Wide ball rule
Short answer: A delivery is a wide (Law 22) if it is out of the striker’s reach when in their normal guard position. Judgment depends on the batter’s stance and shot attempt, and may be stricter in limited-overs cricket.
Relevant laws
- Law 22 (Wide ball): definition of “out of reach.”
- Law 25 (Batsman’s innings): stance and guard context.
Format differences (Test / ODI / T20)
- Limited-overs playing conditions specify guideline lines; calls are stricter in ODI/T20.
- In Tests, judgment rests more on striker reach and intent.
Edge cases
- Striker moves across: call is based on original guard; deliberate movement does not automatically cancel wide.
- Switch hits or reverse sweeps: judge by the striker’s position at release.
- Overhead bouncer outside leg: usually wide in limited-overs; may be dead ball if too high/dangerous.
Reminder
Check competition playing conditions for wide guidelines and powerplay adjustments.
Related articles
FAQs
Is a ball down leg always a wide?
Often in limited-overs, yes, unless it passes within reach based on the striker’s guard or hits the bat/pad.
What if the batter moves to leg and the ball follows?
Judge from the striker’s original guard. If still unreachable, it remains a wide.