Cricket is a game played between bat and ball, where all participants are expected to uphold the spirit of fair play. However, there are times when bowlers might try unfair tactics to gain an advantage. One such tactic is the beamer, a dangerous delivery that can pose serious risks to batters.
What is a Beamer Delivery?
A beamer is a type of delivery in cricket where the ball, without bouncing, passes above the batter’s waist at a rapid pace. This can be particularly alarming and puts the batter in a precarious situation.
Beamers are considered dangerous because they can potentially cause serious injuries, especially if they strike the upper body or head of the batter. This is why the beamer is classified as a dangerous ball under cricket laws.
ALSO READ: What Is Carrom Ball: A Spinner’s Secret Weapon In Cricket
Why is a Beamer Dangerous?
Beamers can endanger a batter’s safety and potentially impact their career. The risk of injury from a beamer is significant, which is why the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has categorized it under the ‘Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries’ law.
This classification means that a beamer is an illegal delivery, and bowlers who deliver beamers, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are subject to penalties.
Consequences of Bowling a Beamer
The penalties for bowling a beamer are strict to ensure the safety of batters and uphold the spirit of the game:
- First Beamer: If a bowler bowls a beamer for the first time in a match, the umpire will signal it as a no-ball and issue a first and final warning to the bowler.
- Second Beamer: If the same bowler bowls another beamer in the match, the umpire will again signal it as a no-ball. Additionally, the bowler will be suspended from bowling for the remainder of the match.
In summary, bowlers are allowed only one beamer in a match. Any subsequent beamer results in an immediate suspension from bowling for the rest of the game. This rule aims to protect batters from dangerous deliveries and maintain the integrity of the sport.
Understanding what a beamer is and its consequences helps fans appreciate the measures in place to ensure the game is played fairly and safely. This knowledge highlights the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and protecting players’ well-being on the field.
ALSO READ: What Is Knuckleball: The Secret Weapon Of Fast Bowlers