Bill Ferguson (cricket scorer)

A boundary in cricket is a method of scoring runs by hitting the ball to the edge of the field of play. The ball must reach the boundary rope without bouncing to score four runs (a four), or it must bounce once before reaching the boundary to score six runs (a six).

Scoring a boundary is a significant event in a cricket innings, providing a quick and substantial increase in the team's score. Boundaries contribute significantly to a team's run rate and often dictate the overall outcome of a match. The ability to consistently hit boundaries is a hallmark of skillful batsmanship.

There are several ways a batsman can score a boundary:

• Driving: Hitting the ball powerfully along the ground.
• Pulling: Hitting a short-pitched ball powerfully behind square.
• Cutting: Playing a shot at an angle, guiding the ball along the ground.
• Sweeping: Using a back-foot shot to hit the ball towards the fine leg boundary.
• Hooking: Playing a pull shot higher up the pitch.
• Sixes: Hitting the ball over the boundary without it bouncing.
• Fours: Hitting the ball to the boundary after it has bounced once.

The position of the boundary rope is crucial and can vary depending on the size and shape of the playing field. The placement of fielders is also heavily influenced by the boundaries and the likelihood of boundaries being scored.