Former South Africa pacer and Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Dale Steyn has suggested introducing the free hit rule in Test cricket, saying it will help the tail-enders ‘survive’ the longer overs when the bowlers bowls no-balls. In limited overs cricket, a free hit is awarded to the batting side if the bowler bowls a foot fault no ball.


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For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball. “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?” Steyn tweeted on Wednesday (January 12).



“6 balls is Hard enough for the tail-enders facing a top class life threatening fast bowler.”


Steyn’s comments came during the series-deciding final Test between India and South Africa. The 38-year-old also lauded Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, who registered the figures of 5/42, for his fifer. “Anyway, makes for a interesting discussion. Serious Test Match happening here, well bowled Bumrah for the 5,” Steyn said.


Win in Australia will go down as one of the greatest in Indian cricket history: Sunil Gavaskar


Remembering India’s come-from-behind triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2021 in Australia, former India captain and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar stated that the series will go down as ‘one of the greatest wins’ in Indian cricketing history.


Gavaskar’s comments come ahead a docuseries titled ‘Down Underdogs – India’s Greatest Comeback’ that will premiere on of Sony Sports on January 14, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of India’s historic series win.


India, led by Ajinkya Rahane after Virat Kohli flew back home for paternity leave and many first-choice picks were unavailable due to injuries, defeated Australia 2-1 in a tightly-contested four-match series.


“India’s win in Australia early last year will go down as one of the greatest wins in Indian cricket history. To pick themselves up after the dismissal with their lowest ever Test score of 36 and then to beat a rampant home team is a tribute to the determination shown by the players and the leadership roles played by the captain Rahane, coach Ravi Shastri and his support group. I was privileged to be there and see a golden chapter being written in the history of Indian cricket,” said Gavaskar.


(with PTI inputs)