English

Noun

hit the ball twice ‎(phrasal noun) (uncountable)

1. (cricket) A rule ("law" in cricket) which when invoked results in the dismissal of a batsman (out), whereby the batsman has deliberately hit the ball with his bat a second time for a reason other than to protect his wicket.
   • 1992, Tony Pocock, Official Rules of Sports & Games, 1992-93, page 392:

     34. Hit the ball twice

   • 2003, Marylebone Cricket Club, The official laws of cricket: Law 34 (Hit the ball twice) [online version]:

     Law 34 (Hit the ball twice) ...

   • 2006, Julia Hickey, Understanding Cricket:

     5 Hit the ball twice - lf a striker sees that the ball, which has just been hit, is going to be caught, it would be unfair to hit the ball for a second time.

Adverb

hit the ball twice ‎(not comparable)

1. In accordance with this rule against hitting the ball a second time.
   • 1904, The Windsor magazine, volume 20, page 406:

     ... purely defensive second stroke, picked up the ball, and, pretending to aim at the wicket, purposely flung it wide, thereby beguiling the batsman into starting for a run, for which he was given out "hit the ball twice."

   • 1992, Tony Pocock, Official Rules of Sports & Games, 1992-93, page 392:

     The striker, on appeal, shall be out hit the ball twice if, after the ball is struck [...]

   • 2003, Marylebone Cricket Club, The official laws of cricket: Law 34 (Hit the ball twice) [online version]:

     Law 34 (Hit the ball twice)
     1. Out Hit the ball twice
     (a) The striker is out Hit the ball twice if, while the ball is in play, it strikes any part of his person or is struck by his bat and, before the ball has been touched by a fielder, he wilfully strikes it again with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, except for the sole purpose of guarding his wicket.

Derived terms

• out hit the ball twice