Is a full toss above the waist a no-ball?
A · Advanced · What is a fair ball, and what does a foul ball cost? · 11 of 20Checked 13 October 2026
Yes.
Any ball that reaches the batter without bouncing above waist height is a no-ball. If the umpire judges it
dangerous, the bowler gets a first and final warning, and a second removes them from the attack for the innings. A
deliberate one removes the bowler at once.
How it works
- Waist height is judged against the batter standing upright at the crease, not crouching or stepping out.
- Every such ball is a no-ball, dangerous or not.
- "Dangerous" depends on speed, height, direction and the batter's skill, with protective equipment ignored.
- A head-high full toss bowled fast is the classic beamer.
Tricky cases
Is it a no-ball if the batter stepped down the pitch and the ball was above their waist?
It depends on where the ball would have passed the batter standing upright at the crease. That is the test, not where the batter met it.
Is a slow full toss above the waist still a no-ball?
Yes. Any full toss above waist height is a no-ball. Speed matters only for whether it is also dangerous.
How long is a bowler banned for a deliberate beamer?
Under the Laws, for the rest of the match. In ICC internationals, for the rest of the innings.
Why the rule exists
A fast full toss at the body is hard to see and can cause serious injury. Batters are hit without warning, which is why even an accidental one is penalised.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws | Deliberate: removed for the rest of the match | L41.7.6 |
| ICC men's internationals | Deliberate: removed for the rest of the innings | PC-T, PC-I 41.7.4 |
| Everywhere | Dangerous: first and final warning, then removal for the innings | L41.7.3, 41.7.4; PC-T, PC-I 41.7.1, 41.7.2 |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 41.7 and 21.10, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's playing conditions, clause 41.7, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF); ICC playing conditions (PDF).