A free hit is a gift ball. After a no-ball, the next delivery becomes a free hit — the batsman literally cannot be bowled, stumped, caught, or LBW. The only ways to get out are run out, hit-wicket, or obstructing the field.
In T20s and ODIs, every no-ball (foot, height, whatever the reason) results in a free hit on the next delivery. In Test cricket, there are no free hits — that's a limited-overs rule only.
The umpire signals by circling their hand above their head. The fielding team must keep their field exactly where it was for the no-ball — no changes allowed. The batsman can swing as hard as they want with zero risk of getting out (except run out).
Free hits change games. A no-ball in the death overs is effectively a 2-ball penalty: the extra run + a free hit where the batsman goes after everything. Smart bowlers know that overstepping in the 18th over can turn a tight game into a blowout.
For batsmen, the strategy is simple: go big. Most batsmen pre-meditate a slog on free hits, often targeting the shorter boundary. There's literally no downside to swinging hard.
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