Dale Steyn Suggests Introduction Of Free-Hits For No-Balls In Test Cricket

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn believes that the free-hit rule for a no-ball in limited-overs cricket can be introduced in the longest format of the game as well.

This would help the lower-order batters to survive an over if the bowler ends up overstepping. In addition, it would also make the bowler more cautious and keep an eye on the crease.

The suggestions likely came on the back of Kagiso Rabada‘s record-breaking number of no-balls in the ongoing 3-match Test series between India and South Africa. On Day 2 of the third Test, Rabada went past Steyn’s record of most no-balls (34) in a 3-match Test series for South Africa.

“Free hit for No Ball in Test Cricket? What you think? Will definitely help the bowlers (when batting) survive those extended 7/8 and sometimes 9 ball overs we’ve seen happen before… 6 balls is Hard enough for the tail-enders facing a top class life threatening fast bowler,” Steyn tweeted on Wednesday.

Here’s Dale Steyn’s tweet on free-hit introduction:

Free hit for No Ball in Test Cricket…

What you think?

Will definitely help the bowlers (when batting) survive those extended 7/8 and sometimes 9 ball overs we’ve seen happen before…

6 balls is Hard enough for the tailenders facing a top class life threatening fast bowler.

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 12, 2022

“Test cricket needs a little shake-up” – Dale Steyn

Although Test matches have been on the rise of late due to the intense close-finishes, Steyn thinks a change might further rejig and bring life into Test cricket. When a user said that the game is already skewed in favour of the batters, Steyn replied:

“I dunno, I kinda disagree. White ball I agree. 2 new balls, power plays, restricted bouncers, no reverse swing, bigger bats, smaller fields blah blah blah. But Test cricket needs a little shake up, one simple change might make the game so much more entertaining. Who knows.”

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