Summary
A delivery bowled too far from the batsman to hit is called a wide. The definition varies significantly between formats — much stricter in T20s than in Tests.
Full Explanation
A wide ball is one that passes so far from the batsman that they cannot reach it with a normal cricket shot. The interpretation varies dramatically by format:
In Tests, the wide guideline is generous — the ball must pass well outside off stump or down the leg side. Umpires rarely call wides in Test cricket for balls outside off stump if the batsman is making an attempt to play.
In ODIs, there are tramline markings on the pitch. Any ball passing outside these markings on the off side is called a wide. Leg side wides are called more strictly too.
In T20Is and franchise leagues, the wide interpretation is even stricter. Balls that pass even slightly outside the line are called wide, significantly penalizing bowlers who stray in line.
A wide ball awards one extra run plus any runs scored or extras conceded. In limited-overs cricket, the ball must also be re-bowled.
Key Points
- •Definition varies significantly across formats
- •Strictest in T20s, most lenient in Tests
- •One extra run plus any other runs scored
- •Ball must be re-bowled in all formats
- •Tramline markings used in LOIs
- •Down the leg side is wide in all formats
Notable Controversies
- •Inconsistent calling by umpires — particularly in T20 leagues
- •Wide rules seen as too harsh on bowlers in T20 cricket
- •Several matches decided by controversial wide calls on the last ball
Related Rules
No-Ball Rules
A delivery is a no-ball if the bowler oversteps the crease, bowls a dangerous full toss, exceeds bouncer limits, or breaks other bowling laws. A no-ball awards one extra run and a free hit in limited-overs cricket.
Dead Ball
A ball becomes dead when the umpire considers it is no longer in play. No runs can be scored and no dismissals can occur once the ball is dead.