Illegal Bowling Action (Chucking and the 15-Degree Rule)
Also known as: 15 degree rule, 15-degree rule, illegal bowling action, chucking in cricket, throwing the ball in cricket, elbow extension rule, suspect bowling action
The 15-degree rule is the ICC's limit on elbow straightening for international bowlers. A bowler's elbow may not extend more than 15 degrees from the moment the bowling arm reaches horizontal until the ball is released. The MCC Laws word it differently: the elbow must not straighten once the arm reaches shoulder height.
Bowling must not be a throw. Law 21.2 says a ball is fair if the elbow does not straighten, partly or fully, once the arm reaches shoulder level. Flexing or rotating the wrist is allowed. If an umpire thinks a ball was thrown, they call no-ball and give a first and final warning. A second throw in that innings gets the bowler suspended from bowling (Law 21.3).
International cricket uses a measured limit. Under ICC playing conditions, an illegal action is elbow extension of more than 15 degrees, measured from horizontal to release. Hyperextension is not counted. Umpires or the match referee report a suspect action under the ICC's Illegal Bowling Regulations.
The naked eye cannot judge a few degrees. Umpires call what they see, and testing confirms the angle. Young bowlers with a doubtful action should work with a coach early.
Tips by skill level
Film your bowling action side-on. Ask a coach to check your elbow stays firm from shoulder height to release.
If you add a new variation, test it on video first. Variations like the doosra are where elbow extension most often creeps in.
Example
An off-spinner is reported after a match. Lab testing measures his elbow extension above 15 degrees on one delivery, so he must remodel it before bowling it again.
Why it matters
A suspect action can stop a bowler's career. Batters also benefit from knowing the rule when a delivery looks thrown.
Common mistakes
- Thinking any bend in the elbow is illegal
- Confusing wrist flick with elbow straightening
- Assuming the 15-degree limit is in the MCC Laws
- Ignoring a doubtful action in a young bowler
Frequently asked questions
What is the 15 degree rule in cricket?
It is the ICC's limit on elbow straightening. Extension over 15 degrees, measured from arm horizontal to release, is an illegal action.
What is chucking in cricket?
Chucking means throwing the ball. Under Law 21.2, the elbow must not straighten once the arm reaches shoulder level, or the umpire calls no-ball.
What happens if an umpire thinks a bowler threw the ball?
The umpire calls no-ball and gives a first and final warning. A second throw in that innings means the bowler is suspended from bowling (Law 21.3).
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), Law 21.2 (Fair delivery: the arm), p. 69; Law 21.3 (Ball thrown: action by umpires), pp. 69-70
- ICC Men's ODI Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), clause 21.2 (Illegal Bowling Action: Elbow Extension exceeding 15 degrees; hyperextension discounted; ICC Bowling Action Report Form), p. 35
Related terms
- DoosraThe doosra is an off-spinner's variation that turns the opposite way to the stock off-break, away from a right-handed batter. To pick it, watch the bowler's hand at release. The back of the hand usually faces the batter more than for the off-break. If you cannot read it in the air, play late and watch it off the pitch.
- Off-SpinOff-spin is finger-spin bowling that turns the ball from off to leg, toward a right-handed batter. It uses the fingers, not the wrist, and its stock delivery is the off-break.
- Bowling Action Types (Side-On, Front-On, Mixed)Pace bowling actions are grouped by how the body lines up when the back foot lands. In a side-on action the back foot is roughly parallel to the crease and the front shoulder points at the batter. In a front-on action the back foot points down the pitch and the chest faces the batter more, while a semi-open action sits in between. A mixed action starts front-on and twists the shoulders back toward side-on, and studies link it with more lower-back stress injuries.
- No-BallA no-ball is an illegal delivery in cricket. Most commonly when the bowler's front foot lands beyond the popping crease — resulting in one extra run and the delivery being re-bowled. The batter cannot be out bowled, caught, LBW, stumped or hit wicket. Run out, hit the ball twice and obstructing the field still apply (Law 21.17).
- Laws of Cricket vs Playing Conditions (Who Makes the Rules)Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) writes the Laws of Cricket and is recognised as their sole authority. Leagues and governing bodies then add their own playing conditions on top. The ICC's playing conditions run international cricket, so Tests, ODIs and T20Is can differ from the Laws in places.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.