1. When out of his ground
A batsman shall be considered to be out of his ground unless his bat or some part of his person is grounded behind the popping crease at that end.
2. Which is a batsman's ground
(a) If only one batsman is within a ground
(i) it is his ground.
(ii) it remains his ground even if he is later joined there by the other batsman.
(b) If both batsmen are in the same ground and one of them subsequently leaves it, (a)(i) above applies.
(c) If there is no batsman in either ground, then each ground belongs to whichever of the batsmen is nearer to it, or, if the batsmen are level, to whichever was nearer to it immediately prior to their drawing level.
(d) If a ground belongs to one batsman then, unless there is a striker with a runner, the other ground belongs to the other batsman irrespective of his position.
(e) When a batsman with a runner is striker, his ground is always that at the wicket-keeper's end. However, (a), (b), (c) and (d) above will still apply, but only to the runner and the non-striker, so that that ground will also belong to either the non-striker or the runner, as the case may be.
3. Position of non-striker
The non-striker, when standing at the bowler's end, should be positioned on the opposite side of the wicket to that from which the ball is being delivered, unless a request to do otherwise is granted by the umpire.
Saturday 31 October 2015
Friday 30 October 2015
Focus on Law 28: The Wicket is Down
1. Wicket put down
(a) The wicket is put down if a bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or a stump is struck out of the ground by
(i) the ball.
(ii) the striker's bat, whether he is holding it or has let go of it.
(iii) the striker's person or by any part of his clothing or equipment becoming detached from his person.
(iv) a fielder, with his hand or arm, providing that the ball is held in the hand or hands so used, or in the hand of the arm so used.
The wicket is also put down if a fielder pulls a stump out of the ground in the same manner.
(b) The disturbance of a bail, whether temporary or not, shall not constitute its complete removal from the top of the stumps, but if a bail in falling lodges between two of the stumps this shall be regarded as complete removal.
2. One bail off
If one bail is off, it shall be sufficient for the purpose of putting the wicket down to remove the remaining bail, or to strike or pull any of the three stumps out of the ground, in any of the ways stated in 1 above.
3. Remaking the wicket
If the wicket is broken or put down while the ball is in play, the umpire shall not remake the wicket until the ball is dead. See Law 23 (Dead ball). Any fielder, however, may
(i) replace a bail or bails on top of the stumps.
(ii) put back one or more stumps into the ground where the wicket originally stood.
4. Dispensing with bails
If the umpires have agreed to dispense with bails, in accordance with Law 8.5 (Dispensing with bails), the decision as to whether the wicket has been put down is one for the umpire concerned to decide.
(a) After a decision to play without bails, the wicket has been put down if the umpire concerned is satisfied that the wicket has been struck by the ball, by the striker's bat, person, or items of his clothing or equipment separated from his person as described in 1(a)(ii) or 1(a)(iii) above, or by a fielder with the hand holding the ball or with the arm of the hand holding the ball.
(b) If the wicket has already been broken or put down, (a) above shall apply to any stump or stumps still in the ground. Any fielder may replace a stump or stumps, in accordance with 3 above, in order to have an opportunity of putting the wicket down.
(a) The wicket is put down if a bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or a stump is struck out of the ground by
(i) the ball.
(ii) the striker's bat, whether he is holding it or has let go of it.
(iii) the striker's person or by any part of his clothing or equipment becoming detached from his person.
(iv) a fielder, with his hand or arm, providing that the ball is held in the hand or hands so used, or in the hand of the arm so used.
The wicket is also put down if a fielder pulls a stump out of the ground in the same manner.
(b) The disturbance of a bail, whether temporary or not, shall not constitute its complete removal from the top of the stumps, but if a bail in falling lodges between two of the stumps this shall be regarded as complete removal.
2. One bail off
If one bail is off, it shall be sufficient for the purpose of putting the wicket down to remove the remaining bail, or to strike or pull any of the three stumps out of the ground, in any of the ways stated in 1 above.
3. Remaking the wicket
If the wicket is broken or put down while the ball is in play, the umpire shall not remake the wicket until the ball is dead. See Law 23 (Dead ball). Any fielder, however, may
(i) replace a bail or bails on top of the stumps.
(ii) put back one or more stumps into the ground where the wicket originally stood.
4. Dispensing with bails
If the umpires have agreed to dispense with bails, in accordance with Law 8.5 (Dispensing with bails), the decision as to whether the wicket has been put down is one for the umpire concerned to decide.
(a) After a decision to play without bails, the wicket has been put down if the umpire concerned is satisfied that the wicket has been struck by the ball, by the striker's bat, person, or items of his clothing or equipment separated from his person as described in 1(a)(ii) or 1(a)(iii) above, or by a fielder with the hand holding the ball or with the arm of the hand holding the ball.
(b) If the wicket has already been broken or put down, (a) above shall apply to any stump or stumps still in the ground. Any fielder may replace a stump or stumps, in accordance with 3 above, in order to have an opportunity of putting the wicket down.
Thursday 29 October 2015
Focus on Law 27: Appeals
1. Umpire not to give batsman out without an appeal
Neither umpire shall give a batsman out, even though he may be out under the Laws, unless appealed to by the fielding side. This shall not debar a batsman who is out under any of the Laws from leaving his wicket without an appeal having been made. Note, however, the provisions of 7 below.
2. Batsman dismissed
A batsman is dismissed if either (a) he is given out by an umpire, on appeal or (b) he is out under any of the Laws and leaves his wicket as in 1 above.
3. Timing of appeals
For an appeal to be valid it must be made before the bowler begins his run up or, if he has no run up, his bowling action to deliver the next ball, and before Time has been called. The call of Over does not invalidate an appeal made prior to the start of the following over provided Time has not been called. See Laws 16.2 (Call of Time) and 22.2 (Start of an over).
4. Appeal "How's That?"
An appeal "How's That?" covers all ways of being out.
5. Answering appeals
The umpire at the bowler's end shall answer all appeals except those arising out of any of Laws 35 (Hit wicket), 39 (Stumped) or 38 (Run out) when this occurs at the striker's wicket. A decision Not out by one umpire shall not prevent the other umpire from giving a decision, provided that each is considering only matters within his jurisdiction.
When a batsman has been given Not out, either umpire may, within his jurisdiction, answer a further appeal provided that it is made in accordance with 3 above.
6. Consultation by umpires
Each umpire shall answer appeals on matters within his own jurisdiction. If an umpire is doubtful about any point that the other umpire may have been in a better position to see, he shall consult the latter on this point of fact and shall then give his decision. If, after consultation, there is still doubt remaining the decision shall be Not out.
7. Batsman leaving his wicket under a misapprehension
An umpire shall intervene if satisfied that a batsman, not having been given out, has left his wicket under a misapprehension that he is out. The umpire intervening shall call and signal Dead ball to prevent any further action by the fielding side and shall recall the batsman.
8. Withdrawal of an appeal
The captain of the fielding side may withdraw an appeal only with the consent of the umpire within whose jurisdiction the appeal falls and before the outgoing batsman has left the field of play. If such consent is given the umpire concerned shall, if applicable, revoke his decision and recall the batsman.
9. Umpire's decision
An umpire may alter his decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart, an umpire's decision, once made, is final.
Neither umpire shall give a batsman out, even though he may be out under the Laws, unless appealed to by the fielding side. This shall not debar a batsman who is out under any of the Laws from leaving his wicket without an appeal having been made. Note, however, the provisions of 7 below.
2. Batsman dismissed
A batsman is dismissed if either (a) he is given out by an umpire, on appeal or (b) he is out under any of the Laws and leaves his wicket as in 1 above.
3. Timing of appeals
For an appeal to be valid it must be made before the bowler begins his run up or, if he has no run up, his bowling action to deliver the next ball, and before Time has been called. The call of Over does not invalidate an appeal made prior to the start of the following over provided Time has not been called. See Laws 16.2 (Call of Time) and 22.2 (Start of an over).
4. Appeal "How's That?"
An appeal "How's That?" covers all ways of being out.
5. Answering appeals
The umpire at the bowler's end shall answer all appeals except those arising out of any of Laws 35 (Hit wicket), 39 (Stumped) or 38 (Run out) when this occurs at the striker's wicket. A decision Not out by one umpire shall not prevent the other umpire from giving a decision, provided that each is considering only matters within his jurisdiction.
When a batsman has been given Not out, either umpire may, within his jurisdiction, answer a further appeal provided that it is made in accordance with 3 above.
6. Consultation by umpires
Each umpire shall answer appeals on matters within his own jurisdiction. If an umpire is doubtful about any point that the other umpire may have been in a better position to see, he shall consult the latter on this point of fact and shall then give his decision. If, after consultation, there is still doubt remaining the decision shall be Not out.
7. Batsman leaving his wicket under a misapprehension
An umpire shall intervene if satisfied that a batsman, not having been given out, has left his wicket under a misapprehension that he is out. The umpire intervening shall call and signal Dead ball to prevent any further action by the fielding side and shall recall the batsman.
8. Withdrawal of an appeal
The captain of the fielding side may withdraw an appeal only with the consent of the umpire within whose jurisdiction the appeal falls and before the outgoing batsman has left the field of play. If such consent is given the umpire concerned shall, if applicable, revoke his decision and recall the batsman.
9. Umpire's decision
An umpire may alter his decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart, an umpire's decision, once made, is final.
Wednesday 28 October 2015
Focus on Law 26: Bye and Leg Bye
1. Byes
If the ball, not being a No ball or a Wide, passes the striker without touching his bat or person, any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited as Byes to the batting side.
2. Leg byes
(a) If a ball delivered by the bowler first strikes the person of the striker, runs shall be scored only if the umpire is satisfied that the striker has either (i) attempted to play the ball with his bat, or (ii) tried to avoid being hit by the ball.
If the umpire is satisfied that either of these conditions has been met, and the ball makes no subsequent contact with the bat, runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the batting side as in (b). Note, however, the provisions of Laws 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once) and 34.4 (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once) (b) The runs in (a) above shall,
(i) if the delivery is not a No Ball, be scored as Leg byes.
(ii) if No ball has been called, be scored together with the penalty for the No ball as No ball extras.
3. Leg byes not to be awarded
If in the circumstances of 2(a) above the umpire considers that neither of the conditions (i) and (ii) therein has been met, then Leg byes will not be awarded. The batting side shall not be credited with any runs from that delivery apart from the one run penalty for a No ball if applicable. Moreover, no other penalties shall be awarded to the batting side when the ball is dead. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). The following procedure shall be adopted.
(a) If no run is attempted but the ball reaches the boundary, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball, and disallow the boundary.
(b) If runs are attempted and if
(i) neither batsman is dismissed and the ball does not become dead for any other reason, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary. The batsmen shall return to their original ends. The run or boundary shall be disallowed.
(ii) before one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary, a batsman is dismissed, or the ball becomes dead for any other reason, all the provisions of the Laws will apply, except that no runs and no penalties shall be credited to the batting side, other than the penalty for a No ball if applicable.
If the ball, not being a No ball or a Wide, passes the striker without touching his bat or person, any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited as Byes to the batting side.
2. Leg byes
(a) If a ball delivered by the bowler first strikes the person of the striker, runs shall be scored only if the umpire is satisfied that the striker has either (i) attempted to play the ball with his bat, or (ii) tried to avoid being hit by the ball.
If the umpire is satisfied that either of these conditions has been met, and the ball makes no subsequent contact with the bat, runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the batting side as in (b). Note, however, the provisions of Laws 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once) and 34.4 (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once) (b) The runs in (a) above shall,
(i) if the delivery is not a No Ball, be scored as Leg byes.
(ii) if No ball has been called, be scored together with the penalty for the No ball as No ball extras.
3. Leg byes not to be awarded
If in the circumstances of 2(a) above the umpire considers that neither of the conditions (i) and (ii) therein has been met, then Leg byes will not be awarded. The batting side shall not be credited with any runs from that delivery apart from the one run penalty for a No ball if applicable. Moreover, no other penalties shall be awarded to the batting side when the ball is dead. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). The following procedure shall be adopted.
(a) If no run is attempted but the ball reaches the boundary, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball, and disallow the boundary.
(b) If runs are attempted and if
(i) neither batsman is dismissed and the ball does not become dead for any other reason, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary. The batsmen shall return to their original ends. The run or boundary shall be disallowed.
(ii) before one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary, a batsman is dismissed, or the ball becomes dead for any other reason, all the provisions of the Laws will apply, except that no runs and no penalties shall be credited to the batting side, other than the penalty for a No ball if applicable.
Tuesday 27 October 2015
Focus on Law 25: Wide Ball
1. Judging a Wide
(a) If the bowler bowls a ball, not being a No ball, the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide if, according to the definition in (b) below, in his opinion the ball passes wide of the striker where he is standing and would also have passed wide of him standing in a normal guard position.
(b) The ball will be considered as passing wide of the striker unless it is sufficiently within his reach for him to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.
2. Delivery not a Wide
The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide
(a) if the striker, by moving, either (i) causes the ball to pass wide of him, as defined in 1(b) above or (ii) brings the ball sufficiently within his reach to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.
(b) if the ball touches the striker's bat or person.
3. Call and signal of Wide ball
(a) If the umpire adjudges a delivery to be a Wide he shall call and signal Wide ball as soon as the ball passes the striker's wicket. It shall, however, be considered to have been a Wide from the instant of delivery, even though it cannot be called Wide until it passes the striker's wicket.
(b) The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if there is then any contact between the ball and the striker's bat or person.
(c) The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if a delivery is called a No ball. See Law 24.10 (No ball to over-ride Wide).
4. Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of Wide ball.
5. Penalty for a Wide
A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of Wide ball. Unless the call is revoked (see 3 above), this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed, and shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.
6. Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored
All runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance, together with the penalty for the Wide, shall be scored as Wide balls. Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a Wide shall be debited against the bowler.
7. Wide not to count
A Wide shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).
8. Out from a Wide
When Wide ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except 33 (Handled the ball), 35 (Hit wicket), 37 (Obstructing the field), 38 (Run out) or 39 (Stumped).
(a) If the bowler bowls a ball, not being a No ball, the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide if, according to the definition in (b) below, in his opinion the ball passes wide of the striker where he is standing and would also have passed wide of him standing in a normal guard position.
(b) The ball will be considered as passing wide of the striker unless it is sufficiently within his reach for him to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.
2. Delivery not a Wide
The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide
(a) if the striker, by moving, either (i) causes the ball to pass wide of him, as defined in 1(b) above or (ii) brings the ball sufficiently within his reach to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.
(b) if the ball touches the striker's bat or person.
3. Call and signal of Wide ball
(a) If the umpire adjudges a delivery to be a Wide he shall call and signal Wide ball as soon as the ball passes the striker's wicket. It shall, however, be considered to have been a Wide from the instant of delivery, even though it cannot be called Wide until it passes the striker's wicket.
(b) The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if there is then any contact between the ball and the striker's bat or person.
(c) The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if a delivery is called a No ball. See Law 24.10 (No ball to over-ride Wide).
4. Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of Wide ball.
5. Penalty for a Wide
A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of Wide ball. Unless the call is revoked (see 3 above), this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed, and shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.
6. Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored
All runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance, together with the penalty for the Wide, shall be scored as Wide balls. Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a Wide shall be debited against the bowler.
7. Wide not to count
A Wide shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).
8. Out from a Wide
When Wide ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except 33 (Handled the ball), 35 (Hit wicket), 37 (Obstructing the field), 38 (Run out) or 39 (Stumped).
Monday 26 October 2015
Focus on Law 24: No Ball
1. Mode of delivery
(a) The umpire shall ascertain whether the bowler intends to bowl right handed or left handed, over or round the wicket, and shall so inform the striker. It is unfair if the bowler fails to notify the umpire of a change in his mode of delivery. In this case the umpire shall call and signal No ball.
(b) Underarm bowling shall not be permitted except by special agreement before the match.
2. Fair delivery – the arm
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the arm the ball must not be thrown. See 3 below. Although it is the primary responsibility of the striker's end umpire to ensure the fairness of a delivery in this respect, there is nothing in this Law to debar the bowler's end umpire from calling and signalling No ball if he considers that the ball has been thrown.
(a) If, in the opinion of either umpire, the ball has been thrown, he shall
(i) call and signal No ball.
(ii) caution the bowler, when the ball is dead. This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
(iii) inform the other umpire, the batsmen at the wicket, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
(b) If either umpire considers that after such caution a further delivery by the same bowler in that innings is thrown, the umpire concerned shall repeat the procedure set out in (a) above, indicating to the bowler that this is a final warning. This warning shall also apply throughout the innings.
(c) If either umpire considers that a further delivery by the same bowler in that innings is thrown,
(i) the umpire concerned shall call and signal No ball. When the ball is dead he shall inform the other umpire, the batsmen at the wicket and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
(ii) the umpire at the bowler's end shall direct the captain of the fielding side to take the bowler off forthwith. The over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over. The bowler thus taken off shall not bowl again in that innings.
(iii) the umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and bowler concerned.
3. Definition of fair delivery – the arm
A ball is fairly delivered in respect of the arm if, once the bowler's arm has reached the level of the shoulder in the delivery swing, the elbow joint is not straightened partially or completely from that point until the ball has left the hand. This definition shall not debar a bowler from flexing or rotating the wrist in the delivery swing.
4. Bowler throwing towards striker's end before delivery
If the bowler throws the ball towards the striker's end before entering his delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal No ball. See Law 42.16 (Batsmen stealing a run). However, the procedure stated in 2 above of caution, informing, final warning, action against the bowler and reporting shall not apply.
5. Fair delivery – the feet
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride
(i) the bowler's back foot must land within and not touching the return crease.
(ii) the bowler's front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised, behind the popping crease.
If the umpire at the bowler's end is not satisfied that both these conditions have been met, he shall call and signal No ball.
6. Ball bouncing more than twice or rolling along the ground
The umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched the bat or person of the striker,
either (i) bounces more than twice
or (ii) rolls along the ground before it reaches the popping crease.
7. Ball coming to rest in front of striker's wicket
If a ball delivered by the bowler comes to rest in front of the line of the striker's wicket, without having touched the bat or person of the striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.
8. Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws
In addition to the instances above, an umpire shall call and signal No ball as required by the following Laws.
Law 40.3 - Position of wicket-keeper
Law 41.5 - Limitation of on side fielders
Law 41.6 - Fielders not to encroach on the pitch
Law 42.6 - Dangerous and unfair bowling
Law 42.7 - Dangerous and unfair bowling – action by the umpire
Law 42.8 - Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls.
9. Revoking a call of No ball
An umpire shall revoke the call of No ball if the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason.
10. No ball to over-ride Wide
A call of No ball shall over-ride the call of Wide ball at any time. See Law 25.1 (Judging a Wide) and 25.3 (Call and signal of Wide ball).
11. Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.
12. Penalty for a No ball
A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of No ball. Unless the call is revoked, this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed. It shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.
13. Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored
The one run penalty for a No ball shall be scored as a No ball extra. If other penalty runs have been awarded to either side, these shall be scored as in Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat; otherwise they also shall be scored as No ball extras. Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a No ball, whether as No ball extras or credited to the striker, shall be debited against the bowler.
14. No ball not to count
A No ball shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).
15. Out from a No ball
When No ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except 33 (Handled the ball), 34 (Hit the ball twice), 37 (Obstructing the field) or 38 (Run out).
(a) The umpire shall ascertain whether the bowler intends to bowl right handed or left handed, over or round the wicket, and shall so inform the striker. It is unfair if the bowler fails to notify the umpire of a change in his mode of delivery. In this case the umpire shall call and signal No ball.
(b) Underarm bowling shall not be permitted except by special agreement before the match.
2. Fair delivery – the arm
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the arm the ball must not be thrown. See 3 below. Although it is the primary responsibility of the striker's end umpire to ensure the fairness of a delivery in this respect, there is nothing in this Law to debar the bowler's end umpire from calling and signalling No ball if he considers that the ball has been thrown.
(a) If, in the opinion of either umpire, the ball has been thrown, he shall
(i) call and signal No ball.
(ii) caution the bowler, when the ball is dead. This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
(iii) inform the other umpire, the batsmen at the wicket, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
(b) If either umpire considers that after such caution a further delivery by the same bowler in that innings is thrown, the umpire concerned shall repeat the procedure set out in (a) above, indicating to the bowler that this is a final warning. This warning shall also apply throughout the innings.
(c) If either umpire considers that a further delivery by the same bowler in that innings is thrown,
(i) the umpire concerned shall call and signal No ball. When the ball is dead he shall inform the other umpire, the batsmen at the wicket and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
(ii) the umpire at the bowler's end shall direct the captain of the fielding side to take the bowler off forthwith. The over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over. The bowler thus taken off shall not bowl again in that innings.
(iii) the umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and bowler concerned.
3. Definition of fair delivery – the arm
A ball is fairly delivered in respect of the arm if, once the bowler's arm has reached the level of the shoulder in the delivery swing, the elbow joint is not straightened partially or completely from that point until the ball has left the hand. This definition shall not debar a bowler from flexing or rotating the wrist in the delivery swing.
4. Bowler throwing towards striker's end before delivery
If the bowler throws the ball towards the striker's end before entering his delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal No ball. See Law 42.16 (Batsmen stealing a run). However, the procedure stated in 2 above of caution, informing, final warning, action against the bowler and reporting shall not apply.
5. Fair delivery – the feet
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride
(i) the bowler's back foot must land within and not touching the return crease.
(ii) the bowler's front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised, behind the popping crease.
If the umpire at the bowler's end is not satisfied that both these conditions have been met, he shall call and signal No ball.
6. Ball bouncing more than twice or rolling along the ground
The umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched the bat or person of the striker,
either (i) bounces more than twice
or (ii) rolls along the ground before it reaches the popping crease.
7. Ball coming to rest in front of striker's wicket
If a ball delivered by the bowler comes to rest in front of the line of the striker's wicket, without having touched the bat or person of the striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.
8. Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws
In addition to the instances above, an umpire shall call and signal No ball as required by the following Laws.
Law 40.3 - Position of wicket-keeper
Law 41.5 - Limitation of on side fielders
Law 41.6 - Fielders not to encroach on the pitch
Law 42.6 - Dangerous and unfair bowling
Law 42.7 - Dangerous and unfair bowling – action by the umpire
Law 42.8 - Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls.
9. Revoking a call of No ball
An umpire shall revoke the call of No ball if the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason.
10. No ball to over-ride Wide
A call of No ball shall over-ride the call of Wide ball at any time. See Law 25.1 (Judging a Wide) and 25.3 (Call and signal of Wide ball).
11. Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.
12. Penalty for a No ball
A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of No ball. Unless the call is revoked, this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed. It shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.
13. Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored
The one run penalty for a No ball shall be scored as a No ball extra. If other penalty runs have been awarded to either side, these shall be scored as in Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat; otherwise they also shall be scored as No ball extras. Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a No ball, whether as No ball extras or credited to the striker, shall be debited against the bowler.
14. No ball not to count
A No ball shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).
15. Out from a No ball
When No ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except 33 (Handled the ball), 34 (Hit the ball twice), 37 (Obstructing the field) or 38 (Run out).
Sunday 25 October 2015
Focus on Law 23: Dead Ball
1. Ball is dead
(a) The ball becomes dead when
(i) it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.
(ii) a boundary is scored. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).
(iii) a batsman is dismissed.
(iv) whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.
(v) whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.
(vi) it lodges in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side.
(vii) there is a contravention of either of Laws 41.2 (Fielding the ball) or 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
(viii) there is an award of penalty runs under Law 2.6 (Player returning without permission).
(ix) Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).
(x) the umpire calls Over or Time.
(b) The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the umpire at the bowler's end that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.
2. Ball finally settled
Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.
3. Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball
(a) When the ball has become dead under 1 above, the bowler's end umpire may call Dead ball, if it is necessary to inform the players.
(b) Either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball when
(i) he intervenes in a case of unfair play.
(ii) a serious injury to a player or umpire occurs.
(iii) he leaves his normal position for consultation.
(iv) one or both bails fall from the striker's wicket before he has the opportunity of playing the ball.
(v) he is satisfied that for an adequate reason the striker is not ready for the delivery of the ball and, if the ball is delivered, makes no attempt to play it.
(vi) the striker is distracted by any noise or movement or in any other way while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery. This shall apply whether the source of the distraction is within the game or outside it. Note, however, the provisions of Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract the striker). The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(vii) the bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery.
(viii) the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason other than an attempt to run out the non-striker before entering his delivery stride. See Law 42.15 (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery).
(ix) he is required to do so under any of the Laws.
4. Ball ceases to be dead
The ball ceases to be dead – that is, it comes into play – when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his bowling action.
5. Action on call of Dead ball
(a) A ball is not to count as one of the over if it becomes dead or is to be considered dead before the striker has had an opportunity to play it.
(b) If the ball becomes dead or is to be considered dead after the striker has had an opportunity to play the ball, except in the circumstances of 3(vi) above and Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker), no additional delivery shall be allowed unless No ball or Wide has been called.
(a) The ball becomes dead when
(i) it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.
(ii) a boundary is scored. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).
(iii) a batsman is dismissed.
(iv) whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.
(v) whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.
(vi) it lodges in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side.
(vii) there is a contravention of either of Laws 41.2 (Fielding the ball) or 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
(viii) there is an award of penalty runs under Law 2.6 (Player returning without permission).
(ix) Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).
(x) the umpire calls Over or Time.
(b) The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the umpire at the bowler's end that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.
2. Ball finally settled
Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.
3. Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball
(a) When the ball has become dead under 1 above, the bowler's end umpire may call Dead ball, if it is necessary to inform the players.
(b) Either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball when
(i) he intervenes in a case of unfair play.
(ii) a serious injury to a player or umpire occurs.
(iii) he leaves his normal position for consultation.
(iv) one or both bails fall from the striker's wicket before he has the opportunity of playing the ball.
(v) he is satisfied that for an adequate reason the striker is not ready for the delivery of the ball and, if the ball is delivered, makes no attempt to play it.
(vi) the striker is distracted by any noise or movement or in any other way while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery. This shall apply whether the source of the distraction is within the game or outside it. Note, however, the provisions of Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract the striker). The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(vii) the bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery.
(viii) the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason other than an attempt to run out the non-striker before entering his delivery stride. See Law 42.15 (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery).
(ix) he is required to do so under any of the Laws.
4. Ball ceases to be dead
The ball ceases to be dead – that is, it comes into play – when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his bowling action.
5. Action on call of Dead ball
(a) A ball is not to count as one of the over if it becomes dead or is to be considered dead before the striker has had an opportunity to play it.
(b) If the ball becomes dead or is to be considered dead after the striker has had an opportunity to play the ball, except in the circumstances of 3(vi) above and Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker), no additional delivery shall be allowed unless No ball or Wide has been called.
Saturday 24 October 2015
Focus on Law 22: The Over
1. Number of balls
The ball shall be bowled from each wicket alternately in overs of 6 balls.
2. Start of an over
An over has started when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his delivery action for the first delivery of that over.
3. Call of Over
When 6 balls have been bowled other than those which are not to count in the over and as the ball becomes dead – see Law 23 (Dead ball) – the umpire shall call Over before leaving the wicket.
4. Balls not to count in the over
(a) A ball shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over unless it is delivered, even though a batsman may be dismissed or some other incident occurs before the ball is delivered.
(b) A ball which is delivered by the bowler shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over
(i) if it is called dead, or is to be considered dead, before the striker has had an opportunity to play it. See Law 23 (Dead ball).
(ii) if it is a No ball. See Law 24 (No ball).
(iii) if it is a Wide. See Law 25 (Wide ball).
(iv) if it is called dead in the circumstances of Law 23.3(b)(vi) (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball).
(v) when 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side under any of Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission), 41.2 (Fielding the ball), 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) or 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman).
5. Umpire miscounting
If an umpire miscounts the number of balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand.
6. Bowler changing ends
A bowler shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired, provided that he does not bowl two overs, or parts thereof, consecutively in the same innings.
7. Finishing an over
(a) Other than at the end of an innings, a bowler shall finish an over in progress unless he is incapacitated, or he is suspended under any of the Laws.
(b) If for any reason, other than the end of an innings, an over is left uncompleted at the start of an interval or interruption of play, it shall be completed on resumption of play.
8. Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over
If for any reason a bowler is incapacitated while running up to bowl the first ball of an over, or is incapacitated or suspended during an over, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball. Another bowler shall complete the over from the same end, provided that he does not bowl two overs, or parts thereof, consecutively in one innings.
The ball shall be bowled from each wicket alternately in overs of 6 balls.
2. Start of an over
An over has started when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his delivery action for the first delivery of that over.
3. Call of Over
When 6 balls have been bowled other than those which are not to count in the over and as the ball becomes dead – see Law 23 (Dead ball) – the umpire shall call Over before leaving the wicket.
4. Balls not to count in the over
(a) A ball shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over unless it is delivered, even though a batsman may be dismissed or some other incident occurs before the ball is delivered.
(b) A ball which is delivered by the bowler shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over
(i) if it is called dead, or is to be considered dead, before the striker has had an opportunity to play it. See Law 23 (Dead ball).
(ii) if it is a No ball. See Law 24 (No ball).
(iii) if it is a Wide. See Law 25 (Wide ball).
(iv) if it is called dead in the circumstances of Law 23.3(b)(vi) (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball).
(v) when 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side under any of Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission), 41.2 (Fielding the ball), 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) or 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman).
5. Umpire miscounting
If an umpire miscounts the number of balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand.
6. Bowler changing ends
A bowler shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired, provided that he does not bowl two overs, or parts thereof, consecutively in the same innings.
7. Finishing an over
(a) Other than at the end of an innings, a bowler shall finish an over in progress unless he is incapacitated, or he is suspended under any of the Laws.
(b) If for any reason, other than the end of an innings, an over is left uncompleted at the start of an interval or interruption of play, it shall be completed on resumption of play.
8. Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over
If for any reason a bowler is incapacitated while running up to bowl the first ball of an over, or is incapacitated or suspended during an over, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball. Another bowler shall complete the over from the same end, provided that he does not bowl two overs, or parts thereof, consecutively in one innings.
Friday 23 October 2015
Focus on Law 21: The Result
1. A Win – two innings match
The side which has scored a total of runs in excess of that scored in the two completed innings of the opposing side shall win the match. Note also 6 below. A forfeited innings is to count as a completed innings. See Law 14 (Declaration and forfeiture).
2. A Win – one innings match
The side which has scored in its one innings a total of runs in excess of that scored by the opposing side in its one completed innings shall win the match. Note also 6 below.
3. Umpires awarding a match
(a) A match shall be lost by a side which either (i) concedes defeat or (ii) in the opinion of the umpires refuses to play and the umpires shall award the match to the other side.
(b) If an umpire considers that an action by any player or players might constitute a refusal by either side to play then the umpires together shall ascertain the cause of the action. If they then decide together that this action does constitute a refusal to play by one side, they shall so inform the captain of that side. If the captain persists in the action the umpires shall award the match in accordance with (a)(ii) above.
(c) If action as in (b) above takes place after play has started and does not constitute a refusal to play
(i) playing time lost shall be counted from the start of the action until play recommences, subject to Law 15.5 (Changing agreed times for intervals).
(ii) the time for close of play on that day shall be extended by this length of time, subject to Law 3.9 (Suspension of play for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light).
(iii) if applicable, no overs shall be deducted during the last hour of the match solely on account of this time.
4. A Tie
The result of a match shall be a Tie when the scores are equal at the conclusion of play, but only if the side batting last has completed its innings.
5. A Draw
A match which is concluded, as defined in Law 16.9 (Conclusion of match), without being determined in any of the ways stated in 1, 2, 3 or 4 above, shall count as a Draw.
6. Winning hit or extras
(a) As soon as a result is reached, as defined in 1, 2, 3 or 4 above, the match is at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter, except as in Law 42.17(b), shall be regarded as part of it. Note also 9 below.
(b) The side batting last will have scored enough runs to win only if its total of runs is sufficient without including any runs completed before the dismissal of the striker by the completion of a catch or by the obstruction of a catch.
(c) If a boundary is scored before the batsmen have completed sufficient runs to win the match, then the whole of the boundary allowance shall be credited to the side's total and, in the case of a hit by the bat, to the striker's score.
7. Statement of result
If the side batting last wins the match without losing all its wickets, the result shall be stated as a win by the number of wickets still then to fall.
If the side batting last has lost all its wickets but, as the result of an award of 5 penalty runs at the end of the match, has scored a total of runs in excess of the total scored by the opposing side, the result shall be stated as a win to that side by Penalty runs. If the side fielding last wins the match, the result shall be stated as a win by runs. If the match is decided by one side conceding defeat or refusing to play, the result shall be stated as Match Conceded or Match Awarded as the case may be.
8. Correctness of result
Any decision as to the correctness of the scores shall be the responsibility of the umpires. See Law 3.15 (Correctness of scores).
9. Mistakes in scoring
If, after the umpires and players have left the field in the belief that the match has been concluded, the umpires discover that a mistake in scoring has occurred which affects the result, then, subject to 10 below, they shall adopt the following procedure.
(a) If, when the players leave the field, the side batting last has not completed its innings, and either (i) the number of overs to be bowled in the last hour has not been completed, or (ii) the agreed finishing time has not been reached, then unless one side concedes defeat the umpires shall order play to resume.
If conditions permit, play will then continue until the prescribed number of overs has been completed and the time remaining has elapsed, unless a result is reached earlier. The number of overs and/or the time remaining shall be taken as they were when the players left the field; no account shall be taken of the time between that moment and the resumption of play.
(b) If, when the players leave the field, the overs have been completed and time has been reached, or if the side batting last has completed its innings, the umpires shall immediately inform both captains of the necessary corrections to the scores and to the result.
10. Result not to be changed
Once the umpires have agreed with the scorers the correctness of the scores at the conclusion of the match – see Laws 3.15 (Correctness of scores) and 4.2 (Correctness of scores) – the result cannot thereafter be changed.
The side which has scored a total of runs in excess of that scored in the two completed innings of the opposing side shall win the match. Note also 6 below. A forfeited innings is to count as a completed innings. See Law 14 (Declaration and forfeiture).
2. A Win – one innings match
The side which has scored in its one innings a total of runs in excess of that scored by the opposing side in its one completed innings shall win the match. Note also 6 below.
3. Umpires awarding a match
(a) A match shall be lost by a side which either (i) concedes defeat or (ii) in the opinion of the umpires refuses to play and the umpires shall award the match to the other side.
(b) If an umpire considers that an action by any player or players might constitute a refusal by either side to play then the umpires together shall ascertain the cause of the action. If they then decide together that this action does constitute a refusal to play by one side, they shall so inform the captain of that side. If the captain persists in the action the umpires shall award the match in accordance with (a)(ii) above.
(c) If action as in (b) above takes place after play has started and does not constitute a refusal to play
(i) playing time lost shall be counted from the start of the action until play recommences, subject to Law 15.5 (Changing agreed times for intervals).
(ii) the time for close of play on that day shall be extended by this length of time, subject to Law 3.9 (Suspension of play for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light).
(iii) if applicable, no overs shall be deducted during the last hour of the match solely on account of this time.
4. A Tie
The result of a match shall be a Tie when the scores are equal at the conclusion of play, but only if the side batting last has completed its innings.
5. A Draw
A match which is concluded, as defined in Law 16.9 (Conclusion of match), without being determined in any of the ways stated in 1, 2, 3 or 4 above, shall count as a Draw.
6. Winning hit or extras
(a) As soon as a result is reached, as defined in 1, 2, 3 or 4 above, the match is at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter, except as in Law 42.17(b), shall be regarded as part of it. Note also 9 below.
(b) The side batting last will have scored enough runs to win only if its total of runs is sufficient without including any runs completed before the dismissal of the striker by the completion of a catch or by the obstruction of a catch.
(c) If a boundary is scored before the batsmen have completed sufficient runs to win the match, then the whole of the boundary allowance shall be credited to the side's total and, in the case of a hit by the bat, to the striker's score.
7. Statement of result
If the side batting last wins the match without losing all its wickets, the result shall be stated as a win by the number of wickets still then to fall.
If the side batting last has lost all its wickets but, as the result of an award of 5 penalty runs at the end of the match, has scored a total of runs in excess of the total scored by the opposing side, the result shall be stated as a win to that side by Penalty runs. If the side fielding last wins the match, the result shall be stated as a win by runs. If the match is decided by one side conceding defeat or refusing to play, the result shall be stated as Match Conceded or Match Awarded as the case may be.
8. Correctness of result
Any decision as to the correctness of the scores shall be the responsibility of the umpires. See Law 3.15 (Correctness of scores).
9. Mistakes in scoring
If, after the umpires and players have left the field in the belief that the match has been concluded, the umpires discover that a mistake in scoring has occurred which affects the result, then, subject to 10 below, they shall adopt the following procedure.
(a) If, when the players leave the field, the side batting last has not completed its innings, and either (i) the number of overs to be bowled in the last hour has not been completed, or (ii) the agreed finishing time has not been reached, then unless one side concedes defeat the umpires shall order play to resume.
If conditions permit, play will then continue until the prescribed number of overs has been completed and the time remaining has elapsed, unless a result is reached earlier. The number of overs and/or the time remaining shall be taken as they were when the players left the field; no account shall be taken of the time between that moment and the resumption of play.
(b) If, when the players leave the field, the overs have been completed and time has been reached, or if the side batting last has completed its innings, the umpires shall immediately inform both captains of the necessary corrections to the scores and to the result.
10. Result not to be changed
Once the umpires have agreed with the scorers the correctness of the scores at the conclusion of the match – see Laws 3.15 (Correctness of scores) and 4.2 (Correctness of scores) – the result cannot thereafter be changed.
Thursday 22 October 2015
Focus on Law 20: Lost Ball
1. Fielder to call Lost ball
If a ball in play cannot be found or recovered, any fielder may call Lost ball. The ball shall then become dead. See Law 23.1 (Ball is dead). Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the call.
2. Ball to be replaced
The umpires shall replace the ball with one which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before it was lost or became irrecoverable. See Law 5.5 (Ball lost or becoming unfit for play).
3. Runs scored
(a) The penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, shall stand, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that are applicable before the call of Lost ball.
(b) The batting side shall additionally be awarded either (i) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant of the call,
or (ii) 6 runs, whichever is the greater.
4. How scored
If there is a one run penalty for a No ball or for a Wide, it shall be scored as a No ball extra or as a Wide as appropriate. See Laws 24.13 (Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored) and 25.6 (Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored). If any other penalties have been awarded to either side, they shall be scored as penalty extras. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).
Runs to the batting side in 3(b) above shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat, but otherwise to the total of Byes, Leg byes, No balls or Wides as the case may be.
If a ball in play cannot be found or recovered, any fielder may call Lost ball. The ball shall then become dead. See Law 23.1 (Ball is dead). Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the call.
2. Ball to be replaced
The umpires shall replace the ball with one which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before it was lost or became irrecoverable. See Law 5.5 (Ball lost or becoming unfit for play).
3. Runs scored
(a) The penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, shall stand, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that are applicable before the call of Lost ball.
(b) The batting side shall additionally be awarded either (i) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant of the call,
or (ii) 6 runs, whichever is the greater.
4. How scored
If there is a one run penalty for a No ball or for a Wide, it shall be scored as a No ball extra or as a Wide as appropriate. See Laws 24.13 (Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored) and 25.6 (Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored). If any other penalties have been awarded to either side, they shall be scored as penalty extras. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).
Runs to the batting side in 3(b) above shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat, but otherwise to the total of Byes, Leg byes, No balls or Wides as the case may be.
Tuesday 20 October 2015
Focus on Law 19: Boundaries
1. The boundary of the field of play
(a) Before the toss, the umpires shall agree the boundary of the field of play with both captains. The boundary shall if possible be marked along its whole length.
(b) The boundary shall be agreed so that no part of any sight- screen is within the field of play.
(c) An obstacle or person within the field of play shall not be regarded as a boundary unless so decided by the umpires before the toss. See Law 3.4(ii) (To inform captains and scorers).
2. Defining the boundary – boundary marking
(a) Wherever practicable the boundary shall be marked by means of a white line or a rope laid along the ground.
(b) If the boundary is marked by a white line,
(i) the inside edge of the line shall be the boundary edge.
(ii) a flag, post or board used merely to highlight the position of a line marked on the ground must be placed outside the boundary edge and is not itself to be regarded as defining or marking the boundary. Note, however, the provisions of (c) below.
(c) If a solid object is used to mark the boundary, it must have an edge or a line to constitute the boundary edge.
(i) For a rope, which includes any similar object of curved cross section lying on the ground, the boundary edge will be the line formed by the innermost points of the rope along its length.
(ii) For a fence, which includes any similar object in contact with the ground, but with a flat surface projecting above the ground, the boundary edge will be the base line of the fence.
(d) If the boundary edge is not defined as in (b) or (c) above, the umpires and captains must agree, before the toss, what line will be the boundary edge. Where there is no physical marker for a section of boundary, the boundary edge shall be the imaginary straight line joining the two nearest marked points of the boundary edge.
(e) If a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason during play, then if possible it shall be restored to its original position as soon as the ball is dead. If this is not possible, then
(i) if some part of the fence or other marker has come within the field of play, that portion is to be removed from the field of play as soon as the ball is dead.
(ii) the line where the base of the fence or marker originally stood shall define the boundary edge.
3. Scoring a boundary
(a) A boundary shall be scored and signalled by the umpire at the bowler's end whenever, while the ball is in play, in his opinion
(i) the ball touches the boundary, or is grounded beyond the boundary.
(ii) a fielder, with some part of his person in contact with the ball, touches the boundary or has some part of his person grounded beyond the boundary.
(b) The phrases 'touches the boundary' and 'touching the boundary' shall mean contact with either (i) the boundary edge as defined in 2 above or (ii) any person or obstacle within the field of play which has been designated a boundary by the umpires before the toss.
(c) The phrase 'grounded beyond the boundary' shall mean contact with either (i) any part of a line or a solid object marking the boundary, except its boundary edge or (ii) the ground outside the boundary edge or (iii) any object in contact with the ground outside the boundary edge.
4. Runs allowed for boundaries
(a) Before the toss, the umpires shall agree with both captains the runs to be allowed for boundaries. In deciding the allowances, the umpires and captains shall be guided by the prevailing custom of the ground.
(b) Unless agreed differently under (a) above, the allowances for boundaries shall be 6 runs if the ball having been struck by the bat pitches beyond the boundary, but otherwise 4 runs. These allowances shall still apply even though the ball has previously touched a fielder. See also (c) below.
(c) The ball shall be regarded as pitching beyond the boundary and 6 runs shall be scored if a fielder
(i) has any part of his person touching the boundary or grounded beyond the boundary when he catches the ball.
(ii) catches the ball and subsequently touches the boundary or grounds some part of his person beyond the boundary while carrying the ball but before completing the catch. See Law 32 (Caught).
5. Runs scored
When a boundary is scored,
(a) the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, shall stand, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that apply before the boundary is scored.
(b) the batting side, except in the circumstances of 6 below, shall additionally be awarded whichever is the greater of
(i) the allowance for the boundary.
(ii) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant the boundary is scored.
(c) When the runs in (b)(ii) above exceed the boundary allowance, they shall replace the boundary for the purposes of Law 18.12 (Batsman returning to wicket he has left).
6. Overthrow or wilful act of fielder
If the boundary results either from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder the runs scored shall be
(i) the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that are applicable before the boundary is scored and (ii) the allowance for the boundary and (iii) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant of the throw or act. Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the throw or act.
(a) Before the toss, the umpires shall agree the boundary of the field of play with both captains. The boundary shall if possible be marked along its whole length.
(b) The boundary shall be agreed so that no part of any sight- screen is within the field of play.
(c) An obstacle or person within the field of play shall not be regarded as a boundary unless so decided by the umpires before the toss. See Law 3.4(ii) (To inform captains and scorers).
2. Defining the boundary – boundary marking
(a) Wherever practicable the boundary shall be marked by means of a white line or a rope laid along the ground.
(b) If the boundary is marked by a white line,
(i) the inside edge of the line shall be the boundary edge.
(ii) a flag, post or board used merely to highlight the position of a line marked on the ground must be placed outside the boundary edge and is not itself to be regarded as defining or marking the boundary. Note, however, the provisions of (c) below.
(c) If a solid object is used to mark the boundary, it must have an edge or a line to constitute the boundary edge.
(i) For a rope, which includes any similar object of curved cross section lying on the ground, the boundary edge will be the line formed by the innermost points of the rope along its length.
(ii) For a fence, which includes any similar object in contact with the ground, but with a flat surface projecting above the ground, the boundary edge will be the base line of the fence.
(d) If the boundary edge is not defined as in (b) or (c) above, the umpires and captains must agree, before the toss, what line will be the boundary edge. Where there is no physical marker for a section of boundary, the boundary edge shall be the imaginary straight line joining the two nearest marked points of the boundary edge.
(e) If a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason during play, then if possible it shall be restored to its original position as soon as the ball is dead. If this is not possible, then
(i) if some part of the fence or other marker has come within the field of play, that portion is to be removed from the field of play as soon as the ball is dead.
(ii) the line where the base of the fence or marker originally stood shall define the boundary edge.
3. Scoring a boundary
(a) A boundary shall be scored and signalled by the umpire at the bowler's end whenever, while the ball is in play, in his opinion
(i) the ball touches the boundary, or is grounded beyond the boundary.
(ii) a fielder, with some part of his person in contact with the ball, touches the boundary or has some part of his person grounded beyond the boundary.
(b) The phrases 'touches the boundary' and 'touching the boundary' shall mean contact with either (i) the boundary edge as defined in 2 above or (ii) any person or obstacle within the field of play which has been designated a boundary by the umpires before the toss.
(c) The phrase 'grounded beyond the boundary' shall mean contact with either (i) any part of a line or a solid object marking the boundary, except its boundary edge or (ii) the ground outside the boundary edge or (iii) any object in contact with the ground outside the boundary edge.
4. Runs allowed for boundaries
(a) Before the toss, the umpires shall agree with both captains the runs to be allowed for boundaries. In deciding the allowances, the umpires and captains shall be guided by the prevailing custom of the ground.
(b) Unless agreed differently under (a) above, the allowances for boundaries shall be 6 runs if the ball having been struck by the bat pitches beyond the boundary, but otherwise 4 runs. These allowances shall still apply even though the ball has previously touched a fielder. See also (c) below.
(c) The ball shall be regarded as pitching beyond the boundary and 6 runs shall be scored if a fielder
(i) has any part of his person touching the boundary or grounded beyond the boundary when he catches the ball.
(ii) catches the ball and subsequently touches the boundary or grounds some part of his person beyond the boundary while carrying the ball but before completing the catch. See Law 32 (Caught).
5. Runs scored
When a boundary is scored,
(a) the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, shall stand, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that apply before the boundary is scored.
(b) the batting side, except in the circumstances of 6 below, shall additionally be awarded whichever is the greater of
(i) the allowance for the boundary.
(ii) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant the boundary is scored.
(c) When the runs in (b)(ii) above exceed the boundary allowance, they shall replace the boundary for the purposes of Law 18.12 (Batsman returning to wicket he has left).
6. Overthrow or wilful act of fielder
If the boundary results either from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder the runs scored shall be
(i) the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that are applicable before the boundary is scored and (ii) the allowance for the boundary and (iii) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant of the throw or act. Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the throw or act.
Monday 19 October 2015
Focus on Law 18: Scoring Runs
1. A run
The score shall be reckoned by runs. A run is scored
(a) so often as the batsmen, at any time while the ball is in play, have crossed and made good their ground from end to end.
(b) when a boundary is scored. See Law 19 (Boundaries).
(c) when penalty runs are awarded. See 6 below.
(d) when Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).
2. Runs disallowed
Notwithstanding 1 above, or any other provisions elsewhere in the Laws, the scoring of runs or awarding of penalties will be subject to any disallowance of runs provided for within the Laws that may be applicable.
3. Short runs
(a) A run is short if a batsman fails to make good his ground on turning for a further run.
(b) Although a short run shortens the succeeding one, the latter if completed shall not be regarded as short. A striker taking stance in front of his popping crease may run from that point also without penalty.
4. Unintentional short runs
Except in the circumstances of 5 below,
(a) if either batsman runs a short run, unless a boundary is scored the umpire concerned shall call and signal Short run as soon as the ball becomes dead and that run shall not be scored.
(b) if, after either or both batsmen run short, a boundary is scored, the umpire concerned shall disregard the short running and shall not call or signal Short run.
(c) if both batsmen run short in one and the same run, this shall be regarded as only one short run.
(d) if more than one run is short then, subject to (b) and (c) above, all runs so called shall not be scored.
If there has been more than one short run the umpire shall inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.
5. Deliberate short runs
(a) Notwithstanding 4 above, if either umpire considers that either or both batsmen deliberately run short at his end, the following procedure shall be adopted.
(i) The umpire concerned shall, when the ball is dead, warn the batsmen that the practice is unfair, indicate that this is a first and final warning and inform the other umpire of what has occurred. This warning shall continue to apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.
(ii) The batsmen shall return to their original ends.
(iii) Whether a batsman is dismissed or not, the umpire at the bowler's end shall disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or Wide, or penalties under Laws 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman) and 42.13 (Fielders damaging the pitch), if applicable.
(iv) The umpire at the bowler's end shall inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.
(b) If there is any further instance of deliberate short running by any batsman in that innings, when the ball is dead the umpire concerned shall inform the other umpire of what has occurred and the procedure set out in (a)(ii) and (iii) above shall be repeated. Additionally, the umpire at the bowler's end shall
(i) award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).
(ii) inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.
(iii) inform the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
(iv) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, to the Executive of the batting side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.
6. Runs scored for penalties
Runs shall be scored for penalties under 5 above and Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission), 24 (No ball), 25 (Wide ball), 41.2 (Fielding the ball), 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) and 42 (Fair and unfair play).
7. Runs scored for boundaries
Runs shall be scored for boundary allowances under Law 19 (Boundaries).
8. Runs scored for Lost ball
Runs shall be scored when Lost ball is called under Law 20 (Lost ball).
9. Batsman dismissed
When either batsman is dismissed
(a) any penalties to either side that may be applicable shall stand but no other runs shall be scored, except as stated in 10 below.
(b) 12(a) below will apply if the method of dismissal is Caught, Handled the ball or Obstructing the field. 12(a) will also apply if a batsman is Run out, except in the circumstances of Law 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner) where 12(b) below will apply.
(c) the not out batsman shall return to his original end except as stated in (b) above.
10. Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed
In addition to any penalties to either side that may be applicable, if a batsman is
(a) dismissed Handled the ball, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the offence.
(b) dismissed Obstructing the field, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the offence. If, however, the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, no runs other than penalties shall be scored.
(c) dismissed Run out, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the dismissal. If, however, a striker with a runner is himself dismissed Run out, no runs other than penalties shall be scored. See Law 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner).
11. Runs scored when ball becomes dead
(a) When the ball becomes dead on the fall of a wicket, runs shall be scored as laid down in 9 and 10 above.
(b) When the ball becomes dead for any reason other than the fall of a wicket, or is called dead by an umpire, unless there is specific provision otherwise in the Laws, the batting side shall be credited with
(i) all runs completed by the batsmen before the incident or call
and (ii) the run in progress if the batsmen have crossed at the instant of the incident or call. Note specifically, however, the provisions of Laws 34.4(c) (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once) and 42.5(b)(iv) (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman).
and (iii) any penalties that are applicable.
12. Batsman returning to wicket he has left
(a) If, while the ball is in play, the batsmen have crossed in running, neither shall return to the wicket he has left, except as in (b) below.
(b) The batsmen shall return to the wickets they originally left in the cases of, and only in the cases of
(i) a boundary;
(ii) disallowance of runs for any reason;
(iii) the dismissal of a batsman, except as in 9(b) above.
The score shall be reckoned by runs. A run is scored
(a) so often as the batsmen, at any time while the ball is in play, have crossed and made good their ground from end to end.
(b) when a boundary is scored. See Law 19 (Boundaries).
(c) when penalty runs are awarded. See 6 below.
(d) when Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).
2. Runs disallowed
Notwithstanding 1 above, or any other provisions elsewhere in the Laws, the scoring of runs or awarding of penalties will be subject to any disallowance of runs provided for within the Laws that may be applicable.
3. Short runs
(a) A run is short if a batsman fails to make good his ground on turning for a further run.
(b) Although a short run shortens the succeeding one, the latter if completed shall not be regarded as short. A striker taking stance in front of his popping crease may run from that point also without penalty.
4. Unintentional short runs
Except in the circumstances of 5 below,
(a) if either batsman runs a short run, unless a boundary is scored the umpire concerned shall call and signal Short run as soon as the ball becomes dead and that run shall not be scored.
(b) if, after either or both batsmen run short, a boundary is scored, the umpire concerned shall disregard the short running and shall not call or signal Short run.
(c) if both batsmen run short in one and the same run, this shall be regarded as only one short run.
(d) if more than one run is short then, subject to (b) and (c) above, all runs so called shall not be scored.
If there has been more than one short run the umpire shall inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.
5. Deliberate short runs
(a) Notwithstanding 4 above, if either umpire considers that either or both batsmen deliberately run short at his end, the following procedure shall be adopted.
(i) The umpire concerned shall, when the ball is dead, warn the batsmen that the practice is unfair, indicate that this is a first and final warning and inform the other umpire of what has occurred. This warning shall continue to apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.
(ii) The batsmen shall return to their original ends.
(iii) Whether a batsman is dismissed or not, the umpire at the bowler's end shall disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or Wide, or penalties under Laws 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman) and 42.13 (Fielders damaging the pitch), if applicable.
(iv) The umpire at the bowler's end shall inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.
(b) If there is any further instance of deliberate short running by any batsman in that innings, when the ball is dead the umpire concerned shall inform the other umpire of what has occurred and the procedure set out in (a)(ii) and (iii) above shall be repeated. Additionally, the umpire at the bowler's end shall
(i) award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).
(ii) inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.
(iii) inform the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
(iv) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, to the Executive of the batting side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.
6. Runs scored for penalties
Runs shall be scored for penalties under 5 above and Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission), 24 (No ball), 25 (Wide ball), 41.2 (Fielding the ball), 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) and 42 (Fair and unfair play).
7. Runs scored for boundaries
Runs shall be scored for boundary allowances under Law 19 (Boundaries).
8. Runs scored for Lost ball
Runs shall be scored when Lost ball is called under Law 20 (Lost ball).
9. Batsman dismissed
When either batsman is dismissed
(a) any penalties to either side that may be applicable shall stand but no other runs shall be scored, except as stated in 10 below.
(b) 12(a) below will apply if the method of dismissal is Caught, Handled the ball or Obstructing the field. 12(a) will also apply if a batsman is Run out, except in the circumstances of Law 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner) where 12(b) below will apply.
(c) the not out batsman shall return to his original end except as stated in (b) above.
10. Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed
In addition to any penalties to either side that may be applicable, if a batsman is
(a) dismissed Handled the ball, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the offence.
(b) dismissed Obstructing the field, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the offence. If, however, the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, no runs other than penalties shall be scored.
(c) dismissed Run out, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the dismissal. If, however, a striker with a runner is himself dismissed Run out, no runs other than penalties shall be scored. See Law 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner).
11. Runs scored when ball becomes dead
(a) When the ball becomes dead on the fall of a wicket, runs shall be scored as laid down in 9 and 10 above.
(b) When the ball becomes dead for any reason other than the fall of a wicket, or is called dead by an umpire, unless there is specific provision otherwise in the Laws, the batting side shall be credited with
(i) all runs completed by the batsmen before the incident or call
and (ii) the run in progress if the batsmen have crossed at the instant of the incident or call. Note specifically, however, the provisions of Laws 34.4(c) (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once) and 42.5(b)(iv) (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman).
and (iii) any penalties that are applicable.
12. Batsman returning to wicket he has left
(a) If, while the ball is in play, the batsmen have crossed in running, neither shall return to the wicket he has left, except as in (b) below.
(b) The batsmen shall return to the wickets they originally left in the cases of, and only in the cases of
(i) a boundary;
(ii) disallowance of runs for any reason;
(iii) the dismissal of a batsman, except as in 9(b) above.
Sunday 18 October 2015
Focus on Law 17: Practice on the Field
1. Practice on the field
(a) There shall be no bowling or batting practice on the pitch, or on the area parallel and immediately adjacent to the pitch, at any time on any day of the match.
(b) There shall be no bowling or batting practice on any other part of the square on any day of the match, except before the start of play or after the close of play on that day. Practice before the start of play
(i) must not continue later than 30 minutes before the scheduled time or any rescheduled time for play to start on that day.
(ii) shall not be allowed if the umpires consider that, in the prevailing conditions of ground and weather, it will be detrimental to the surface of the square.
(c) There shall be no practice on the field of play between the call of Play and the call of Time, if the umpire considers that it could result in a waste of time. See Law 42.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side).
(d) If a player contravenes (a) or (b) above he shall not be allowed to bowl until either at least one hour later than the contravention or there has been at least 30 minutes of playing time since the contravention whichever is sooner. If an over is in progress at the contravention, he shall not be allowed to complete that over.
2. Trial run up
No bowler shall have a trial run up between the call of Play and the call of Time unless the umpire is satisfied that it will not cause any waste of time.
(a) There shall be no bowling or batting practice on the pitch, or on the area parallel and immediately adjacent to the pitch, at any time on any day of the match.
(b) There shall be no bowling or batting practice on any other part of the square on any day of the match, except before the start of play or after the close of play on that day. Practice before the start of play
(i) must not continue later than 30 minutes before the scheduled time or any rescheduled time for play to start on that day.
(ii) shall not be allowed if the umpires consider that, in the prevailing conditions of ground and weather, it will be detrimental to the surface of the square.
(c) There shall be no practice on the field of play between the call of Play and the call of Time, if the umpire considers that it could result in a waste of time. See Law 42.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side).
(d) If a player contravenes (a) or (b) above he shall not be allowed to bowl until either at least one hour later than the contravention or there has been at least 30 minutes of playing time since the contravention whichever is sooner. If an over is in progress at the contravention, he shall not be allowed to complete that over.
2. Trial run up
No bowler shall have a trial run up between the call of Play and the call of Time unless the umpire is satisfied that it will not cause any waste of time.
Friday 16 October 2015
Focus on Law 16: Start of Play; Cessation of Play
1. Call of Play
The umpire at the bowler's end shall call Play at the start of the match and on the resumption of play after any interval or interruption.
2. Call of Time
The umpire at the bowler's end shall call Time on the cessation of play before any interval or interruption of play and at the conclusion of the match. See Law 27 (Appeals).
3. Removal of bails
After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets.
4. Starting a new over
Another over shall always be started at any time during the match, unless an interval is to be taken in the circumstances set out in 5 below, if the umpire, after walking at his normal pace, has arrived at his position behind the stumps at the bowler's end before the time agreed for the next interval, or for the close of play, has been reached.
5. Completion of an over
Other than at the end of the match,
(a) if the agreed time for an interval is reached during an over, the over shall be completed before the interval is taken except as provided for in (b) below.
(b) when less than 2 minutes remain before the time agreed for the next interval, the interval will be taken immediately if either (i) a batsman is out or retires or (ii) the players have occasion to leave the field whether this occurs during an over or at the end of an over. Except at the end of an innings, if an over is thus interrupted it shall be completed on resumption of play.
6. Last hour of match – number of overs
When one hour of playing time of the match remains, according to the agreed hours of play, the over in progress shall be completed. The next over shall be the first of a minimum of 20 overs which must be bowled, provided that a result is not reached earlier and provided that there is no interval or interruption in play.
The umpire at the bowler's end shall indicate the commencement of this 20 overs to the players and the scorers. The period of play thereafter shall be referred to as the last hour, whatever its actual duration.
7. Last hour of match – interruptions of play
If there is an interruption in play during the last hour of the match, the minimum number of overs to be bowled shall be reduced from 20 as follows.
(a) The time lost for an interruption is counted from the call of Time until the time for resumption of play as decided by the umpires.
(b) One over shall be deducted for every complete 3 minutes of time lost.
(c) In the case of more than one such interruption, the minutes lost shall not be aggregated; the calculation shall be made for each interruption separately.
(d) If, when one hour of playing time remains, an interruption is already in progress,
(i) only the time lost after this moment shall be counted in the calculation;
(ii) the over in progress at the start of the interruption shall be completed on resumption of play and shall not count as one of the minimum number of overs to be bowled.
(e) If, after the start of the last hour, an interruption occurs during an over, the over shall be completed on resumption of play. The two part-overs shall between them count as one over of the minimum number to be bowled.
8. Last hour of match – intervals between innings
If an innings ends so that a new innings is to be started during the last hour of the match, the interval starts with the end of the innings and is to end 10 minutes later.
(a) If this interval is already in progress at the start of the last hour, then to determine the number of overs to be bowled in the new innings, calculations are to be made as set out in 7 above.
(b) If the innings ends after the last hour has started, two calculations are to be made, as set out in (c) and (d) below. The greater of the numbers yielded by these two calculations is to be the minimum number of overs to be bowled in the new innings.
(c) Calculation based on overs remaining.
(i) At the conclusion of the innings, the number of overs that remain to be bowled, of the minimum in the last hour, to be noted.
(ii) If this is not a whole number it is to be rounded up to the next whole number.
(iii) Three overs to be deducted from the result for the interval.
(d) Calculation based on time remaining.
(i) At the conclusion of the innings, the time remaining until the agreed time for close of play to be noted.
(ii) Ten minutes to be deducted from this time, for the interval, to determine the playing time remaining.
(iii) A calculation to be made of one over for every complete 3 minutes of the playing time remaining, plus one more over for any further part of 3 minutes remaining.
9. Conclusion of match
The match is concluded
(a) as soon as a result, as defined in sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 of Law 21 (The result), is reached.
(b) as soon as both
(i) the minimum number of overs for the last hour are completed
and (ii) the agreed time for close of play is reached unless a result has been reached earlier.
(c) if, without the match being concluded either as in (a) or in (b) above, the players leave the field, either for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, and no further play is possible thereafter.
10. Completion of last over of match
The over in progress at the close of play on the final day shall be completed unless either (i) a result has been reached or (ii) the players have occasion to leave the field. In this case there shall be no resumption of play, except in the circumstances of Law 21.9 (Mistakes in scoring), and the match shall be at an end.
11. Bowler unable to complete an over during last hour of match
If, for any reason, a bowler is unable to complete an over during the last hour, Law 22.8 (Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over) shall apply.
The umpire at the bowler's end shall call Play at the start of the match and on the resumption of play after any interval or interruption.
2. Call of Time
The umpire at the bowler's end shall call Time on the cessation of play before any interval or interruption of play and at the conclusion of the match. See Law 27 (Appeals).
3. Removal of bails
After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets.
4. Starting a new over
Another over shall always be started at any time during the match, unless an interval is to be taken in the circumstances set out in 5 below, if the umpire, after walking at his normal pace, has arrived at his position behind the stumps at the bowler's end before the time agreed for the next interval, or for the close of play, has been reached.
5. Completion of an over
Other than at the end of the match,
(a) if the agreed time for an interval is reached during an over, the over shall be completed before the interval is taken except as provided for in (b) below.
(b) when less than 2 minutes remain before the time agreed for the next interval, the interval will be taken immediately if either (i) a batsman is out or retires or (ii) the players have occasion to leave the field whether this occurs during an over or at the end of an over. Except at the end of an innings, if an over is thus interrupted it shall be completed on resumption of play.
6. Last hour of match – number of overs
When one hour of playing time of the match remains, according to the agreed hours of play, the over in progress shall be completed. The next over shall be the first of a minimum of 20 overs which must be bowled, provided that a result is not reached earlier and provided that there is no interval or interruption in play.
The umpire at the bowler's end shall indicate the commencement of this 20 overs to the players and the scorers. The period of play thereafter shall be referred to as the last hour, whatever its actual duration.
7. Last hour of match – interruptions of play
If there is an interruption in play during the last hour of the match, the minimum number of overs to be bowled shall be reduced from 20 as follows.
(a) The time lost for an interruption is counted from the call of Time until the time for resumption of play as decided by the umpires.
(b) One over shall be deducted for every complete 3 minutes of time lost.
(c) In the case of more than one such interruption, the minutes lost shall not be aggregated; the calculation shall be made for each interruption separately.
(d) If, when one hour of playing time remains, an interruption is already in progress,
(i) only the time lost after this moment shall be counted in the calculation;
(ii) the over in progress at the start of the interruption shall be completed on resumption of play and shall not count as one of the minimum number of overs to be bowled.
(e) If, after the start of the last hour, an interruption occurs during an over, the over shall be completed on resumption of play. The two part-overs shall between them count as one over of the minimum number to be bowled.
8. Last hour of match – intervals between innings
If an innings ends so that a new innings is to be started during the last hour of the match, the interval starts with the end of the innings and is to end 10 minutes later.
(a) If this interval is already in progress at the start of the last hour, then to determine the number of overs to be bowled in the new innings, calculations are to be made as set out in 7 above.
(b) If the innings ends after the last hour has started, two calculations are to be made, as set out in (c) and (d) below. The greater of the numbers yielded by these two calculations is to be the minimum number of overs to be bowled in the new innings.
(c) Calculation based on overs remaining.
(i) At the conclusion of the innings, the number of overs that remain to be bowled, of the minimum in the last hour, to be noted.
(ii) If this is not a whole number it is to be rounded up to the next whole number.
(iii) Three overs to be deducted from the result for the interval.
(d) Calculation based on time remaining.
(i) At the conclusion of the innings, the time remaining until the agreed time for close of play to be noted.
(ii) Ten minutes to be deducted from this time, for the interval, to determine the playing time remaining.
(iii) A calculation to be made of one over for every complete 3 minutes of the playing time remaining, plus one more over for any further part of 3 minutes remaining.
9. Conclusion of match
The match is concluded
(a) as soon as a result, as defined in sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 of Law 21 (The result), is reached.
(b) as soon as both
(i) the minimum number of overs for the last hour are completed
and (ii) the agreed time for close of play is reached unless a result has been reached earlier.
(c) if, without the match being concluded either as in (a) or in (b) above, the players leave the field, either for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, and no further play is possible thereafter.
10. Completion of last over of match
The over in progress at the close of play on the final day shall be completed unless either (i) a result has been reached or (ii) the players have occasion to leave the field. In this case there shall be no resumption of play, except in the circumstances of Law 21.9 (Mistakes in scoring), and the match shall be at an end.
11. Bowler unable to complete an over during last hour of match
If, for any reason, a bowler is unable to complete an over during the last hour, Law 22.8 (Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over) shall apply.
Thursday 15 October 2015
Focus on Law 15: Intervals
1. An interval
The following shall be classed as intervals.
(i) The period between close of play on one day and the start of the next day's play.
(ii) Intervals between innings.
(iii) Intervals for meals.
(iv) Intervals for drinks.
(v) Any other agreed interval.
All these intervals shall be considered as scheduled breaks for the purposes of Law 2.5 (Fielder absent or leaving the field).
2. Agreement of intervals
(a) Before the toss:
(i) the hours of play shall be established;
(ii) except as in (b) below, the timing and duration of intervals for meals shall be agreed;
(iii) the timing and duration of any other interval under 1(v) above shall be agreed.
(b) In a one-day match no specific time need be agreed for the tea interval. It may be agreed instead to take this interval between the innings.
(c) Intervals for drinks may not be taken during the last hour of the match, as defined in Law 16.6 (Last hour of match – number of overs). Subject to this limitation the captains and umpires shall agree the times for such intervals, if any, before the toss and on each subsequent day not later than 10 minutes before play is scheduled to start. See also Law 3.3 (Agreement with captains).
3. Duration of intervals
(a) An interval for lunch or for tea shall be of the duration agreed under 2(a) above, taken from the call of Time before the interval until the call of Play on resumption after the interval.
(b) An interval between innings shall be 10 minutes from the close of an innings to the call of Play for the start of the next innings, except as in 4, 6 and 7 below.
4. No allowance for interval between innings
In addition to the provisions of 6 and 7 below,
(a) if an innings ends when 10 minutes or less remain before the time agreed for close of play on any day, there will be no further play on that day. No change will be made to the time for the start of play on the following day on account of the 10 minutes between innings.
(b) if a captain declares an innings closed during an interruption in play of more than 10 minutes duration, no adjustment shall be made to the time for resumption of play on account of the 10 minutes between innings, which shall be considered as included in the interruption. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
(c) if a captain declares an innings closed during any interval other than an interval for drinks, the interval shall be of the agreed duration and shall be considered to include the 10 minutes between innings. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
5. Changing agreed times for intervals
If for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or for any other reason, playing time is lost, the umpires and captains together may alter the time of the lunch interval or of the tea interval. See also 6, 7 and 9(c) below.
6. Changing agreed time for lunch interval
(a) If an innings ends when 10 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for lunch, the interval shall be taken immediately. It shall be of the agreed length and shall be considered to include the 10 minutes between innings.
(b) If, because of adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, a stoppage occurs when 10 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for lunch then, notwithstanding 5 above, the interval shall be taken immediately. It shall be of the agreed length. Play shall resume at the end of this interval or as soon after as conditions permit.
(c) If the players have occasion to leave the field for any reason when more than 10 minutes remain before the agreed time for lunch then, unless the umpires and captains together agree to alter it, lunch will be taken at the agreed time.
7. Changing agreed time for tea interval
(a) (i) If an innings ends when 30 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for tea, then the interval shall be taken immediately. It shall be of the agreed length and shall be considered to include the 10 minutes between innings.
(ii) If, when 30 minutes remain before the agreed time for tea, an interval between innings is already in progress, play will resume at the end of the 10 minute interval.
(b) (i) If, because of adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, a stoppage occurs when 30 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for tea, then unless either there is an agreement to change the time for tea, as permitted in 5 above or the captains agree to forgo the tea interval, as permitted in 10 below the interval shall be taken immediately. The interval shall be of the agreed length. Play shall resume at the end of this interval or as soon after as conditions permit.
(ii) If a stoppage is already in progress when 30 minutes remain before the time agreed for tea, 5 above will apply.
8. Tea interval – 9 wickets down
If either 9 wickets are already down when 2 minutes remain to the agreed time for tea or the 9th wicket falls within these 2 minutes or at any later time up to and including the final ball of the over in progress at the agreed time for tea then notwithstanding the provisions of Law 16.5(b) (Completion of an over) tea will not be taken until the end of the over in progress 30 minutes after the originally agreed time for tea, unless the players have cause to leave the field of play or the innings is completed earlier.
9. Intervals for drinks
(a) If on any day the captains agree that there shall be intervals for drinks, the option to take such intervals shall be available to either side. Each interval shall be kept as short as possible and in any case shall not exceed 5 minutes.
(b) (i) Unless both captains agree to forgo any drinks interval, it shall be taken at the end of the over in progress when the agreed time is reached. If, however, a wicket falls within 5 minutes of the agreed time then drinks shall be taken immediately. No other variation in the timing of drinks intervals shall be permitted except as provided for in (c) below. (ii) For the purpose of (i) above and Law 3.9(a)(ii) (Suspension of play for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light) only, the batsmen at the wicket may deputise for their captain.
(c) If an innings ends or the players have to leave the field of play for any other reason within 30 minutes of the agreed time for a drinks interval, the umpires and captains together may rearrange the timing of drinks intervals in that session.
10. Agreement to forgo intervals
At any time during the match, the captains may agree to forgo the tea interval or any of the drinks intervals. The umpires shall be informed of the decision.
11. Scorers to be informed
The umpires shall ensure that the scorers are informed of all agreements about hours of play and intervals, and of any changes made thereto as permitted under this Law.
The following shall be classed as intervals.
(i) The period between close of play on one day and the start of the next day's play.
(ii) Intervals between innings.
(iii) Intervals for meals.
(iv) Intervals for drinks.
(v) Any other agreed interval.
All these intervals shall be considered as scheduled breaks for the purposes of Law 2.5 (Fielder absent or leaving the field).
2. Agreement of intervals
(a) Before the toss:
(i) the hours of play shall be established;
(ii) except as in (b) below, the timing and duration of intervals for meals shall be agreed;
(iii) the timing and duration of any other interval under 1(v) above shall be agreed.
(b) In a one-day match no specific time need be agreed for the tea interval. It may be agreed instead to take this interval between the innings.
(c) Intervals for drinks may not be taken during the last hour of the match, as defined in Law 16.6 (Last hour of match – number of overs). Subject to this limitation the captains and umpires shall agree the times for such intervals, if any, before the toss and on each subsequent day not later than 10 minutes before play is scheduled to start. See also Law 3.3 (Agreement with captains).
3. Duration of intervals
(a) An interval for lunch or for tea shall be of the duration agreed under 2(a) above, taken from the call of Time before the interval until the call of Play on resumption after the interval.
(b) An interval between innings shall be 10 minutes from the close of an innings to the call of Play for the start of the next innings, except as in 4, 6 and 7 below.
4. No allowance for interval between innings
In addition to the provisions of 6 and 7 below,
(a) if an innings ends when 10 minutes or less remain before the time agreed for close of play on any day, there will be no further play on that day. No change will be made to the time for the start of play on the following day on account of the 10 minutes between innings.
(b) if a captain declares an innings closed during an interruption in play of more than 10 minutes duration, no adjustment shall be made to the time for resumption of play on account of the 10 minutes between innings, which shall be considered as included in the interruption. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
(c) if a captain declares an innings closed during any interval other than an interval for drinks, the interval shall be of the agreed duration and shall be considered to include the 10 minutes between innings. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
5. Changing agreed times for intervals
If for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or for any other reason, playing time is lost, the umpires and captains together may alter the time of the lunch interval or of the tea interval. See also 6, 7 and 9(c) below.
6. Changing agreed time for lunch interval
(a) If an innings ends when 10 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for lunch, the interval shall be taken immediately. It shall be of the agreed length and shall be considered to include the 10 minutes between innings.
(b) If, because of adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, a stoppage occurs when 10 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for lunch then, notwithstanding 5 above, the interval shall be taken immediately. It shall be of the agreed length. Play shall resume at the end of this interval or as soon after as conditions permit.
(c) If the players have occasion to leave the field for any reason when more than 10 minutes remain before the agreed time for lunch then, unless the umpires and captains together agree to alter it, lunch will be taken at the agreed time.
7. Changing agreed time for tea interval
(a) (i) If an innings ends when 30 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for tea, then the interval shall be taken immediately. It shall be of the agreed length and shall be considered to include the 10 minutes between innings.
(ii) If, when 30 minutes remain before the agreed time for tea, an interval between innings is already in progress, play will resume at the end of the 10 minute interval.
(b) (i) If, because of adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, a stoppage occurs when 30 minutes or less remain before the agreed time for tea, then unless either there is an agreement to change the time for tea, as permitted in 5 above or the captains agree to forgo the tea interval, as permitted in 10 below the interval shall be taken immediately. The interval shall be of the agreed length. Play shall resume at the end of this interval or as soon after as conditions permit.
(ii) If a stoppage is already in progress when 30 minutes remain before the time agreed for tea, 5 above will apply.
8. Tea interval – 9 wickets down
If either 9 wickets are already down when 2 minutes remain to the agreed time for tea or the 9th wicket falls within these 2 minutes or at any later time up to and including the final ball of the over in progress at the agreed time for tea then notwithstanding the provisions of Law 16.5(b) (Completion of an over) tea will not be taken until the end of the over in progress 30 minutes after the originally agreed time for tea, unless the players have cause to leave the field of play or the innings is completed earlier.
9. Intervals for drinks
(a) If on any day the captains agree that there shall be intervals for drinks, the option to take such intervals shall be available to either side. Each interval shall be kept as short as possible and in any case shall not exceed 5 minutes.
(b) (i) Unless both captains agree to forgo any drinks interval, it shall be taken at the end of the over in progress when the agreed time is reached. If, however, a wicket falls within 5 minutes of the agreed time then drinks shall be taken immediately. No other variation in the timing of drinks intervals shall be permitted except as provided for in (c) below. (ii) For the purpose of (i) above and Law 3.9(a)(ii) (Suspension of play for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light) only, the batsmen at the wicket may deputise for their captain.
(c) If an innings ends or the players have to leave the field of play for any other reason within 30 minutes of the agreed time for a drinks interval, the umpires and captains together may rearrange the timing of drinks intervals in that session.
10. Agreement to forgo intervals
At any time during the match, the captains may agree to forgo the tea interval or any of the drinks intervals. The umpires shall be informed of the decision.
11. Scorers to be informed
The umpires shall ensure that the scorers are informed of all agreements about hours of play and intervals, and of any changes made thereto as permitted under this Law.
Wednesday 14 October 2015
Focus on Law 14: Declaration and Forfeiture
1. Time of declaration
The captain of the batting side may declare an innings closed, when the ball is dead, at any time during a match.
2. Forfeiture of an innings
A captain may forfeit either of his side's innings. A forfeited innings shall be considered as a completed innings.
3. Notification
A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his decision to declare or to forfeit an innings. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
The captain of the batting side may declare an innings closed, when the ball is dead, at any time during a match.
2. Forfeiture of an innings
A captain may forfeit either of his side's innings. A forfeited innings shall be considered as a completed innings.
3. Notification
A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his decision to declare or to forfeit an innings. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
Monday 12 October 2015
Focus on Law 13: The Follow-On
1. Lead on first innings
(a) In a two innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.
(b) The same option shall be available in two innings matches of shorter duration with the minimum required leads as follows:
(i) 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days;
(ii) 100 runs in a 2-day match;
(iii) 75 runs in a 1-day match.
2. Notification
A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his intention to take up this option. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
3. First day's play lost
If no play takes place on the first day of a match of more than one day's duration, 1 above shall apply in accordance with the number of days remaining from the actual start of the match. The day on which play first commences shall count as a whole day for this purpose, irrespective of the time at which play starts. Play will have taken place as soon as, after the call of Play, the first over has started. See Law 22.2 (Start of an over).
(a) In a two innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.
(b) The same option shall be available in two innings matches of shorter duration with the minimum required leads as follows:
(i) 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days;
(ii) 100 runs in a 2-day match;
(iii) 75 runs in a 1-day match.
2. Notification
A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his intention to take up this option. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
3. First day's play lost
If no play takes place on the first day of a match of more than one day's duration, 1 above shall apply in accordance with the number of days remaining from the actual start of the match. The day on which play first commences shall count as a whole day for this purpose, irrespective of the time at which play starts. Play will have taken place as soon as, after the call of Play, the first over has started. See Law 22.2 (Start of an over).
Sunday 11 October 2015
Focus on Law 12: The Innings
1. Number of innings
(a) A match shall be one or two innings of each side according to agreement reached before the match.
(b) It may be agreed to limit any innings to a number of overs or by a period of time. If such an agreement is made then
(i) in a one innings match it shall apply to both innings.
(ii) in a two innings match it shall apply to either the first innings of each side or the second innings of each side or both innings of each side.
2. Alternate innings
In a two innings match each side shall take their innings alternately except in the cases provided for in Law 13 (The follow- on) or Law 14.2 (Forfeiture of an innings).
3. Completed innings
A side's innings is to be considered as completed if
(a) the side is all out
or (b) at the fall of a wicket, further balls remain to be bowled, but no further batsman is available to come in
or (c) the captain declares the innings closed
or (d) the captain forfeits the innings
or (e) in the case of an agreement under 1(b) above,
either (i) the prescribed number of overs has been bowled
or (ii) the prescribed time has expired.
4. The toss
The captains shall toss for the choice of innings on the field of play not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 15 minutes, before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the match to start. Note, however, the provisions of Law 1.3 (Captain).
5. Decision to be notified
The captain of the side winning the toss shall notify the opposing captain of his decision to bat or to field, not later than 10 minutes before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the match to start. Once notified the decision may not be altered.
(a) A match shall be one or two innings of each side according to agreement reached before the match.
(b) It may be agreed to limit any innings to a number of overs or by a period of time. If such an agreement is made then
(i) in a one innings match it shall apply to both innings.
(ii) in a two innings match it shall apply to either the first innings of each side or the second innings of each side or both innings of each side.
2. Alternate innings
In a two innings match each side shall take their innings alternately except in the cases provided for in Law 13 (The follow- on) or Law 14.2 (Forfeiture of an innings).
3. Completed innings
A side's innings is to be considered as completed if
(a) the side is all out
or (b) at the fall of a wicket, further balls remain to be bowled, but no further batsman is available to come in
or (c) the captain declares the innings closed
or (d) the captain forfeits the innings
or (e) in the case of an agreement under 1(b) above,
either (i) the prescribed number of overs has been bowled
or (ii) the prescribed time has expired.
4. The toss
The captains shall toss for the choice of innings on the field of play not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 15 minutes, before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the match to start. Note, however, the provisions of Law 1.3 (Captain).
5. Decision to be notified
The captain of the side winning the toss shall notify the opposing captain of his decision to bat or to field, not later than 10 minutes before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the match to start. Once notified the decision may not be altered.
Saturday 10 October 2015
Focus on Law 11: Covering the Pitch
1. Before the match
The use of covers before the match is the responsibility of the Ground Authority and may include full covering if required. However, the Ground Authority shall grant suitable facility to the captains to inspect the pitch before the nomination of their players and to the umpires to discharge their duties as laid down in Laws 3 (The umpires), 7 (The pitch), 8 (The wickets), 9 (The bowling, popping and return creases) and 10 (Preparation and maintenance of the playing area).
2. During the match
The pitch shall not be completely covered during the match unless provided otherwise by regulations or by agreement before the toss.
3. Covering bowlers' run ups
Whenever possible, the bowlers' run ups shall be covered in inclement weather, in order to keep them dry. Unless there is agreement for full covering under 2 above the covers so used shall not extend further than 1.52m in front of each popping crease.
4. Removal of covers
(a) If after the toss the pitch is covered overnight, the covers shall be removed in the morning at the earliest possible moment on each day that play is expected to take place.
(b) If covers are used during the day as protection from inclement weather, or if inclement weather delays the removal of overnight covers, they shall be removed promptly as soon as conditions allow.
The use of covers before the match is the responsibility of the Ground Authority and may include full covering if required. However, the Ground Authority shall grant suitable facility to the captains to inspect the pitch before the nomination of their players and to the umpires to discharge their duties as laid down in Laws 3 (The umpires), 7 (The pitch), 8 (The wickets), 9 (The bowling, popping and return creases) and 10 (Preparation and maintenance of the playing area).
2. During the match
The pitch shall not be completely covered during the match unless provided otherwise by regulations or by agreement before the toss.
3. Covering bowlers' run ups
Whenever possible, the bowlers' run ups shall be covered in inclement weather, in order to keep them dry. Unless there is agreement for full covering under 2 above the covers so used shall not extend further than 1.52m in front of each popping crease.
4. Removal of covers
(a) If after the toss the pitch is covered overnight, the covers shall be removed in the morning at the earliest possible moment on each day that play is expected to take place.
(b) If covers are used during the day as protection from inclement weather, or if inclement weather delays the removal of overnight covers, they shall be removed promptly as soon as conditions allow.
Friday 9 October 2015
Focus on Law 10: Preparation and Maintenance of the Playing Area
1. Rolling
The pitch shall not be rolled during the match except as permitted in (a) and (b) below.
(a) Frequency and duration of rolling
During the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the batting side, for a period of not more than 7 minutes, before the start of each innings, other than the first innings of the match, and before the start of each subsequent day's play. See (d) below.
(b) Rolling after a delayed start
In addition to the rolling permitted above, if, after the toss and before the first innings of the match, the start is delayed, the captain of the batting side may request to have the pitch rolled for not more than 7 minutes. However, if the umpires together agree that the delay has had no significant effect on the state of the pitch, they shall refuse the request for the rolling of the pitch.
(c) Choice of rollers
If there is more than one roller available the captain of the batting side shall have the choice.
(d) Timing of permitted rolling
The rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes) before play begins on any day shall be started not more than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin. The captain of the batting side may, however, delay the start of such rolling until not less than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin, should he so desire.
(e) Insufficient time to complete rolling
If a captain declares an innings closed, or forfeits an innings, or enforces the follow-on, and the other captain is prevented thereby from exercising his option of the rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes), or if he is so prevented for any other reason, the extra time required to complete the rolling shall be taken out of the normal playing time.
2. Sweeping
(a) If rolling is to take place the pitch shall first be swept to avoid any possible damage by rolling in debris. This sweeping shall be done so that the 7 minutes allowed for rolling is not affected.
(b) The pitch shall be cleared of any debris at all intervals for meals, between innings and at the beginning of each day, not earlier than 30 minutes nor later than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin. See Law
15.1 (An interval).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) and (b) above, the umpires shall not allow sweeping to take place where they consider it may be detrimental to the surface of the pitch.
3. Mowing
(a) The pitch
The pitch shall be mown on each day of the match on which play is expected to take place, if ground and weather conditions allow.
(b) The outfield
In order to ensure that conditions are as similar as possible for both sides, the outfield shall be mown on each day of the match on which play is expected to take place, if ground and weather conditions allow. If, for reasons other than ground and weather conditions, complete mowing of the outfield is not possible, the Ground Authority shall notify the captains and umpires of the procedure to be adopted for such mowing during the match.
(c) Responsibility for mowing
All mowings which are carried out before the match shall be the responsibility of the Ground Authority. All subsequent mowings shall be carried out under the supervision of the umpires.
(d) Timing of mowing
(i) Mowing of the pitch on any day of the match shall be completed not later than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day.
(ii) Mowing of the outfield on any day of the match shall be completed not later than 15 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day.
4. Watering
The pitch shall not be watered during the match.
5. Re-marking creases
The creases shall be re-marked whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
6. Maintenance of footholes
The umpires shall ensure that the holes made by the bowlers and batsmen are cleaned out and dried whenever necessary to facilitate play. In matches of more than one day's duration, the umpires shall allow, if necessary, the re-turfing of footholes made by the bowler in his delivery stride, or the use of quick-setting fillings for the same purpose.
7. Securing of footholds and maintenance of pitch
During play, the umpires shall allow the players to secure their footholds by the use of sawdust provided that no damage to the pitch is caused and that Law 42 (Fair and unfair play) is not contravened.
8. Non-turf pitches
Wherever appropriate, the provisions set out in 1 to 7 above shall apply.
The pitch shall not be rolled during the match except as permitted in (a) and (b) below.
(a) Frequency and duration of rolling
During the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the batting side, for a period of not more than 7 minutes, before the start of each innings, other than the first innings of the match, and before the start of each subsequent day's play. See (d) below.
(b) Rolling after a delayed start
In addition to the rolling permitted above, if, after the toss and before the first innings of the match, the start is delayed, the captain of the batting side may request to have the pitch rolled for not more than 7 minutes. However, if the umpires together agree that the delay has had no significant effect on the state of the pitch, they shall refuse the request for the rolling of the pitch.
(c) Choice of rollers
If there is more than one roller available the captain of the batting side shall have the choice.
(d) Timing of permitted rolling
The rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes) before play begins on any day shall be started not more than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin. The captain of the batting side may, however, delay the start of such rolling until not less than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin, should he so desire.
(e) Insufficient time to complete rolling
If a captain declares an innings closed, or forfeits an innings, or enforces the follow-on, and the other captain is prevented thereby from exercising his option of the rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes), or if he is so prevented for any other reason, the extra time required to complete the rolling shall be taken out of the normal playing time.
2. Sweeping
(a) If rolling is to take place the pitch shall first be swept to avoid any possible damage by rolling in debris. This sweeping shall be done so that the 7 minutes allowed for rolling is not affected.
(b) The pitch shall be cleared of any debris at all intervals for meals, between innings and at the beginning of each day, not earlier than 30 minutes nor later than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin. See Law
15.1 (An interval).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) and (b) above, the umpires shall not allow sweeping to take place where they consider it may be detrimental to the surface of the pitch.
3. Mowing
(a) The pitch
The pitch shall be mown on each day of the match on which play is expected to take place, if ground and weather conditions allow.
(b) The outfield
In order to ensure that conditions are as similar as possible for both sides, the outfield shall be mown on each day of the match on which play is expected to take place, if ground and weather conditions allow. If, for reasons other than ground and weather conditions, complete mowing of the outfield is not possible, the Ground Authority shall notify the captains and umpires of the procedure to be adopted for such mowing during the match.
(c) Responsibility for mowing
All mowings which are carried out before the match shall be the responsibility of the Ground Authority. All subsequent mowings shall be carried out under the supervision of the umpires.
(d) Timing of mowing
(i) Mowing of the pitch on any day of the match shall be completed not later than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day.
(ii) Mowing of the outfield on any day of the match shall be completed not later than 15 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day.
4. Watering
The pitch shall not be watered during the match.
5. Re-marking creases
The creases shall be re-marked whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
6. Maintenance of footholes
The umpires shall ensure that the holes made by the bowlers and batsmen are cleaned out and dried whenever necessary to facilitate play. In matches of more than one day's duration, the umpires shall allow, if necessary, the re-turfing of footholes made by the bowler in his delivery stride, or the use of quick-setting fillings for the same purpose.
7. Securing of footholds and maintenance of pitch
During play, the umpires shall allow the players to secure their footholds by the use of sawdust provided that no damage to the pitch is caused and that Law 42 (Fair and unfair play) is not contravened.
8. Non-turf pitches
Wherever appropriate, the provisions set out in 1 to 7 above shall apply.
Thursday 8 October 2015
Focus on Law 9: The Creases
The creases
A bowling crease, a popping crease and two return creases shall be marked in white, as set out in 2, 3 and 4 below, at each end of the pitch.
2. The bowling crease
The bowling crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, shall be the line through the centres of the three stumps at that end. It shall be 2.64m in length, with the stumps in the centre.
3. The popping crease
The popping crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, shall be in front of and parallel to the bowling crease and shall be 1.22m from it. The popping crease shall be marked to a minimum of 1.83m on either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the middle stumps and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.
4. The return creases
The return creases, which are the inside edges of the crease markings, shall be at right angles to the popping crease at a distance of 1.32m either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps. Each return crease shall be marked from the popping crease to a minimum of 2.44m behind it and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.
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