How do the two umpires handle short-pitching and dangerous non-pitching deliveries?
Guideline- Australia
- Cricket Australia
- Community cricket
- Laws of Cricket
- All ages
- 2026/27
- Umpires
Cricket Australia's Community Umpiring Technique Guidelines (teamwork pages) set out this process. They say to check local playing conditions as well.
Short-pitching deliveries
- The striker's end umpire signals to the bowler's end umpire that the delivery is an offence.
- The bowler's end umpire gives the first caution to the bowler and the batter, after any sundries are signalled.
- A second and subsequent short-pitched delivery in an over results in a No ball signalled by the bowler's end umpire.
Dangerous non-pitching deliveries
- The striker's end umpire calls No ball for a non-pitching delivery above waist height, and signals below waist height to the bowler's end umpire.
- Waist height is the point where the top of the batter's trousers would conventionally be when standing upright at the popping crease. Find a reference point in the background and alter position for batters of different heights.
- For the first dangerous non-pitching delivery the bowler must be cautioned. For the second, the bowler must be suspended from bowling for the remainder of the innings.
- The pace of the bowler is irrelevant to calling the No ball. In marginal calls, or if in doubt, call No ball.
After any illegal delivery, dead ball or wicket, recheck the "balls to go".
Updated 24 Oct 2026