In cricket, what is the term for a ball that is too wide for the batter to reach in limited-overs cricket?
VerifiedAnswer: Wide
Explanation:
A wide is one of the most common extras in cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches. When a bowler delivers a ball that passes too far away from the batter for them to play a normal cricket shot, the umpire signals it as a wide ball.
The definition of a wide varies between different formats of cricket. In Test cricket, the interpretation is much more lenient, allowing bowlers to deliver balls further from the batter's reach without penalty. However, in limited-overs cricket, the rules are stricter to ensure a more balanced contest between bat and ball, as batters have fewer deliveries to face.
When a ball is called wide, several things happen immediately. The batting team receives one extra run, and importantly, the ball doesn't count toward the over. This means the bowler must deliver another ball, giving the batting team an additional scoring opportunity. The wide call is signaled by the umpire extending both arms horizontally at shoulder height.
The boundaries for what constitutes a wide are clearly marked on the pitch. Generally, if a ball passes outside the return crease on either side of the stumps when the batter is in their normal stance, it's likely to be called wide. However, if the batter moves significantly across their stumps or attempts to play the ball, the umpire may not call it wide, even if it would have been under normal circumstances.
Wide balls can be particularly costly in limited-overs cricket because they not only give away runs but also provide extra deliveries. In close matches, a few wides can change the momentum significantly. Batters can also run additional runs if the wicket-keeper fails to collect the ball cleanly, making wides even more expensive for the bowling team.
Understanding wides is crucial for both players and fans, as they represent an important aspect of cricket's rules that directly impacts scoring and game strategy. Bowlers work hard to avoid bowling wides, while batters sometimes try to manipulate their positioning to force wide calls from umpires when facing balls that are difficult to score from.
