Hit the Ball Twice
Also known as: hit the ball twice, hitting the ball twice, out hit the ball twice, hit ball twice rule, can you hit the ball twice in cricket, striking the ball twice
You can hit the ball a second time only to stop it hitting your stumps. If you strike it again on purpose for any other reason, before a fielder touches it. You are out hit the ball twice under Law 34. Even when the second hit is allowed, no runs can be scored from it.
Law 34 covers the striker. The ball must have hit the bat or the batter first. The striker is out if they then wilfully strike it again with the bat or body before a fielder touches it. A hand not holding the bat does not count here, since that is obstructing the field. This applies even off a no ball.
The exception is guarding the wicket. If the ball is rolling back towards the stumps, the striker may knock it away with the bat or body. They may not use a hand not holding the bat. They also may not stop a catch by hitting the ball again. You are not out under this Law for hitting the ball back to a fielder. Doing that without a fielder's consent is obstructing the field under Law 37.4.
No runs may be scored when the ball is lawfully hit twice. The umpire disallows any runs, sends the batters back to their ends and calls dead ball. The bowler does not get credit for a hit the ball twice dismissal. It is rare, because it needs a deliberate second strike.
Tips by skill level
If the ball rolls towards your stumps, knock it away with your bat or pad. Then stay put.
Do not pick up or hit the ball back to a fielder without asking. Use a bat or pad only to guard the stumps.
Example
A defensive shot spins back towards the stumps. The batter taps it away with his bat. That is allowed, but the batters cannot run for it.
Why it matters
Knowing this Law tells you when you can protect your stumps and when a second hit gets you out.
Common mistakes
- Hitting the ball again to try to score runs
- Using a hand not holding the bat to stop the ball
- Running after lawfully guarding the stumps
Frequently asked questions
Can you hit the ball twice in cricket?
Only to stop it hitting your stumps. If you hit it again on purpose for any other reason, before a fielder touches it, you are out under Law 34.
Can you score runs if you hit the ball twice?
No. When the second hit is allowed to protect the stumps, the umpire disallows any runs and sends the batters back.
Does the bowler get the wicket for hit the ball twice?
No. Law 34.5 says the bowler does not get credit for it.
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 34.1-34.2 (Out and not out hit the ball twice), pp. 105-106
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 34.3-34.5 (Ball lawfully struck more than once; no runs; no bowler credit), pp. 106-107
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a fielder), p. 112
Related terms
- Ways to Be Out in CricketThe Laws of Cricket list nine ways to be out. They are bowled, caught, hit the ball twice, hit wicket, LBW, obstructing the field, run out, stumped and timed out. A batter can also be recorded as 'retired out'. Off a no ball, only hit the ball twice, obstructing the field and run out apply.
- Obstructing the FieldEither batter is out obstructing the field (Law 37) for wilfully obstructing or distracting the fielders by word or action. It includes striking the ball with a hand not holding the bat. That used to be a separate dismissal called 'handled the ball'. It also covers handing the ball back to a fielder without their consent. Accidental contact, or moving to avoid injury, is not out.
- Hit WicketA batter is out hit wicket if they break their own stumps with their bat or body while preparing to play, or playing, the ball. It also applies when they knock the stumps while regaining balance after the shot, or while setting off for their first run. You cannot be out hit wicket off a no ball, but you can be off a wide.
- BowledBowled is a dismissal where the ball, delivered by the bowler, hits the stumps and dislodges at least one bail. It still counts as bowled if the ball first touches the batter's bat or body on the way to the stumps (Law 32.1.1).
- Dead Ball in CricketA dead ball in cricket is a ball that is no longer in play. As a result, no runs can be scored and nobody can be out from it. It usually becomes dead once it is finally settled with a fielder or the bowler. It is also dead when a boundary is scored or a batter is dismissed. Umpires can also call dead ball.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.