The danger zone in cricket, also known as the protected area, is a specific area on the pitch that bowlers must avoid running on during their follow-through after delivering the ball.
Defining the Danger Zone
The danger zone is defined as:
- Location: The central portion of the pitch.
- Dimensions: A rectangle that is two feet wide and extends five feet from each popping crease.
- Importance: It's a critical area as interference by the bowler can damage the pitch, potentially creating uneven bounce for later bowlers and disadvantaging the batting team.
Why is it Called the "Danger Zone"?
The term "danger zone" refers to the potential danger to the batting side. If a bowler repeatedly runs on this area, they can roughen up the pitch. This rough patch can then cause unpredictable bounce for the batsmen, increasing the difficulty of batting and making the pitch dangerous.
Rules and Penalties
Cricket laws dictate that bowlers must avoid running on the danger zone. If a bowler does so, the umpire issues warnings. Repeated infringements can result in the following:
- Warnings: The umpire will initially warn the bowler.
- Removal from bowling: If the bowler persists in running on the danger area after warnings, they may be removed from bowling for the remainder of the innings.
- No-balls: Running on the danger area can also be penalized by no-balls. This adds runs to the batting team and gives the batsman an extra ball to face.
Purpose of the Rule
The primary purpose of this rule is to:
- Protect the pitch: Ensure the pitch remains in a fair and predictable condition throughout the match.
- Maintain fair play: Prevent bowlers from deliberately damaging the pitch to gain an unfair advantage.
- Ensure consistent bounce: Helps maintain consistent bounce, providing a fair contest between bat and ball.
