Cricket is a game that has more rules than possibly any other sport. While fans across the world are quite familiar with the rather common ones, there are a whole host of other cricket rules that might not be as regularly used. These cricket rules often confuse fans and even players are not very well-versed with them.
Well, we have you covered. We list out all the cricket rules that are not very popular so that you do not have to rack your brains too much when you watch the game!
#1 Ball hitting the helmet lying on the ground
There have been instances when the fielding side keeps helmets on the ground when the keeper of fielders close in are not using the protective equipment. Now, if the ball touches these helmets a penalty of five runs are awarded to the batting side.
Apart from this, if any fielder tries to stop the ball with anything apart from his body, the umpires will penalise his side by awarding five penalty runs to the batting side.
#2 An entire innings can be forfeited
It is well within the cricket laws to forfeit an entire innings. It has already taken place in the past during a Test match between England and South Africa back in 2000. The match saw frequent rain delays owing to persistent rain. South Africa were on 248 for 8 in their first innings when their captain Hansie Cronje and Nasser Hussain decided to forfeit England’s first innings and South Africa’s second innings. Hence, England were now needed to chase 248 to win. They chased it down with two wickets to spare.
#3 No bails, no problem
When the conditions are extremely windy, the umpires can decide to proceed with the game without the bails on. The most recent example was when Afghanistan took on West Indies on June 9, 2017. The wind was very powerful and the bails could not be employed since they kept falling away. Hence, the umpires decided to proceed without the bails.
#4 No contact with the gloves, not out
In most cases, if the ball hits the gloves and the fielder takes the catch, the batter is given out. However, if the ball makes contact with any of the gloves that is not in contact with the bat, and the fielder takes the catch, the batter is not dismissed.
