Boundary (cricket)

Boundary has two distinct meanings in the sport of cricket.

Edge of the field

The boundary is the edge of the playing field, or the physical object marking the edge of the field, such as a rope or fence.

When the cricket ball is inside the boundary, it is in play. When the ball is touching the boundary, beyond the boundary, or being touched by a fielder who is himself either touching or beyond the boundary, it is out of play and the batting side usually scores runs for hitting the ball out of play.

4 or 6 runs

A boundary is also the score of 4 runs for hitting the ball to the boundary, or the score of 6 runs for hitting the ball over the boundary on the full.

When a batsman hits the ball to or over the boundary, he scores the corresponding number of runs immediately, without having to actually run them. The ball also becomes dead, meaning neither batsman can be out. Note in particular that, because the ball is deemed to have reached the boundary if a fielder touches the ball and the boundary at the same time, if a fielder catches the ball on the full but then touches the boundary before releasing the ball, the batsman scores 6 runs and is not out.

Boundaries are the fastest way to score runs and the most exciting for spectators to watch, as they are most often scored with dashing displays of skill by the batsman.

Boundaries can also be scored as extras of any type, if the ball reaches the boundary without the batsman hitting it with his bat. See bye, leg bye, no ball, and wide for details.