Archive · 26 Aug 2026
India Coach Suggests Free Hits to Reduce Test No-Balls
India’s spin bowlers bowled many illegal deliveries called no-balls during a Test match.
A no-ball gives the batting team an extra run and another delivery.
Indian spinners bowled 10 no-balls in the match, including five on the fourth day.
Saransh Jain bowled four of those five no-balls in his first Test.
Ravindra Jadeja bowled the other one.
Coach Sairaj Bahutule said bowlers can overstep when they try especially hard to take wickets.
He jokingly suggested giving the batting team a free hit after a no-ball, as happens in shorter cricket matches.
India also made Sri Lanka bat again because rain could reduce the time available to take all their wickets.
India’s spinners have bowled 10 no-balls in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Five no-balls came on Day 4, including four by debutant Saransh Jain and one by Ravindra Jadeja.
Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule suggested that free hits could discourage overstepping in Test cricket.
Bahutule said bowlers may overstep when they increase their effort while seeking wickets.
India enforced the follow-on after dismissing Sri Lanka for 290, partly because of rain concerns around Colombo.
- Who
- India’s spinners, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, Saransh Jain, Ravindra Jadeja, and the Indian coaching staff.
- What
- Bahutule suggested introducing free hits in Test cricket to reduce no-balls.
- When
- The suggestion was made on Wednesday during the second Test; five no-balls were bowled on Day 4.
- Where
- The second Test is being played in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- Bahutule said bowlers may overstep when pushing harder for wickets; India enforced the follow-on because rain threatened to reduce playing time.
- Total no-balls
- India’s spinners bowled 10 in the second Test.
- Day 4 breakdown
- Saransh Jain bowled four no-balls and Ravindra Jadeja bowled one.
- Suggested change
- Bahutule proposed using free hits in Test cricket, apparently partly in jest.
- Coaching response
- Coaches monitor bowlers’ take-off points and act as umpires during net sessions.
- Saransh Jain’s figures
- He took three wickets across the two innings: 2/69 and 1/55.
- Follow-on decision
- India dismissed Sri Lanka for 290 and then enforced the follow-on.
- Pitch and ball
- The ball can soften after about 30 overs, while a wet outfield can dampen the seam.
