**Rule Explanation:** A batsman is allowed to hit the ball twice if it is in the course of defending their wicket but is otherwise penalized if the second hit is considered intentional.
**Notable Incident:** In a 2001 Test match between Australia and India, Australian batsman Steve Waugh played a defensive shot, and the ball bounced off the pitch, rolling towards the stumps. Waugh instinctively hit the ball away with his bat to prevent it from dislodging the bails. The Indian players appealed for “double hit,” but the umpires ruled that Waugh’s action was defensive, allowing him to stay at the crease. The incident sparked debate among spectators and commentators, who were unsure of the rule’s nuances.
9. **The “Lost Ball” Rule**
**Rule Explanation:** If the ball is lost during play, the batting team is awarded six runs, and the fielding team must replace the ball.
**Notable Incident:** During a 1977 Test match between Australia and the West Indies, this rule was applied in an unusual situation. After a massive hit by Australian batsman Greg Chappell, the ball was lost in the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite frantic efforts by spectators and ground staff, the ball couldn’t be retrieved. The umpires invoked the “lost ball” rule, awarding Australia six runs. The crowd was amused and bewildered by the turn of events, with many unaware that such a rule existed. The match continued with a replacement ball, but the incident became a talking point for its rarity.
10. **The “Hit Wicket” Rule During a Leave**
**Rule Explanation:** A batsman can be given out “hit wicket” if they dislodge the bails with their body or equipment while playing a shot or even while leaving the ball.
**Notable Incident:** One of the most astonishing “hit wicket” dismissals occurred during a 2012 Test match between England and South Africa at Headingley. England’s Kevin Pietersen, known for his aggressive batting, was dismissed in an unusual manner. While attempting to leave a short-pitched delivery from South African fast bowler Morné Morkel, Pietersen accidentally dislodged the bails with his back foot. The crowd and commentators were stunned, as “hit wicket” is usually associated with aggressive shot-making rather than defensive leaves. The dismissal demonstrated how even the most experienced players can fall victim to this rare rule.
Cricket is a game of fine margins and intricate rules, many of which remain unknown to the average spectator until they are applied in unexpected situations. The ten rules discussed in this article, along with the incidents that brought them to light, underscore the complexity and depth of cricket’s laws. These moments not only surprised and astonished spectators but also added to the rich tapestry of cricket’s history, reminding us that the sport is as much about the unexpected as it is about the expected.
As cricket continues to evolve, it is likely that more obscure rules will come into play, creating new moments of surprise and wonder for fans around the world. Whether they lead to controversy, amusement, or sheer disbelief, these lesser-known rules are an integral part of what makes cricket a unique and fascinating sport.
