User Questions + Answers Archive

Q1: Padding up to the ball

Suhas Sapre asks:

Please clear my doubts on the following deliberate padding & leg byes: 

1. Batsman pads up deliberately, the ball balloons up in the air and hits his bat and a catch is taken. Is the batsman out?

2. Batsman pads up deliberately, subsequently there is an inadvertently contact with the bat, the batsmen take runs. Are these runs valid?

Answer 
1. Yes. The ball is not dead.
2. Yes. The batter does not have to strike at the ball for the runs to count.

Q2: New Ball

Suhas Sapre asks: 

I have some doubts about when the new ball is to be available or may be claimed?

LAW NO.4.4 -NEW BALL IN A MATCH OF MORE THAN ONE DAY’S DURATION:

In a match of more than one day’s duration, the captain of the fielding side may demand a new ball when the number of overs, excluding any part of the over, bowled with the old one is equal to a greater than 80 overs……….

My understanding of the law:

If fielding side captain takes a new ball at 82.3 overs, when can the new ball available to him or after how many overs, he can claim the new ball?

My answer would be 82 (part of the over to be disregarded for old ball and will be counted as a whole over bowled with the new ball) + 80 overs = 162 overs. That is a new ball can be claimed any time after 162 overs, i.e. in the 163rd over.

Please clear my doubts, whether part of the over to be calculated as bowled with the new ball or old ball? that is my confusion.

Answer 
Agreed, 163 overs.

Q3: Revoke the Signal?

Suhas Sapre asks:

A spin bowler accidentally breaks the wicket at his own end during his delivery stride. You are the bowler’s end umpire and you immediately call and signal No ball. However, the bowler, who realises what he has done, does not release the ball. What should you do?

My answer would be: Revoke the signal of No ball, since the ball is not released by the bowler, realising breaking the wicket during delivery stride, before delivery. And call and signal Dead Ball.

Answer 
Correct

Q4: Caught off a second hit?

Suhas Sapre asks:

A lifting delivery strikes the batter on the upper arm, lands on the ground and rolls back towards the stumps. He hits it away and the ball is caught on the full by a fielder. The fielding team appeals. What is your verdict?

My Answer: Not out.

But the answer showing in one of the MCC quizzes, Not out. He cannot be caught off the second legal strike. (Correct Answer)

But I want to correct the wording of the answer given.

Not out. He cannot be caught off the second legal strike since the ball has been grounded since first struck.

Answer 
See Law 33.2.2.2 a fielder catches the ball after it has been lawfully struck more than once by the striker, but only if it has not been grounded since it was first struck. See Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).

Are you referring to one of my quizzes or an MCC quiz? If an MCC quiz, I cannot help. You will need to contact them directly. If it is one of mine you will need to tell me which quiz.

Q5: Ball splits in two

Suhas Sapre asks:

If a ball hit by a batsman split into two parts, one half is caught in the slip and the other part of the ball is caught by the bowler. There is an appeal, what is your decision?

Further what would be your decision, if one half of the split ball crosses the fence?

My answer: Not out, as the ball is considered a whole ball with the prescribed weight and circumference. But when it has lost the shape and split into two parts, how can a batsman be given out? It is Dead ball and no runs are scored. Ball is not to be rebowled.

Answer 
A split ball is not a dead ball. The striker will be out caught on appeal. Whoever caught half of the ball first would be credited with the catch.

If one half of the ball crosses the boundary and the other half is not caught, a boundary would be scored.

I am not aware of any occurrence of this ever happening. It seems ridiculous, I know, but dead ball for a split ball is not covered in the laws therefore the delivery remains ‘live’.

Q6: Losing the grip on the bat

Suhas Sapre asks:

What would be the umpire’s decision, if a striker happens to lose the grip of the bat, which happens to hit the ball; (a) If it goes for boundary, (b) if a fielder takes a fair catch?

My decision would be , since bat not in hand hits the ball, it should be dead ball, and ball must be re-bowled. And a fair catch is not possible since the definition of the catch is, bat in hand……

Following my answer from a quiz shows me incorrect. Please clarify.

A batter going for a big hit loses his grip on the bat and it comes out of his hands the moment it hits the ball. The bat hits the bowler on his follow through while the ball travels to the boundary. What is your decision?

A. Dead ball. Disallow the boundary four. (Your Answer)

B. Dead ball. Disallow the boundary four. Five penalty runs to the fielding side.

C. Allow the boundary four as long as you are sure that the loss of control of the bat was accidental.(Correct Answer)

D. Dead ball as soon as the bat hits the bowler. Disallow the boundary four.

Answer 
(a) four runs
(b) caught

As long as the losing grip of the bat was considered accidental and happened at the moment of contact, the runs or catch would be allowed. If the umpire believed that the bat was thrown at the ball it would be a dead ball.

Q7: Mode of delivery

Suhas Sapre asks:

In respect of Law 21.1. Mode of delivery, there is nothing wrong if a bowler bowls with left hand first 3 balls, later on he informs the Bowler's End Umpire to bowl with the right hand, and coincidentally, the batsman is bowled. There is nothing wrong here.

A bowler can bowl with right hand and left hand, provided he informs the BEU of his intention.

Here in quiz, question is not clear. Bowler informs the bowler (here it should be BEU, instead) The wording is wrong.

How can he be declared Not out & No ball? , it should be cleared that since he has not informed the BEU.

Please ascertain the quiz question, and give me your interpretation.

(Law 21.1): A slow bowler who has bowled three balls left arm over the wicket. He then informs the bowler he is changing to round the wicket. You inform the batter. The bowler then delivers the ball with his right arm and bowls surprised batter. The batter protests his dismissal. What is your decision?

A. Not out and dead ball.

B. Not out and no ball. (Correct Answer)

C. Out, nothing illegal has happened here. (Your Answer)

D. Not out and dead ball. Award five penalty runs for unfair play by the bowler. 

Answer 
The answer is correct as it is clear the bowler did not inform the BEU that he/she was changing bowling arms.

Q8: Hit the ball twice?

Suhas Sapre asks:

If a batsman drives the ball back to bowler, when he fields it and throws it at the striker’s end, the striker swats it away with his bat, over the boundary. What is your decision?

Please what is your interpretation, whether my answer hit the ball twice, is wrong, why? or should the batsman be given obstructing the field?

(Law 18): A batter drives the ball back down the pitch and the bowler fields it. In an attempt to run out the striker, the bowler tries to throw the ball at speed to the wicketkeeper, but his aim is off and it flies at the batter’s face. Instinctively, the batter swats it away with his bat, over the boundary. What is your decision?

A. Signal four runs. The runs are credited to the batter because he hit the ball originally. If the ball had not been hit by the batter’s instinctive action overthrows would have eventuated. (Correct Answer)

B. Call and signal dead ball.

C. Give the batter out ‘hit the ball twice’. (Your Answer)

D. Give the batter out ‘obstructing the field’.

Answer 
The answer is correct. The batter cannot be dismissed in this circumstance as he/she is instinctively protecting him/herself from injury. It is the bowler’s responsibility not to endanger the batter. The ball is not dead so the runs can be allowed.

Q9: Fair delivery?

Suhas Sapre asks:

If a bowler releases his delivery from behind the bowler, how can it be a fair delivery, rather than calling and signalling Dead Ball ? If (in question) a bowler bowls 5 meters away from the crease, he is presumed to be behind the bowler?

Please give your interpretation in this regard. Following my answer which is given wrong.

(Law 20.5): A fast bowler, still five metres from the crease delivers a fast ball which catches the batter by surprise and bowls him. What is your decision?

A. Call and signal dead ball. (Your Answer)

B. Call and signal no ball.

C. Give the batter out bowled as the ball is live as soon as the bowler begins his/her run-up. (Correct Answer)

D. Call and signal dead ball. Award five penalty runs to the batting team for unfair play.

Answer 
The answer is correct as the ball is ‘live’ as soon as the bowler begins his run-up. The bowler is not behind the umpire and is not obscuring the batter’s view. The bowler does not have to deliver the ball at the crease line.

If the bowler deliberately delivered the ball from behind the umpire so that the batter cannot see the release of the ball, answer D. would apply.

Thanks for all your thoughtful questions and best wishes with your umpiring.

Q10: Beamer?

Suhas Sapre asks:

In one of the recent IPL play off matches, between CSK and SRHyderabad, CSK bowler happened to deliver a ball, which was a flier and went directly above the head of the striker Shakibul Rehman through to WK MSK Dhoni. After consulting with the striker’s end umpire, it was declared as Dead ball.

Now my queries are:

i) It was a beamer, why did either umpire not call and signal No ball?

ii) Why the bowler was not warned for the beamer?

iii) It was a clearly a fairly delivered ball and not slipped from the bowler’s hands, then why not called No Ball?

iv) The batting side thus deprived off a No ball and then free hit.

Answer 
Law 41.7 applies. Based on the info you have given the umpires appear to have made a mistake.

Q11: Mandatory overs

Suhas Sapre asks:

If an innings ends off the first ball of the first over of the first mandatory overs, how many overs the second batting side will be entitled to play? (0.1 over)

Whether this over should be counted as a completed over or not?

Answer 
The partial over is regarded as a completed over. An additional three overs are deducted for the interval between innings.

Q12: Last hour of the match

Suhas Sapre asks:

I would like to quote the wording of WISDEN- The Laws of Criket-2000 code by late Shri Don Oslear. It reads like this:

“”Last hour of Match -Interval between innings”, there is an important change in part (c) (iii). Under Law17.7 (c) (iv) of the 1980 code, if a match was in the finl hour and an innings came to a close, say after 4 overs and 4 balls had bee bowled of the 20, the first calculation that should have gone through an umpire’s mind was four overs bowled, forge the 4 balls. Those 4 balls would not enter calculations at all. We would then finalise our calculations on the basis by which we have done in the past and will do so in the future, with one exception.

Under the 2000 code and taking the same example, 4 overs and 4 balls bowled of the minimum of 20 to be bowled in the final hour, our first thought is, how many more to be bowled? This is obviously 15 overs and 2 balls. The NEW law states “If this is not a whole number, it is to be rounded up to the next whole number”. This would be 16 and then we deduct 3 overs for the innings interval, leaving us with a minimum of 13 overs to bowl to complete minimum of 20 overs in that final hour. The thing that must not be forgotten is the other calculation based on the remaining time, whichever calculation gets the most overs, that is one to be adopted.”

With the overs calculation under the 1980 code we would still end up with the same amount of overs. Taking the same example of 4 overs and 4 balls bowled, our first thought would have been to forget the 4 balls, leaving 4 overs bowled. Then we add the 3 overs for the 10 minutes between innings, making 7 bowled, which again would leave us with 13 to bowl to reach the minimum of 20 in the final hour.

This is for your kind information, as what I quoted above from the book itself. Trying to avoid doubts and trying to get clarity on this issue from you. Please correct me after reading the above quotes.

Sorry for inconvenience, but shall be glad to have doubts cleared.

Answer 
Laws 12.8.3 and 12.8.4 cover this issue according to the 2017 code. However, it is normal for local competitions to modify these laws as the calculations can be too complex for non-professional umpires. The example I have given below is commonly used in local playing conditions in many competitions throughout the cricketing world.
1. Any part over is considered to be completed.
2. 3 overs are deducted for the change of innings.

This makes the calculations easy for non-professional umpires. Note that in many competitions the last hour involves 16 overs rather than 20.

Please note that my website is written for non-professional umpires and competitions.

Q13: Bails

Suhas Sapre asks:

A match is in progress with bails. A fairly delivered ball, played and missed by the striker and the ball hits the stumps, (which are without bails). The stump is very much in position even not tilted.

Should the batsman be given out bowled?

Should the stump be uprooted?

[This happened and either umpire failed to call and signal dead ball before the delivery].

Answer 
See Laws 20.4.2.4 and 29.4.1

Based on the way you have written the question the batter would be out bowled. It is not a Dead ball according to 20.4.2.4.

 

Q14: Cap falling on the ground

Suhas Sapre asks:

When a cap falls on the ground accidentally, and ball in play comes into contact with the cap, there is no penalty.
When a cap is removed by the fielder while taking catch and if ball in play comes into contact with the cap, 5 penalty runs will be awarded to the batting side.
I am not sure whether the same rule is applicable if it is helmet in place of cap, and same things happen.

Answer 
The cap is an article of clothing whereas the helmet is an article of protective equipment. However 28.2.2 says:

It is not illegal fielding if the ball in play makes contact with a piece of clothing, equipment or any other object which has accidentally fallen from the fielder’s person.

Therefore no penalty should apply.

 

Q15: Nominated players

Suhas Sapre asks:

1. What would be the time frame for changing the nominated player?

2. And what is the rule for replacement ?

3. If a team with less number of players play a match, say 8 players, they all bat. But when the side comes to field, can they field with 11 players, with or without permission?

Answer 
1. The nomination of the playing 11 must be made before the toss. However, changes can be made after that time with the approval of the opposing captain.

2. A player can only be replaced with the approval of the opposing captain.

3. They don’t need permission, but the umpires must be notified before the innings commences.

Q16: Batter slips from batter's hands

Suhas Sapre asks:

 1. If a ball delivered too wide off the off stump and batsman in attempt to drive, loses his bat from his hands and the bat happens to hit the ball, which is caught by a fielder, is the batsman out Caught?

2. If the ball crosses the boundary. after hitting the bat , is boundary scored?

3. If the bat misses and can the ball be called it wide?

4. If the batsman is not given out nor the boundary is scored, can the ball be re-bowled?

Answer 
1. No, as the bat was not being held by at least one hand of the batter. However, if the umpires believe the action was deliberate the batter would be given out obstructing the field.

2. This unusual situation does not appear to be covered by the laws. Commonsense would indicate that the umpires should call dead ball and disallow any runs. A boundary four cannot be scored as the bat was not being held by at least one hand. Wides should not be called as the bat hit the ball. Likewise byes should not be called for the same reason. Law 20.4.2.1 may cover this situation as it clearly unfair to the fielding side that runs could be scored from such an action. Providing the umpires believe that the actions of the batter were not deliberate penalty runs would not be awarded.

3. Yes

4. No as the ball was legally delivered it should stand as a fair delivery.

Q17: Crease markings

Suhas Sapre asks:

I would like to raise one issue regarding width of the crease markings, which varies from ground to ground. As a result of this, most of the umpires find it difficult to judge No balls, stumping & Run outs, too. If the width of the marking is increased to 2″ (inches), I feel it will help umpires to decide where exactly front foot lands with a greater width of the marking, I am of the opinion that the width of the marking should be laid down with prescribed measurement of 2 inches. It should be made mandatory and may be included in the Law:7 THE CREASES.

I am very much sure that this will make a difference to decide No balls, Stumping & Run outs, with a better clarity. Keeping the width of the marking too small, say 1 to 1 & half inches, is not suffice and umpire does not get better view of landing front foot. I, therefore, feel that the Governing Body of the MCC or the ICC, must look into the issue and implement at the earliest in all first class matches as well as all Ltd overs matches.

These are my personal views of my 35 years of experience in Cricket Umpiring. I am BCCI panel scorer, too.

Answer 
I agree that this is an issue worth pursuing with the ICC. I note that the width of the crease lines is not mentioned in Law 7 or Appendix C. I agree there should be standardization. In my time I have seen lines as narrow as 10mm and as wide as 75cm.

Q18: Declaration

Suhas Sapre asks:

There is no prescribed time for the captain of the batting side to declare or captain of the fielding side to forfeit his second innings during lunch or during 10 mts break. But it is understandable that when an innings ends, the umpire will immediately enquire with the fielding side captain, who will now have to bat, whether he wants rolling and which roller. And that during innings interval, thus you can instruct accordingly to the ground staff and the scorers of the instructions and intention of his batting option.

But how long can a captain of the batting side delay his decision during interval (Lunch / Tea / Close of play) to declare / or the other captain to forfeit his innings closed? Can he declare/ forfeit once the umpires go out in the middle for the resumption of play after that interval? How long can he delay his decision? And how long can umpire allow this to happen?

Answer 
Yes, the captain can declare/ forfeit the innings after the interval and just before play is to resume. I have never heard of this happening and if it did, the captain of the batting side would likely come in for plenty of criticism.

Likewise, for the forfeiture. Providing a ball hasn’t been bowled in the new innings. Again, the captain would likely come in for plenty of criticism if he/she acted in this manner.

I have never heard of a situation where a captain has given instructions for the seven minutes rolling and then deciding to forfeit the innings after that has been completed.

Q19: The result?

Suhas Sapre asks:

While reading laws 2017 edition, I got perplexed on the following scenario:

LAW NO.16:6:1 As soon as a result is reached as defined in 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4 and 16.5.1, the match is at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter, except as in Law 41.8.2 (Penalty runs) shall be regarded as part of it. (Note 16.9)

16:6:2 The side batting last will have scored enough runs to win only if its total of runs is sufficient without including any runs completed by the batsmen before the completion of a catch, or the obstruction of a catch, from which the striker could be dismissed.”

Reference: Sehwag of India was deprived of his century following a No ball. India needed 1 run to win. India won the match on account of No ball, even though Sehwag hit a six, but he could not complete his century, as after win further actions are not part of the match.

WISDEN ; THE LAWS OF CRICKET 2000 CODE (BY DON OSLEAR)

LAW : 14 DECLARATION & FORFEITURE (Page No.63- bottom paragraph) Reads…..

The captain of the batting side has scored 99 when he hits the ball high into the air. The batsmen complete one run when the striker shouts “Innings declared”, after which a catch is taken. What should be the umpire’s decision? As the law read, the decision should have been “NOT OUT”, which I, along with all the other members of the working party and many others who follow the game would have thought ludicrous. The new code gives clarification, should such an incident arise.”…

After reading all the above interpretations, I got confused on one situation

If a batsman is out off a wide ball, when batting side requires 1 run to win, the batting side wins on account of Wide ball, and no further actions can be a part of the match.

Likewise, if a striker hits the ball in the sky, when batting side needs one run to win, and before catch is taken the batsmen completed required 1 run to win,

Does the batting side win on account of 1 run before the catch is taken?
Or
Is it that, batsman is out and the team is all out. (If it was the last wicket)?

Whether catch is valid or result is reached before the catch is taken?

Law 16.6.2 (2017 code) is not clear and confusing, reading………………
The side………without including any runs completed by the batsmen before the completion of a catch, or the obstruction of a catch………….”

Answer 
The batter is out caught and the run doesn’t stand. The match would end either in a tie or a draw. Any runs completed by the batters before a catch is taken don’t count.

Q20: Distracting the striker?

Suhas Sapre asks:

Is the umpire right to call & signal Dead ball, (in the following video), when the bowler swings around during run up, before entering into his delivery stride to deliver the ball. Is this action considered as distracting the striker?

Answer 
If it was the first ball of a bowling spell I would let it go, but if it was not the first delivery and it is a definite change of run up/delivery stride, Dead Ball should be called as the batter would clearly be distracted. I would then ask the bowler if he/she is going to continue with the 360 degree rotation for the remainder of the bowling spell. I would then inform the two batters and allow play to continue. No penalty against the bowler/fielding team.

Q21: Illegal fielding

Suhas Sapre asks:

If a fielder illegally fields the ball, ball becomes Dead, 5 runs (Completed runs + run in progress) are scored. And ball is not counted as one in the over. But what happens if it is a No ball or wide ball?

Answer 
1 run (no-ball/wide) plus 5 penalty runs plus completed runs plus run in progress.

Q22: Last batter injured

On Saturday the oppositions last man top edged the ball into his head meaning he required first aid treatment. Our players and their umpire took this to be the end of the oppositions innings however the opposition captain is now contesting the result.  Can you clarify the rules on this?

Answer 
If the injured batter was unable to continue batting after first-aid treatment then he/she would be recorded as ‘retired hurt’. As the last pair were at the wicket this would end the innings.

Q23: Out after bails dislodged

The bowler bowls and while standing up the wicketkeeper dislodges the bails. After this the batsman is bowled with the ball hitting the stumps. Is the batsman out?

Answer 
No, the batter is not out ‘bowled’ as the bails were not dislodged by the ball. An alert striker’s end umpire will call ‘dead ball’ as soon as the bails are dislodged, hopefully before the ball is bowled.

Q24: Run out?

The ball was struck to a fielder, who threw it in but missed the stumps. The running batsman jumped to avoid the ball but in doing so the ball struck the batsman’s foot and deflected onto the stumps while the batsman was out of his ground. The fielding side appealed and the batsman was given out.
Is this correct?

Answer 
Yes, the batter is out, unless he/she had already made his/her ground and was jumping to avoid the ball. The batter being hit by the ball in play doesn’t constitute a ‘dead ball’ situation.

Q25: Caught behind given out by striker's end umpire

There is an appeal for a caught behind but the bowlers end umpire gives him not out in the first instance but immediately  afterwards he notices that the striker’s umpire is signalling him that the ball has touch the bat and in fact it is a caught behind. After the consultation between the umpires the bowler’s end umpire gives the batsman out. The ball had gone to the wicket keeper from the offside and the striker’s end umpire feels that there was a sound of bat. Was it out?

Answer 
This is very bad umpiring. The bowler’s end umpire is the sole judge as to whether the ball touched the bat and cannot be influenced by the opinion of the striker’s end umpire. The two umpires can only consult as to whether the ball was caught cleanly, not as to whether it hit the bat. Any batter given out in such circumstances has every right to feel hard done by.

Q26: Shortage of players

In a T-20 game the fielding team start the match with 9 players and remaining 2 players arrived on 18th over.

1. Can they take part in the game or should the team continue with only 9 players?

2. If they are one or more player short for full 20 overs (Fielding Team) and did not take part in fielding, can they join only for batting?

Answer 
1. Providing they were named on the team sheet before the match, they can take part even at that late stage.

2.Yes.

Q27: Batter leaving the field

Can Batsman stop his inning without any injury or illness in T-20 cricket? Is it allowed?

Answer 
Yes, but it will be recorded as ‘retired out’.

Q28: Substitute fielder

1. Is it allowed to start the match with Substitute fielder if a player is absent when the match start?

2. If one or more player is late (Fielding Team) and not present in the starting of the gamea

a. Until what Time/Over they can join the field?

b. Is there any restriction for them on bowling or batting? 

Answer 

1. Yes, providing the substitute is a member of the team, eg. twelfth man, team manager, team coach etc.

2a. At any time the ball is dead.
2b. No. They may take immediate part in the match.

Q29: Stumped or run out?

Striker A' plays the ball to the cover area and runs for a single. Non-striker B’ backs up a little and again returns to his crease. But however, the striker A' grounds the bat at the non-striking end (bowler's end) earlier than the non-striker `B’. The wicket is put down at the striker’s end after a while when both the striker and the non-striker are at the non-striker’s end. Who is out ? This is a real match incident.  

Answer  

This situation is covered by Law 29: 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.
If the non-striker had remained in his ground the striker would have been run out. Because the non-striker left his ground and then returned to it after the striker, the non-striker is run out.

Q30: Waist height no ball

If the ball hits the stumps and goes for four after waist height no ball, do the runs count?

Answer 
Yes, five no balls.

Q31: Illegal fielding

Suhas Sapre asks:

If a fielder illegally fields the ball, ball becomes Dead, 5 runs (Completed runs + run in progress) are scored. And ball is not counted as one in the over. But what happens if it is a No ball or wide ball?

Answer 
1 run (no-ball/wide) plus 5 penalty runs plus completed runs plus run in progress.

Q32: Last batter injured

On Saturday the oppositions last man top edged the ball into his head meaning he required first aid treatment. Our players and their umpire took this to be the end of the oppositions innings however the opposition captain is now contesting the result.  Can you clarify the rules on this?

Answer 

If the injured batter was unable to continue batting after first-aid treatment then he/she would be recorded as ‘retired hurt’. As the last pair were at the wicket this would end the innings.

Q33: Out after bails dislodged?

The bowler bowls and while standing up the wicketkeeper dislodges the bails. After this the batsman is bowled with the ball hitting the stumps. Is the batsman out?

Answer 

No, the batter is not out ‘bowled’ as the bails were not dislodged by the ball. An alert striker’s end umpire will call ‘dead ball’ as soon as the bails are dislodged, hopefully before the ball is bowled.

Q34: Run out - hit batter

The ball was struck to a fielder, who threw it in but missed the stumps.
The running batsman jumped to avoid the ball but in doing so the ball struck the batsman’s foot and deflected onto the stumps while the batsman was out of his ground. The fielding side appealed and the batsman was given out.
Is this correct?

Answer 

Yes, the batter is out, unless he/she had already made his/her ground and was jumping to avoid the ball. The batter being hit by the ball in play doesn’t constitute a ‘dead ball’ situation.

Q35: Caught behind given out by striker's end umpire

There is an appeal for a caught behind but the bowlers end umpire gives him not out in the first instance but immediately  afterwards he notices that the striker’s umpire is signalling him that the ball has touch the bat and in fact it is a caught behind. After the consultation between the umpires the bowler’s end umpire gives the batsman out. The ball had gone to the wicket keeper from the offside and the striker’s end umpire feels that there was a sound of bat. Was it out?

Answer 

This is very bad umpiring. The bowler’s end umpire is the sole judge as to whether the ball touched the bat and cannot be influenced by the opinion of the striker’s end umpire. The two umpires can only consult as to whether the ball was caught cleanly, not as to whether it hit the bat. Any batter given out in such circumstances has every right to feel hard done by.

Q36: Batter leaving the crease

Can Batsman stop his inning without any injury or illness in T-20 cricket? If yes, can he come back to bat again?
(Example: if batsman is not connecting the ball well or he is just tired).

Answer

Yes, but it will be recorded as ‘retired out’. No he can't resume his innings unless the fielding team captain gives permission.

Q37: Fielding restrictions

1. If a team playing with 10 or 9 players (T20). How the fielding restriction should be? (during power play and non power play) 

2. Is it compulsory to place fielders on both side of the pitch or can we keep all the fielder on the off side and no one in leg side?

Answer

1. The fielding restrictions would remain the same “During the first six overs, a maximum of two fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle (this is known as the power play). After the first six overs, a maximum of five fielders can be outside the fielding circle“.
2. No, it is not compulsory to have fielders on both sides of the pitch, but remember that the maximum number for the leg-side is 5.

Q38: Batter bowled off a no ball then run out?

Batter was bowled by a no ball – however did not realise a no ball had been called and so had left his crease as thought he was out.  The keeper picks up the ball and removes a stump and claims a run out  – The umpire at square leg gives the batsman out?  How can this be out if the batsman was not attempting a run (and you cant be out stumped on a no ball)?

Answer

The square leg umpire was incorrect. A batter cannot be given out if he leaves the crease under the misapprehension that he is out bowled when a no ball has been called.

Q39: Stumped or run out?

Batsman is batting out of the crease, ball goes to keeper who underarm throws and breaks the stumps before the batsman gets back. Is this stumped?

Answer

Yes stumped, because the batter was not attempting a run.

Q40: Ball striking batter while completing a run

If a batter strikes the ball to a fielder and runs, completes a single and as the fielder returns the ball and it strikes the batsmen is this a dead ball situation or can the batsmen then complete another run?

Answer

This is not a dead ball situation and the batters can keep on running if they wish. However, most batters will not continue running in this situation as it is considered ‘not within the spirit of cricket’ to take advantage of this situation.

Q41: Caught?

If the fair ball first hit the pad, then the ground and then the bat, can the striker be out caught?

Answer

No, the batter cannot be out caught if the ball touches the ground after hitting the pad.

Q42: Fair play?

A ball that is thrown hits the batsman who is running and deflects off him towards the boundary. The batsmen then turn to complete a further 2 runs. The fielding captain claims that this is unfair. What action would you take?

Answer

As there was no deliberate action by the batsman, there is no unfair play here. The batters are quite entitled to keep running, so the runs completed are scored.

Q43: Illegal fielding?

The striker hits a fair delivery towards the boundary and the batsmen have run one run and have started a second run but not crossed, when the fielder deliberately kicks the ball over the boundary. How many runs are scored?

Answer

Five runs: one for the completed run and four for the boundary. If the batters had crossed but not completed the second run, six runs would be scored.

 

Q44: Caught on the boundary?

If a fielder touches the boundary before the catch and then after catching the ball within boundary without touching ground, is it fair catch or not?

Answer

I assume you mean that the fielder, whose foot or feet are touching the boundary, jumps forward to take a catch in the air? If both feet land in the field of play, it is a fair catch.

Q45: Keeper coming up to the stumps

The keeper away from the wicket for  pace bowler. but he sees the batsmen coming out of the crease and playing his shots. Before the next ball is bowled keeper comes up near the stumps (like for spinners). If the keeper changes his position like this, Is he required to inform the umpire that he is standing up to the stumps or going away from the stumps?
If he does not do so the laws here in local cricket gives a no ball?
Is this lawful in cricket laws?

Answer

The wicketkeeper does not have to inform the umpires of his change of position. He must change his position before the bowler starts his run-up. If the wicketkeeper moves after the bowler has started his run-up the umpire will call dead ball.
 

Here is the wording of the law:
After the ball comes into play and before it reaches the striker, it is unfair if the wicket-keeper significantly alters his position in relation to the striker’s wicket, except for the following:
(i) movement of a few paces forward for a slower delivery, unless in so doing it brings him within reach of the wicket.
(ii) lateral movement in response to the direction in which the ball has been delivered.
(iii) movement in response to the stroke that the striker is playing or that his actions suggest he intends to play. However, the provisions of Law 40.3 (Position of wicket-keeper) shall apply.
In the event of unfair movement by the wicket-keeper, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball.

Q46: Which umpire calls no ball?

A full toss over waist high is a no-ball. Can the striker’s end umpire call no-ball or must it be the bowler’s end umpire?

Answer

Only the bowler’s end umpire can call the no ball. The striker’s end umpire should indicate to the bowler’s end umpire if the ball was above waist height, so that the bowler’s end umpire can make the correct decision.

Q47: No ball?

 A bowler bowls a foot no ball which is a bouncer which glances off the striker's shoulder and goes for boundary. Is it a no ball followed by bye and boundary four?

Answer

As the extra runs did not come from the bat, the boundary is scored as no balls. Therefore it is entered in the scorebook as five no balls.

Q48: No ball?

Does the “above waist high no ball” rule only apply at the crease?

For example: A batsman charges a few metres down the wicket, the bowler bowls a ball above waist height, the batsman avoids the ball but the ball hits the base of the stumps. Is the batsman out?

Answer

No, it doesn’t just apply at the crease. If the batter moves down the pitch to meet the full-toss, the square leg umpire has to decide if the ball would have passed the batter above the waist standing upright at his normal stance position at the batting crease. If yes, it is a no-ball, even if the ball goes on to hit the stumps.

Q49: Dead ball or run out?

If a batsmen bats out of his crease and is well known for this, the bowler bowls the ball and the batsman misses it. The wicket keeper takes the ball and flicks it to first slip who runs in and runs the batsmen out because he has not yet moved from outside the crease. Is he out or is this deemed a dead ball or is this not in the spirit of cricket?

Answer

The bowler’s end umpire has to decide if the ball was dead by the keeper’s action of flicking the ball to first slip. If not, then the batter is run-out. This would not be against the spirit of cricket; it is the batter’s responsibility to maintain his/her ground.

Q50: Batter stealing a run

Bowler started his run up. Batsmen start to run and crossed. Non striker reached in his ground (now at striker end) safely, bowler now delivers the ball fairly and hit the wicket.
Any one out? Any run scored? If yes, how is it recorded?

Answer

It is illegal for the batters to attempt to steal a run during the bowler’s run-up. As soon as the batters cross, the umpire must call ‘dead ball’. The batters must return to their original ends. In addition, five penalty runs will be awarded to the fielding side. As dead ball is called the bowler cannot deliver the ball.

Q51: Umpire's jurisdiction?

Mark asks: I coach a junior side, and as we have no officially appointed umpires, the coach or a parent from each team have the umpiring duties. Unfortunately this can create situations where some umpires are not impartial.  I had a situation  where my team was fielding, and the batsman got a thick edge to first slip, who fumbled the ball, but caught it on the second attempt, hugging it to his body close to the ground.  The other teams umpire was at the bowlers end, and gave it not out, claiming he was un-sighted so was unsure if the catch was taken cleanly.  I was umpiring at square leg and saw the catch taken cleanly, so informed him of this, but he would not accept my word and refused to give it out.  Can the square leg umpire give a batsmen out caught, or is the decision solely up to the bowlers end umpire? Similarly, can the square leg umpire give a batsman Not Out caught if he sees the ball is not taken cleanly, but the bowlers end umpire believes it was and gives him Out.

Answer

Umpires are taught to work as a team and one of the situations where this is crucial is the case you outline in your question. The bowling-end umpire, if un-sighted, should ask for an opinion from the square-leg umpire. The square-leg umpire cannot under any circumstances give a batter out caught. Nor can the square-leg umpire ever give a batter not out from an in-completed catch.

I appreciate your frustration but the bowling-end umpire was quite within his/her rights to give the batter not out. The worst case I have ever seen was in a junior match many years ago when an appeal for a caught behind was turned down. The square-leg umpire (the coach of the fielding side) then walked towards the other umpire, told him the ball was clearly edged by the batter and ‘bullied’ the other umpire into giving the batter out.

Q52: No ball?

A no-ball hit towards the boundary was caught in bounds and then thrown up in celebration and the ball went over the boundary. Upon reflection I called no-ball and 6 runs.
Was this correct or should I have called no-ball and then dead ball?

Answer

What a tough one, especially if it was the last ball of the match and the batting team needed six to win. The fielder was not aware that no-ball had been called so should not have been penalized for his catch celebration. I believe the correct decision should have been “no ball one run plus any runs completed by the batters’ rather than no-ball and six.

Q53: Additional over?

If a bowler bowled more than his allocation of overs ! Is it a chance to win the match for other side ?
You replied as follows:
Anjana – If a bowler is allowed to bowl more than his maximum over limit by mistake, as soon as the error is noticed he must stop bowling and be replaced by another bowler. As this is a mistake there is no penalty against the bowling side; the batting side does not win the match because of this error.

My query:

1. Suppose 5 balls have been bowled when this error was found out, whether new bowler has to bowl only one ball to complete the over or a fresh over wiping off the earlier 5 balls need to be ensured?
2. Had this additional over been intentionally done by either bowling side or an umpire what would be the action? (it is against the spirit of the game/unfair play?)

Answer

1. The last ball of the over is bowled by a different bowler. The over is not re-bowled.
2. I am not sure what you mean here. I am not sure how an umpire could conclusively say the action was deliberate. The scorers, if they are doing their jobs properly, should alert the umpires and players before any balls are bowled in the extra over.

Q54: Hit the ball twice?

Ball after hitting the striker nearly falls on the wicket, when the striker intentionally hits it too hard (while he could have just tapped the ball using his feet or bat), which finally goes to the boundary.

1. what would be the decision of the umpire. Is it out? Can boundary be scored
2. had the wicket keeper approached the ball, when the ball was hit the second time, can his appeal for obstructing the field be upheld?

 Answer

1. Not out. No runs can be scored.
2. No, the batter is lawfully entitled to hit the ball twice to protect his/her wicket.

Q55: Batter deliberately breaks stumps after first run

Can a batsman enacting a completed run deliberately break the stumps thereby dislodging a bail and then continue to run making it impossible for a throw to complete a run-out, but forcing the fielder to actually have the ball in hand to remove a stump – hence making a run out significantly more difficult for the fielding team? 

I am sure this falls outside the governing policy of “fair play” but is there an explicit rule/process to handle such a situation?

Answer

The umpires would need to consider whether the action was both deliberate and obstructed the field. If the answers are yes to both, he/she could be given out “obstructed the field”. If the answer is yes to the first question and no to the second, the batter should not be given out, but should be given an official warning by the umpires.

Q56: Out?

If a batsman hits the ball to the boundary and pulls a stump out of the ground before the ball crosses the boundary is that out? eg. SA vs SL on 25.01.2017 in the last over.

Answer

It can’t be out as the batter has not hit his wicket, nor has he obstructed the field. The four runs are scored.

Q56: Stumps hit at no ball

If a bowler ball a front foot no ball then the ball hit the stumps and go away to the boundary then how much run will be considered?

Answer

Assuming the ball did not hit the bat or pad first, it is five no-balls.

Q57: Stumped or run out?

If a batsman edges a ball while facing spin bowling and the ball bounces and goes to the wicketkeeper who then dislodges the bails while the batsman is out of his crease. Will it be given as a run out or stumped out?

Answer

As the batter was not attempting to run, he is out stumped in this instance.

Q58: How many players?

Law 1 of MCC says ’By agreement a match maybe played between sides of fewer than or more than 11 players but no more that 11 players may field at any time.' So in case a match is played with such an agreement should both the team contain the same number of players? I mean 12 each or 10 each? Or is there no such provision? I mean can they play with Side A having 12players and side B having 10 players?

Answer

It is normal to have the same number of players but not essential. In the 19th Century MCC touring teams of 11 often played opposition teams of 22 players.

.

Q59: Run out?

Ball is bowled and in play. Batters attempt to run. The batter's end umpire raises finger to give out one of the batters but the bails are not removed. The wicket keeper notices error and throws down stumps at other end, Is that batsman run out?

Answer

That batter can be run out at the other end.

Q60: Nomination of players

The ICC playing conditions state 'Each captain shall nominate11 players plus a maximum of 4 substitute fielders in writing to the ICC match referee before the toss'.
So when the captains get hold of each others team list, is this a duty of the match referee to hand them over the nomination sheet? If so then should he do this as soon s he gets the lists.

Answer

Yes it is. It is generally done just before the toss.

Q61: No Ball - Wide Ball

After a front foot No Ball, the next ball (for a Free hit), if the bowler balls a Wide ball … will the Free hit still carry on for the next ball (after Wide ball)?

Answer

Yes it does. The penalty continues until the next legal delivery is bowled.

Q62: Free hit and field placings

In a T-20 match, a bowler delivers a fair delivery. The square leg umpire counts 6 fielders on leg side at the instant release of delivery and calls and signals ‘no ball’. As the batsmen didn't run, the field can't change, hence leaving 6 fielders on leg side for the free hit delivery. Would the correct decision be to continue to call no ball until field can change or allow under special circumstances the field to change due to this breach.

Answer

In these circumstances the field can be changed as the no ball was not a result of a bowler’s infringement.

Q63: Wicket keeper run out

Can the keeper effect a run out with his gloves if he has the ball in his hands or must a part of the ball make contact with the stumps for the run out to occur?

Answer

Yes he can. As long as the ball is in the hand it does not have to touch the stumps.

Q64: Ground unfit for play

In the opinion of one umpire the ground is fit to play and one umpire disagrees. Is it correct that both umpires must agree for play to start?

Answer

Yes, both umpires must agree for the match to start. Umpires are taught to work as a team. In all my years of umpiring I have never experienced a conflict over such a decision between two umpires. However, if the two umpires are not independent of the teams then I could understand such a disagreement.

Q65: Short runs

If batsman a hits the ball and takes three runs but unfortunately the umpire calls 2 run as short, then who will be on strike on next ball? batsman a (striker) or b (non-striker)?

Answer

The non-striker will face the next ball. The two runs short call has no effect on the facing batter.

Q66: Last over of the day

A wicket falls on the 5th ball of the last over of the day can the square leg umpire declare stumps and then remove the stumps because he says it is past time or does the umpire at the bowlers end have the call?

Answer

It is the bowler’s end umpires responsibility for calling time, not the square leg umpire. Umpires are supposed to work as a team and should have consulted and agreed on the correct course of action.
It is difficult to decide whether the last ball of the over should have been bowled without knowing your particular playing conditions, but going over time has nothing to do with the decision. Usually, if a wicket falls within two minutes of the scheduled finish, the next batter does not have to come in, This is probably what the square leg umpire believed was the correct decision, but it is not his decision as previously mentioned.

Q67: Bowler obscured

Can a bowler begin his run up directly behind the bowler?

Answer

There is nothing to stop a bowler beginning his run up behind the umpire, but he cannot bowl the ball from behind the umpire (no-ball). He must deliver the ball on one side of the stumps and therefore visible to the striker.

Q68: Physical requirements to be an umpire

Is physical height an issue to be a professional umpire?

Answer

No. I have umpired with many umpires over the years whose height was not the norm. From 1.55m up to 2.05m tall, all shapes and sizes can be umpires. More important are good hearing and eyesight, knowledge of the laws, good player management and excellent powers of concentration.

Q69: Fair boundary catch?

I caught a ball just inside the boundary. As I caught it I took one step back over the line. I caught it cleanly. Was it a six or out please?

Answer

From your question I gather that you were still moving as you caught the ball. If this is correct, the batter is not out and it is a six. As per Law 32, a catch is considered to be completed when “when a fielder obtains complete control both over the ball and over his own movement.”

Q70: Substitute fielder

The ICC laws state that a substitute may be allowed only in cases of injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reasons.It does not tell about any specific type of injury. So
1. Can a player be allowed to have a substitute fielder for both internal (like muscle pain or cramps) as well as external injury ?
The laws also state that a substituted player can be allowed to bowl immediately on return only in cases of external injury or other wholly acceptable reasons.
2. Does that mean a player suffering from illness (such as fainting due to the heat) or internal injury (such as cramps or muscle pain) can be allowed to have a substitute but can’t be allowed to bowl immediately on return ?

Answer

1. Yes, as long as the umpires are convinced that the injury is genuine.
2. Yes, in these circumstances, these players would not be allowed to bowl immediately on return to the field if they have been off the field for more than eight minutes.

Q71: Run out?

In today’s game while fielding a wicket keeper caught the ball one handed in this right hand and then swung into the stumps for a run out. However the contact point with the stumps was his right elbow not the glove containing the ball. The batsmen was given out. Some spectators agreed while others argued the gloved hand contains the ball had to contact the stumps to effect the run out. Was the batsmen out or not?

Answer

The batter is out. See law 28 1A V “or (v) by 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.”

Q72: Can the batters run?

In a situation where the ball is hit back to the bowler and the bowler were to throw the ball back towards the striking batsman’s end (in a threatening/attempt to run out type throw) but the ball missed the stumps and hit the keeper on his helmet (which is on his head) can the batsmen run then (like it’s overthrows)?

Answer

The ball is not automatically dead in this situation so the batters can run overthrows. However, if either umpire believes that the keeper has been seriously injured, dead ball can be immediately called, which would prevent any runs being taken.

Q73: Ball in play or dead ball or not out?

A batsman is facing a slow bowler and has the wicket keeper standing up to the stumps. The batsman advances down the track and misses the ball resulting in an an easy stumping. However the wicket keeper whips the bails off but has not collected the ball cleanly and the ball falls towards short leg. The Wicket Keeper then runs towards the ball to have a second stumping attempt.
The batsman thinking that he has been stumped the first time round and so never returns to his crease, the wicket keeper knowing that he hasn’t completed a clean stumping runs towards short leg, picks up the ball and runs back to the stumps, holding the ball on to one of the stumps as he pulls the stump out off the ground (due to the stumps being broken in the first place). The Batsman walks towards the pavilion thinking he was out in the first place and is not attempting to take a run,
Is the ball dead or in in play?
Is this out or not out?
Points to note
a) Batsman thought He was out stumped and so didn’t return to the crease and started walking towards the pavilion.
b) Wicket Keeper initially broke the stumps without taking ball cleanly.
c) The Pavilion is located towards deep mid wicket so, he’s natural direction of walk, will still have him out of he’s crease.
Please can you shed some light on this incident.

Answer

See Law 27: The umpire, not having given the batter out, shall immediately call ‘dead ball’. The batter is not out and can resume batting because he left the crease under the misapprehension he was out.

Q74: How many bouncers?

How many bouncers per over are allowed in the three forms of cricket?

Answer

In tests, maximum of two per over. In T20 and 50-overs, maximum of one per over. This is due to change shortly to a maximum of two for all forms of cricket.

Q75: Caught off a no ball?

If main umpire gives out caught but square called a height no ball then is it out or not?

Answer

Batsman is not out. The ‘no ball’ call from the square-leg umpire over-rules the ‘out’ decision.

Q76: Wide ball?

In a limited over game, the Umpire calls a Wide Ball as batsman sweeps and appears to miss the ball. The ball rolls past the WK and batsman take a run. But WK claims that ball hit batsman. The batsman (who has now crossed over to NS end) admits it grazed his glove. Should you reverse the Wide Ball decision based on these confirmations by WK and batsman?

Answer

You are not required to reverse your call but it would be sensible to do so. Run or leg bye? Do you accept the batsman’s word and give him the run or do you play safe and signal leg bye?

Q77: Stumped, run out or dead ball ball?

In a game yesterday my batting partner started to walk thinking he had been bowled partly due to the reaction of the bowler. Actually, the ball missed the stumps and deflected off the keeper. I called no run where upon the batsman realized his mistake and tried to regain his ground but failed to do so before the keeper re-gathered the ball and broke the stumps. He was given out which we had no problem with but an umpire watching the game felt a dead ball should have been called as the batsman made an honest mistake partly due to the bowlers reaction. What should have been the correct outcome?

Answer

The batter is out stumped as he was not attempting a run. It is up to the batsman to be aware of where the ball is while it is in play. His honest mistake cannot prevent the fielding team taking his wicket.

Q78: Is he allowed to bat?

In England’s first innings versus New Zealand at Lords, BJ Watling, the NZ wicketkeeper, got an awkward blow on the side of his knee which kept him out of the rest of that innings (Tom Latham took over as keeper). When NZ batted in reply, Watling came in at his normal position of number 7 and batted very well for a half century. However near the end of his innings he received a fast short pitched delivery about head high. In swaying back and attempting to ramp the ball he injured his neck with the back of the helmet. In England’s 2nd innings Latham again kept wickets with Watling off the field for the latter part of the 3rd day, all of the 4th day, and the early part (about 1 hour) of the 5th day when Trent Boult took the last 4 wickets. When NZ came in to bat in their 2nd innings they were quickly 3 wickets down for 12 runs in about 20 minutes. BJ Watling then came in at number 5 to join Kane Williamson. The question arose “ How could he do that when surely he had penance time to serve for being off field for so long?”

Answer

ICC and NZC Playing Conditions state that with a prolonged period off the field a batsman cannot take part until the fall of the 5th wicket or when a maximum of 120 minutes penance time has been served, whichever comes first. However the important fact is that penance time is not carried forward from one day to the next i.e. the slate is cleared overnight (MCC Law). It still doesn’t answer the question how he could be off field for an hour on the 5th day, then still come in to bat 20 minutes after the NZ innings started.
      The answer is simple: ICC and NZC Playing Conditions clearly state that there will be no time restrictions if “the player has suffered an external blow (as opposed to an internal injury such as a pulled muscle)”. In Watling’s case it was considered that his injury(s) were a result of external blows. An interesting scenario. (Kevin Earl, Northern Districts Umpires Operations Manager).

Q79: Grass needs watering

It is the middle of summer, with soaring temperatures and the grass is dying on some parts of the wicket block. It is the first day of a two-day match. At the end of the day’s play the groundsman asks you if he can water the wicket block to help keep the grass alive. Do you allow this?

Answer

Unfortunately no. Once a two or more day match to be played on consecutive days has started, a pitch or pitch block cannot be watered. However, if the two days of the match were on successive Saturdays, this restriction would not apply.

Q80: T20 fielding conditions

‎In a T20 match, if a fielding side has only 10players, then how many players can field outside the 30yrds in the first six overs?

Answer

For the first 6 overs of each innings only two fieldsmen shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area. The fact that the fielding team has less than 11 players does not change this requirement.

Q81: Forego the tea break?

‎

Both teams are anxious to see a result in a close match, neither want a draw. Realising that rain is imminent, both captains agree not to take the scheduled tea break so that play can continue. They inform you, the umpire, of their wish. Do you and your partner allow the request?

Answer

Yes, you allow the tea break to be forfeited. The captains have informed the umpires, as required by the laws.

Q81: Can you over-rule your umpiring colleague?

‎

You are umpiring at the bowler’s end. There is an appeal for a run-out at the batter’s end. Your colleague gives the batter out but you notice that the wicketkeeper had knocked the bails off with his body and that the ball did not hit the wicket. Can you over-rule your colleague and give the batter not out?

Answer

No, but it would be sensible to immediately call ‘dead ball’ and go to your colleague and inform him what happened. He can then reverse his decision.

Q82: Short run allowed?

‎

A team is nine wickets down, needing ten runs to win. An opener who has already scored a century is batting with a very poor number 11 batter. The pair run two, but the star batter deliberately runs one short to ensure he gets back on strike. Do you allow the one legal run?

Answer

No, you disallow the run and the batters return to their original ends. If you believe the batter has deliberately run short you should warn him. If the action is repeated then award five penalty runs to the fielding team.

Q83: Stumped off a cap?

‎

A batter advance down the pitch to a slow bowler and plays a sweep shot. He misses and the ball flicks off his pad, strikes the wicketkeeper’s cap and deflects on to the stumps with the batter out of his ground. The fielding team appeals for the stumping while the batter claims he can’t be out because the ball hit the wicketkeeper’s cap. What is your decision?

Answer

Out, stumped. If the wicketkeeper had been wearing a helmet it would have been not out. Caps and helmets are treated differently in the laws of cricket.

Q84: Out on the 7th ball of the over?

‎

You give a batter out lbw and then call over. Your fellow umpire then informs you that you have miscounted the number of balls in the over and that you have given him out on the 7th ball of the over. The scorers are shouting out the same message from beyond the boundary. What do you do?

Answer

The out decision stands.

Q85: Wide or out?

‎

A bowler bowls a very wide ball, way off to the offside of the pitch. The batter lunges at it and gets an edge and is caught by a slip fielder. The fielding team appeals for the catch; the batter claims it is a wide. What is your decision?

Answer

Out, caught. Even though the umpire would have called a wide, the batter’s actions brought the ball within his reach, enabling him to hit it. However, the umpire must be certain that the ball did not slip out of the bowler’s hand. In that case he should call ‘dead ball’ and the batter is not entitled to hit it. Note: a wide can never be called if the batter hits the ball.

Q86: Changing guard

‎

A right-handed batter changes grip and stance to left-handed and plays a sweep shot, missing the ball which hits his back pad in front of the stumps. The bowler appeals for lbw. The ball pitched outside the batter’s leg stump when he was in the left-handed stance. The batter claims he can’t be out because the ball pitched outside his leg stump. What is your decision?

Answer

Out, lbw. As the batter was in a right-handed stance when the bowler began his run up, this is the stance that the umpire takes into account when considering the lbw appeal.

Q87: Short run?

‎

A batter makes his mark in front of the batting crease and takes guard in front of the crease line. He is at the non-striker’s end. He takes an easy single but does not make his ground over the crease line. Instead, he faces up to the next delivery in front of the crease. The fielding team claims a short run. What is your decision as square leg umpire?

Answer

It is not a short run as there was no deliberate attempt to run short. However, the fielding team could have run him out for not making his ground.

Q88: Stumped or dead ball?

‎

A batter is hit on the pads and the fielding team appeals for lbw. The umpire declines the appeal. The batter is standing just out of the batting crease adjusting his gloves. Noticing this, the wicketkeeper removes the bails and appeals for the stumping. What is your decision?

Answer

The batter is out, run out not stumped,  but before you give your decision, ask the fielding captain if he wishes to continue with the appeal. The fielding team may decide in the ‘spirit of cricket’ not to continue with the appeal.