Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unlawfully delivered ball in cricket: A delivery by the bowler that is declared invalid by the umpire due to a rule infringement. The batting side is awarded one run, and the delivery does not count as one of the six legitimate balls in an over.

Usage

• The term "no ball" is used exclusively in the sport of cricket. It is called aloud by the umpire during the match to signal the infringement. The call has immediate consequences for the game's score and progression.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The fast bowler overstepped the crease, so the umpire signaled a no ball.
  • Scoring a run off a no ball gave the batting team a crucial advantage.
  • The rule change made it easier for umpires to call a no ball for a front-foot fault.

Advanced Usage

• "to be called for a no ball": This phrase describes the bowler's action resulting in the umpire's declaration.
  • The bowler was called for a no ball twice in the same over.
• "off a no ball": This phrase describes an event, like a catch or runs, that occurs from the invalid delivery. Note that a batter cannot be dismissed off a no ball except in specific rare cases (e.g., run out).
  • He hit a six off a no ball.

Variants and Related Words

• Beamer (n): A type of illegal full-toss delivery that reaches the batter above waist-height without bouncing, which is also called a no ball.
• Dead ball (n): A ball that is not in play; a no ball is one event that leads to the ball being declared dead.
• Free hit (n): In limited-overs cricket, a consequence of a no ball where the batter cannot be dismissed on the next delivery in most ways.

Synonyms

• Illegal delivery: A general term for a ball bowled in contravention of the laws.
• Faulty delivery: Emphasizes the bowler's error in the action.

Related Phrases

• Overstep the mark/crease: The most common cause for a no ball, where the bowler's front foot lands beyond the popping crease.
• Throw a no ball: To deliver a ball that is deemed illegal.
  • The pressure caused him to throw a no ball at a critical moment.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and almost exclusive meaning of "no ball" is within cricket. It is a technical term from the sport's laws.
• It functions as a compound noun, but in cricket terminology, it is treated as a single, specific concept. The call "No ball!" itself is an official declaration by the umpire.

Noun

1. unlawfully delivered ball in cricket
   • the umpire called it a no ball