Half-volley -- An overpitched ball, whose pitch the batsman can reach easily, and so hit off the front foot.

Hand action -- What a fast bowler does with his wrist and fingers as he releases the ball. His aim is to keep the seam upright, so it can act as a rudder to guide the ball's swing and land on the pitch to produce movement. He will usually drag his fingers down the rear part of the seam, imparting backspin that will stabilize the flight of the ball.

Handled the ball -- The batsman's hands, when holding the bat, count as part of the bat, and so may legally touch the ball. Any other use of the hand by either batsman is illegal, and a batsman who handles the ball in an attempt to gain an advantage will be given out by the umpire. The bowler gets no credit for the wicket. See also Out.

Hanging bat out to dry -- See Fishing

Hat trick -- A bowler performs the hat trick if he claims three victims with successive deliveries. They need not be in the same over -- indeed, not even in the same innings - but must be in the same match to count.

Heavy ball -- A term for a ball that bounces higher than expected, hitting the splice of the bat instead of its more compliant middle.

Helmet --  Helmets are worn by the batsmen to protect their heads from the ball. The particular helmet pictured at right, rests upon the head of Australian batsmen Mark Waugh. See also protective equipment.

Hit the ball twice -- The striker is allowed to use his bat to defend his wicket from a ball he has already hit. If he hits the ball a second time for any other reason, he may be given out.

Hit wicket -- A batsman shall be out "hit wicket" if he hits the wicket and dislodges a bail with any part of his person or equipment, including the bat, while preparing to receive, or whilst receiving a delivery. He os also out if he hits his wicket while setting off on his first run immediately after playing, or playing at, the ball. The bowler is credited for a hit-wicket dismissal, so a batsman cannot be out in this way from a no-ball. See also Out.

Hoick --  See Cow shot

Hook. hook-shot -- A batting shot played with a cross bat against a ball of some speed which rises above, say, the hip, usually using (ideally) body, shoulders and arms, often turning the wrists over to keep it down as it is smashed away to leg between mid-on and fine leg. A shot demanding bravery and technique, as the best chance of success comes from getting in line with the ball, which will hit you if you miss. Usually played from the crease or back foot, but '(Blewett) was so in form yesterday that he played several hooks and cuts off the front foot' (Robert Craddock from Perth, The Advertiser, 7 February, 1995)

Hopper -- The bowler on arriving at the bowling crease is taking off with the right foot and and landing at the bowling crease on the same foot.

How? -- See How's that?

How's that? -- The Marylebone Cricket Club law book's prescribed form of words for an appeal to the umpire to give a batsman out. The popular lay version, "Howzat?"

Howzat? -- See How's that?

Hundred -- One hundred runs scored by a single batsman in a single innings. See also Century, Fifty.