How many bouncers can a bowler bowl in an over?
I · Intermediate · What is a fair ball, and what does a foul ball cost? · 8 of 19A bouncer is a short ball that rises sharply at the batter. In Tests and ODIs, a bowler may bowl two an over that pass above the batter's shoulder; in T20 internationals, one. Any more is a no-ball. A bouncer that goes over the batter's head and out of reach is a wide.
How it works
- "Above shoulder height" means the shoulder of the batter standing upright at the crease.
- The umpire tells the bowler and the batter each time a bouncer is bowled.
- One over the limit: no-ball, with the umpire tapping their head as well as giving the no-ball signal. The bowler is cautioned. A second time in the innings is a final warning. A third time, the bowler is taken off for the rest of the innings.
- Separately, umpires can act if short balls become dangerous for this batter, judging speed, length, height, direction and the batter's skill. The helmet and pads are not taken into account. Warnings follow, and then removal.
Tricky cases
Does a bouncer called wide count towards the limit?
Yes. It is a wide and one of the over's bouncers.
How many bouncers are allowed in T20 cricket?
One an over in T20 internationals. Leagues set their own rules.
Does the batter's helmet affect whether bowling is dangerous?
No. The umpire judges the danger as if the batter had no protective equipment.
Is there a bouncer limit under the Laws?
No fixed number. The Laws rely on the umpire's judgement of danger and of repeated balls above head height.
Why the rule exists
The bouncer is a fair weapon: it tests a batter's technique and courage. The limit and the danger rule stop it becoming intimidation.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws | No count. Dangerous short balls, or repeated balls above head height: no-ball, a first and final warning, then removal for the innings | L41.6 |
| ICC men's Tests and ODIs | Two above shoulder height an over; a third is a no-ball | PC-T 41.6.1.4, PC-O 41.6.1.4 |
| ICC men's T20 internationals | One above shoulder height an over; a second is a no-ball | PC-I 41.6.1.4 |
| ICC men's internationals | Above head height and out of reach: wide | PC-T, PC-O, PC-I 41.6.1.7 |
| ICC men's internationals | Caution, final warning, then removal; for dangerous bowling and for exceeding the count separately | PC-T, PC-I 41.6.1.1 to 41.6.1.11 |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Law 41.6 and 22.1, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's playing conditions, clause 41.6, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF); ICC playing conditions (PDF).