Laws 1 - 42 Flashcards
LAW 1 (THE PLAYERS)
- Number of players
A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be captain.
By agreement a match may be played between sides of fewer than, or more than, eleven players, but not more than eleven players may field at any time.
2.Nomination of players
Each captain shall nominate his players in writing to one of the umpires before the toss. No player may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
- Captain
If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy shall act for him.
(a) If a captain is not available during the period in which the toss is to take place, then the deputy must be responsible for the nomination of the players, if this has not already been done, and for the toss. See 2 above and Law 12.4 (The toss).
(b) At any time after the nomination of the players, only a nominated player can act as deputy in discharging the duties and responsibilities of the captain as stated in these Laws.
4. Responsibility of captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit and traditions of the game as well as within the Laws. See The Preamble - The Spirit of Cricket and Law 42.1 (Fair and unfair play - responsibility of captains).
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LAW 2 (SUBSTITUTES AND RUNNERS; BATSMAN OR FIELDER LEAVING THE FIELD; BATSMAN RETIRING; BATSMAN COMMENCING INNINGS)
- Substitutes and Runners
(a) If the umpires are satisfied that a nominated player has been injured or become ill since the nomination of the players, they shall allow that player to have,
(i) a substitute acting for him in the field.
(ii) a runner when batting.
Any injury or illness that occurs at any time after the nomination of the players until the conclusion of the match shall be allowable, irrespective of whether play is in progress or not.
(b) The umpires shall have discretion to allow, for other wholly acceptable reasons, a substitute fielder or a runner to act for a nominated player, at the start of the match, or at any subsequent time.
(c) A player wishing to change his shirt, boots, etc. shall leave the field to do so. No substitute shall be allowed for him.
2. Objection to substitutes
The opposing captain shall have no right of objection to any player acting as a substitute on the field, nor as to where the substitute shall field. However, no substitute shall act as wicket-keeper. See 3 below.
3.Restrictions on role of substitutes
A substitute shall not be allowed to bat, bowl or act as wicket-keeper. Note also Law 1.3(b) (Captain).
4.A player for whom a substitute has acted
A nominated player is allowed to bat, bowl or field even though a substitute has previously acted for him.
5.Fielder absent or leaving the field
If a fielder fails to take the field with his side at the start of the match or at any later time, or leaves the field during a session of play,
(a) the umpire shall be informed of the reason for his absence.
(b) he shall not thereafter come on to the field of play during a session of play without the consent of the umpire. See 6 below. The umpire shall give such consent as soon as is practicable.
(c) if he is absent for 15 minutes of playing time or longer, he shall not be permitted to bowl thereafter, subject to (i), (ii) or (iii) below, until he has been on the field for at least the length of playing time for which he was absent.
(i) Absence or penalty for time absent shall not be carried over into a new day’s play.
(ii) If, in the case of a follow-on or forfeiture, a side fields for two consecutive innings, this restriction shall, subject to (i) above, continue as necessary into the second innings, but shall not otherwise be carried over into a new innings.
(iii) The time lost for an unscheduled break in play shall be counted as time on the field of play for any fielder who comes on to the field at the resumption of play after the break. See Law 15.1 (An interval).
6. Player returning without permission
If a player comes on to the field of play in contravention of 5(b) above and comes into contact with the ball while it is in play,
(a) the ball shall immediately become dead and the umpire shall award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. Additionally, runs completed by the batsmen shall be scored together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the offence. The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(b) the umpire shall inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
(c) the umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and the player concerned.
7. Runner
The player acting as a runner for a batsman shall be a member of the batting side and shall, if possible, have already batted in that innings. The runner shall wear external protective equipment equivalent to that worn by the batsman for whom he runs and shall carry a bat.
- Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner
(a) A batsman’s runner is subject to the Laws. He will be regarded as a batsman except where there are special provisions for his role as a runner. See 7 above and Law 29.2 (Which is a batsman’s ground).
(b) A batsman who has a runner will suffer the penalty for any infringement of the Laws by his runner as if he had been himself responsible for the infringement. In particular he will be out if his runner is out under either of Laws 37 (Obstructing the field) or 38 (Run out).
(c) When a batsman who has a runner is striker he remains himself subject to the Laws and will be liable to the penalties that any infringement of them demands. In the case of Run out and Stumped, however, special provisions, set out in (d) and (e) below, apply to him as a striker who has a runner.
(d) If a striker who has a runner is out of his ground when the wicket at the wicket-keeper’s end is fairly put down by the action of a fielder, otherwise than in (e) below, then, notwithstanding (b) above and irrespective of the position of the non-striker and the runner, he will be out Run out. However, Laws 38.2(a) and 38.2(b)(ii) (Batsman not Run out) shall apply.
(e) If a striker who has a runner is out of his ground when the wicket at the wicket-keeper’s end is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper, without the intervention of another fielder, and if both the following conditions are satisfied
his runner is within his ground he makes no movement towards the bowler’s end other than action in receiving and/or playing or playing at the ball, he is
(i) Not out if No ball has been called.
(ii) Out Stumped if the delivery is not a No ball. In this case, however, Law 39.3(a) (Not out Stumped) shall apply. If either of the two conditions is not satisfied, then he is out Run out. Law 38.2(a) will apply.
(f) If a striker who has a runner is himself dismissed as in either (d) or (e) above, runs completed by the runner and the other batsman before the wicket is put down shall be disallowed. However, any runs for penalties awarded to either side shall stand. See Law 18.6 (Runs awarded for penalties). The non-striker shall return to his original end.
(g) When a batsman who has a runner is not the striker
(i) he remains subject to Law 37 (Obstructing the field) but is otherwise out of the game.
(ii) he shall stand where directed by the striker’s end umpire so as not to interfere with play.
(iii) he will be liable, notwithstanding (i) above, to any penalty demanded by the Laws should he commit any act of unfair play.
9.Batsman retiring
A batsman may retire at any time during his innings when the ball is dead. The umpires, before allowing play to proceed shall be informed of the reason for a batsman retiring.
(a) If a batsman retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause, he is entitled to resume his innings subject to (c) below. If for any reason he does not do so, his innings is to be recorded as ‘Retired - not out’.
(b) If a batsman retires for any reason other than as in (a) above, he may resume his innings only with the consent of the opposing captain. If for any reason he does not resume his innings it is to be recorded as ‘Retired - out’.
(c) If after retiring a batsman resumes his innings, it shall be only at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of another batsman.
10. Commencement of a batsman’s innings
Except at the start of a side’s innings, a batsman shall be considered to have commenced his innings when he first steps on to the field of play, provided Time has not been called. The innings of the opening batsmen, and that of any new batsman on the resumption of play after a call of Time, shall commence at the call of Play.
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LAW 3 (THE UMPIRES)
- Appointment and attendance
Before the match, two umpires shall be appointed, one for each end, to control the game as required by the Laws, with absolute impartiality. The umpires shall be present on the ground and report to the Executive of the ground at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start of each day’s play.
- Change of umpire
An umpire shall not be changed during the match, other than in exceptional circumstances, unless he is injured or ill. If there has to be a change of umpire, the replacement shall act only as striker’s end umpire unless the captains agree that he should take full responsibility as an umpire.
- Agreement with captains
Before the toss the umpires shall,
(a) ascertain the hours of play and agree with the captains,
(i) the balls to be used during the match. See Law 5 (The ball).
(ii) times and durations of intervals for meals and times for drinks intervals. See Law 15 (Intervals).
(iii) the boundary of the field of play and allowances for boundaries. See Law 19 (Boundaries).
(iv) any special conditions of play affecting the conduct of the match.
(b) inform the scorers of agreements in (ii), (iii) and (iv) above.
4. To inform captains and scorers
Before the toss the umpires shall agree between themselves and inform both captains and both scorers,
(i) which clock or watch and back-up time piece is to be used during the match.
(ii) whether or not any obstacle within the field of play is to be regarded as a boundary. See Law 19 (Boundaries).
5. The wickets, creases and boundaries
Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that,
(a) the wickets are properly pitched. See Law 8 (The wickets).
(b) the creases are correctly marked. See Law 9 (The bowling, popping and return creases).
(c) the boundary of the field of play complies with the requirements of Laws 19.1 (The boundary of the field of play) and 19.2 (Defining the boundary – boundary marking).
6. Conduct of the game, implements and equipment
Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that,
(a) the conduct of the game is strictly in accordance with the Laws.
(b) the implements of the game conform to the following
(i) Law 5 (The ball)
(ii) externally visible requirements of Law 6 (The bat) and Appendix E.
(iii) either Laws 8.2 (Size of stumps) and 8.3 (The bails) or, if appropriate, Law 8.4 (Junior cricket).
(c)
(i) no player uses equipment other than that permitted. See Appendix D. Note particularly therein the interpretation of ‘protective helmet’.
(ii) the wicket-keeper’s gloves comply with the requirements of Law 40.2 (Gloves).
7. Fair and unfair play
The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
- Fitness for play
(a) It is solely for the umpires together to decide whether either conditions of ground, weather or light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be dangerous or unreasonable for play to take place.
Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely because they are not ideal.
(b) Conditions shall be regarded as dangerous if there is actual and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire.
(c) Conditions shall be regarded as unreasonable if, although posing no risk to safety, it would not be sensible for play to proceed.
9. Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable conditions
(a) All references to ground include the pitch. See Law 7.1 (Area of pitch).
(b) If at any time the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light, or any other circumstances are dangerous or unreasonable, they shall immediately suspend play, or not allow play to start or to recommence.
(c) When there is a suspension of play it is the responsibility of the umpires to monitor conditions. They shall make inspections as often as appropriate, unaccompanied by any players or officials. Immediately the umpires together agree that the conditions are no longer dangerous or unreasonable they shall call upon the players to resume play.
10. Position of umpires
Each umpire shall stand where he can best see any act upon which his decision may be required.
Subject to this over-riding consideration, the bowler’s end umpire shall stand where he does not interfere with either the bowler’s run up or the striker’s view.
The striker’s end umpire may elect to stand on the off side instead of the on side of the pitch, provided he informs the captain of the fielding side, the striker and the other umpire of his intention to do so.
- Umpires changing ends
The umpires shall change ends after each side has had one completed innings. See Law 12.3 (Completed innings).
- Consultation between umpires
All disputes shall be determined by the umpires. The umpires shall consult with each other whenever necessary. See also Law 27.6 (Consultation by umpires).
- Informing the umpires
Throughout the Laws, wherever the umpires are to receive information from captains or other players, it will be sufficient for one umpire to be so informed and for him to inform the other umpire.
- Signals
(a) The following code of signals shall be used by umpires.
(i) Signals made while the ball is in play
Dead ball - by crossing and re-crossing the wrists below the waist.
No ball - by extending one arm horizontally.
Out - by raising an index finger above the head. (If not out, the umpire shall call Not out.)
Wide - by extending both arms horizontally.
(ii) When the ball is dead, the bowler’s end umpire shall repeat the signals above, with the exception of the signal for Out, to the scorers.
(iii) The signals listed below shall be made to the scorers only when the ball is dead.
Boundary 4 - by waving an arm from side to side finishing with the arm across the chest
Boundary 6 - by raising both arms above the head.
Bye - by raising an open hand above the head.
Commencement of last hour - by pointing to a raised wrist with the other hand.
Five penalty runs awarded to the batting side - by repeated tapping of one shoulder with the opposite hand.
Five penalty runs awarded to the fielding side - by placing one hand on the opposite shoulder.
Leg bye - by touching a raised knee with the hand.
New ball - by holding the ball above the head.
Revoke - by touching both shoulders, each with last signal the opposite hand.
Short run - by bending one arm upwards and touching the nearer shoulder with the tips of the fingers.
All these signals are to be made by the bowler’s end umpire except that for Short run, which is to be signalled by the umpire at the end where short running occurs. However, the bowler’s end umpire shall be responsible both for the final signal of Short run to the scorers and for informing them as to the number of runs to be recorded.
(b) The umpire shall wait until each signal to the scorers has been separately acknowledged by a scorer before allowing play to proceed.
15. Correctness of scores
Consultation between umpires and scorers on doubtful points is essential. The umpires shall, throughout the match, satisfy themselves as to the correctness of the number of runs scored, the wickets that have fallen and, where appropriate, the number of overs bowled. They shall agree these with the scorers at least at every interval, other than a drinks interval, and at the conclusion of the match. See Laws 4.2 (Correctness of scores), 21.8 (Correctness of result) and 21.10 (Result not to be changed).
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Law 4 (The scorers)
- Appointment of scorers
Two scorers shall be appointed to record all runs scored, all wickets taken and, where appropriate, number of overs bowled.
- Correctness of scores
The scorers shall frequently check to ensure that their records agree. They shall agree with the umpires, at least at every interval, other than drinks intervals, and at the conclusion of the match, the runs scored, the wickets that have fallen and, where appropriate, the number of overs bowled. See Law 3.15 (Correctness of scores).
- Acknowledging signals
The scorers shall accept all instructions and signals given to them by umpires. They shall immediately acknowledge each separate signal.
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Law 5 (The ball)
- Weight and size
The ball, when new, shall weigh not less than 5½ ounces/155.9 g, nor more than 5¾ ounces/163 g, and shall measure not less than 813/16 in/22.4 cm, nor more than 9 in/22.9 cm in circumference.
- Approval and control of balls
(a) All balls to be used in the match, having been approved by the umpires and captains, shall be in the possession of the umpires before the toss and shall remain under their control throughout the match.
(b) The umpire shall take possession of the ball in use at the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval and at any interruption of play. - New ball
Unless an agreement to the contrary has been made before the match, either captain may demand a new ball at the start of each innings.
- New ball in 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 overs, bowled with the old one is equal to or greater than the prescribed number of overs. The Governing Body responsible for the match concerned shall decide the number of overs applicable in that match. This number shall not be less than 75 overs.
- Ball lost or becoming unfit for play
If, during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a ball which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement. When the ball is replaced the umpire shall inform the batsmen and the fielding captain.
- Specifications
The specifications as described in 1 above shall apply to men’s cricket only. The following specifications will apply to,
(i) Women’s cricket
Weight: from 415/16 ounces/140 g to 55/16 ounces 151 g
Circumference: from 8¼ in/21.0 cm to 87/8 in/22.5 cm
(ii) Junior cricket – Under 13
Weight: from 411/16 ounces/133 g to 51/16 ounces 144 g
Circumference: from 81/16 in/20.5 cm to 811/16 in/22.0 cm
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Law 6 (The bat)
- The bat
The bat consists of two parts, a handle and a blade.
- Measurements
All provisions in sections 3 to 6 below are subject to the measurements and restrictions stated in Appendix E.
- The handle
(a) One end of the handle is inserted into a recess in the blade as a means of joining the handle and the blade. The part of the handle that is then wholly outside the blade is defined to be the upper portion of the handle. It is a straight shaft for holding the bat. The remainder of the handle is its lower portion used purely for joining the blade and the handle together. It is not part of the blade but, solely in interpreting 5 and 6 below, references to the blade shall be considered to extend also to the lower portion of the handle where relevant.
(b) The handle is to be made principally of cane and/or wood, glued where necessary and bound with twine along the upper portion.
(c) Providing 7 below is not contravened, the upper portion may be covered with materials solely to provide a surface suitable for gripping. Such covering is an addition and is not part of the bat. Note, however, 8 below.
(d) Notwithstanding 4(c) and 5 below, both the twine binding and the covering grip may extend beyond the junction of the upper and lower portions, to cover part of the shoulders as defined in Appendix E. - The blade
(a) The blade comprises the whole of the bat apart from the handle as defined above. The blade has a face, a back, a toe, sides and shoulders. See Appendix E.
(b) The blade shall consist solely of wood.
(c) No material may be placed on or inserted into either the blade or the lower portion of the handle other than as permitted in 3(d) above and 5 and 6 below, together with the minimal adhesives or adhesive tape used solely for fixing these items, or for fixing the handle to the blade. - Covering the blade
All bats may have commercial identifications on the blade. Type A and Type B bats may have no other covering on the blade except as permitted in 6 below. Type C bats may have a cloth covering on the blade. This may be treated as specified in 6 below.
Such covering is additional to the blade and is not part of the bat. Note, however, 8 below.
- Protection and repair
Providing neither 4 above nor 7 below is contravened,
(a) solely for the purposes of either
(i) protection from surface damage to the face, sides and shoulders of the blade or
(ii) repair to the blade after damage material that is not rigid, either at the time of its application to the blade or subsequently, may be placed on these surfaces. Any such material shall not extend over any part of the back of the blade except in the case of (ii) above and then only when it is applied as a continuous wrapping covering the damaged area.
(b) solid material may be inserted into the blade for repair after damage other than surface damage. Additionally, for protection from damage, for Types B and C, material may be inserted at the toe and/or along the sides, parallel to the face of the blade.
The only material permitted for any insertion is wood with minimal essential adhesives.
(c) to prevent damage to the toe, material may be placed on that part of the blade but shall not extend over any part of the face, back or sides of the blade.
(d) the surface of the blade may be treated with non-solid materials to improve resistance to moisture penetration and/or mask natural blemishes in the appearance of the wood. Save for the purpose of giving a homogeneous appearance by masking natural blemishes, such treatment must not materially alter the colour of the blade.
Any materials referred to in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above are additional to the blade and not part of the bat. Note, however, 8 below.
- Damage to the ball
(a) For any part of the bat, covered or uncovered, the hardness of the constituent materials and the surface texture thereof shall not be such that either or both could cause unacceptable damage to the ball.
(b) Any material placed on any part of the bat, for whatever purpose, shall similarly not be such that it could cause unacceptable damage to the ball.
(c) For the purposes of this Law, unacceptable damage is deterioration greater than normal wear and tear caused by the ball striking the uncovered wooden surface of the blade. - Contact with the ball
In these Laws,
(a) reference to the bat shall imply that the bat is held in the batsman’s hand or a glove worn on his hand, unless stated otherwise.
(b) contact between the ball and either (i) the bat itself
or (ii) the batsman’s hand holding the bat
or (iii) any part of a glove worn on the batsman’s hand holding the bat
or (iv) any additional materials permitted under 3, 5 or 6 above shall be regarded as the ball striking or touching the bat or being struck by the bat.
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Law 7 (The pitch)
- Area of pitch
The pitch is a rectangular area of the ground 22 yards/20.12 m in length and 10 ft/3.05 m in width. It is bounded at either end by the bowling creases and on either side by imaginary lines, one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps, each parallel to it and 5 ft/1.52 m from it. See Laws 8.1 (Width and pitching) and 9.2 (The bowling crease).
- Fitness of pitch for play
The umpires shall be the sole judges of the fitness of the pitch for play. See Laws 3.8 (Fitness for play) and 3.9 (Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable conditions)
- Selection and preparation
Before the match, the Ground Authority shall be responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch. During the match, the umpires shall control its use and maintenance.
- Changing the pitch
The pitch shall not be changed during the match unless the umpires decide that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue on it and then only with the consent of both captains.
- Non-turf pitches
In the event of a non-turf pitch being used, the artificial surface shall conform to the following measurements.
Length - a minimum of 58 ft/17.68 m
Width - a minimum of 6 ft/1.83 m
See Law 10.8 (Non-turf pitches).
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Law 8 (The wickets)
- Width and pitching
Two sets of wickets shall be pitched opposite and parallel to each other at a distance of 22 yards/20.12 m between the centres of the two middle stumps. Each set shall be 9 in/22.86 cm wide and shall consist of three wooden stumps with two wooden bails on top. See Appendix A.
- Size of stumps
The tops of the stumps shall be 28 in/71.1 cm above the playing surface and shall be dome shaped except for the bail grooves. The portion of a stump above the playing surface shall be cylindrical apart from the domed top, with circular section of diameter not less than 1⅜ in/3.49 cm nor more than 1½ in/3.81 cm. See Appendix A.
- The bails
(a) The bails, when in position on top of the stumps,
(i) shall not project more than ½ in/1.27 cm above them.
(ii) shall fit between the stumps without forcing them out of the vertical.
(b) Each bail shall conform to the following specifications. See Appendix A.
Overall length 45/16 in/10.95 cm
Length of barrel 21/8 in /5.40 cm
Longer spigot 1⅜ in/3.49 cm
Shorter spigot 13/16 in/2.06 cm
- Junior cricket
In junior cricket, the same definitions of the wickets shall apply subject to the following measurements being used.
Width 8 in/20.32 cm Pitched for under 13 21 yards/19.20 m Pitched for under 11 20 yards/18.29 m Pitched for under 9 18 yards/16.46 m Height above playing surface 27 in/68.58 cm
Each stump
Diameter not less than 1¼ in/3.18 cm nor more than 1⅜ in/3.49 cm
Each bail Overall 313/16 in/9.68 cm Barrel 113/16 in/4.60 cm Longer spigot 1¼ in/3.18 cm Shorter spigot ¾ in/1.91 cm
- Dispensing with bails
The umpires may agree to dispense with the use of bails, if necessary. If they so agree then no bails shall be used at either end. The use of bails shall be resumed as soon as conditions permit. See Law 28.4 (Dispensing with bails).
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Law 9 (The bowling, popping and return 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. See Appendix B.
- 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 8 ft 8 in/2.64 m in length, with the stumps in the centre.
- 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 4 ft/1.22 m from it. The popping crease shall be marked to a minimum of 6 ft/1.83 m on either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.
- 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 4 ft 4 in/1.32 m 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 8 ft/2.44 m behind it and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.
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Law 10 (Preparation and maintenance of the playing area)
- 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 that the pitch be 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 such request for rolling of the pitch.
(c) Choice of rollers
If there is more than one roller available the captain of the batting side shall choose which one is to be used.
(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 wish.
(e) Insufficient time to complete rolling
If, when a captain declares an innings closed, or forfeits an innings, or enforces the follow-on, there is insufficient time for the pitch to be rolled for 7 minutes, or if there is insufficient time for any other reason, the batting captain shall nevertheless be permitted to exercise his option to have such rolling. The time by which the start of the innings is delayed on that account shall be taken out of normal playing time.
- Clearing debris from the pitch
(a) The pitch shall be cleared of any debris,
(i) before the start of each day’s play. This shall be after the completion of mowing and before any rolling, not earlier than 30 minutes nor later than 10 minutes before the time or any rescheduled time for start of play.
(ii) between innings. This shall precede rolling if any is to take place.
(iii) at all intervals for meals.
(b) The clearance of debris in (a) above shall be done by sweeping, except where the umpires consider that this may be detrimental to the surface of the pitch. In this case the debris must be cleared from that area by hand, without sweeping.
(c) In addition to (a) above, debris may be cleared from the pitch by hand, without sweeping, before mowing and whenever either umpire considers it necessary. - Mowing
(a) Responsibility for mowing
All mowings which are carried out before the match shall be the sole responsibility of the Ground Authority.
All subsequent mowings shall be carried out under the supervision of the umpires.
(b) The pitch and outfield
In order that throughout the match the ground conditions should be as nearly the same for both sides as possible,
(i) the pitch
(ii) the outfield shall be mown on each day of the match on which play is expected to take place, if ground and weather conditions permit.
If, for reasons other than conditions of ground or weather, 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) Timing of mowing
(i) Mowing of the pitch on any day shall be completed not later than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day, before any sweeping prior to rolling. If necessary, debris may be removed from the pitch before mowing, by hand, without sweeping. See 2(c) above.
(ii) Mowing of the outfield on any day 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
The pitch shall not be watered during the match.
- Re-marking creases
Creases shall be re-marked whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
- Maintenance of footholes
The umpires shall ensure that the holes made by the bowler 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.
- Securing of footholds and maintenance of pitch
During play, 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.
- Non-turf pitches
Wherever appropriate, the provisions set out in 1 to 7 above shall apply.
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Law 11 (Covering the pitch)
- 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).
- During the match
The pitch shall not be completely covered during the match unless provided otherwise by regulations or by agreement before the toss.
- Covering the 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 5 ft/1.52 m in front of each popping crease.
- 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.
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Law 12 (Innings)
- Number of innings
(a) A match shall be one or two innings for each side according to agreement reached before the match.
(b) It may be agreed to limit any innings to a number of overs or to a period of time. If such an agreement is made then
(i) in a one innings match a similar agreement shall apply to both innings.
(ii) in a two innings match similar agreements shall apply to
either the first innings of each side
or the second innings of each side
or both innings of each side.
For both one innings and two innings matches, the agreement must also include criteria for determining the result when neither of Laws 21.1 (A Win - two innings match) or 21.2
(A Win - one innings match) applies.
- 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 in Law 14.2 (Forfeiture of an innings).
- 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 or the retirement of a batsman, 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 as appropriate.
- The toss
Laws of cricket changes - The toss
The captains shall toss for the choice of innings, on the field of play and in the presence of one or both of the umpires, 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).
- Decision to be notified
As soon as the toss is completed, the captain of the side winning the toss shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his decision to bat or to field. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.
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Law 13 (The follow-on)
- 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 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. - 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.
- 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).
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Law 14 (Declaration and forfeiture)
- Time of declaration
The captain of the side batting may declare an innings closed, when the ball is dead, at any time during the innings.
- Forfeiture of an innings
A captain may forfeit either of his side’s innings at any time before the commencement of that innings. A forfeited innings shall be considered to be a completed innings.
- 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.
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Law 15 (Intervals)
- 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).
- 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 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).
- Duration of intervals
(a) An interval for lunch or 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 until the call of Play for the start of the next innings, except as in 4, 6 and 7 below. - 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 remains before the time agreed for close of play on any day, there shall be no further play on that day. No change shall be made to the time for the start of play on the following day on account of the 10 minute interval 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 minute interval 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 minute interval between innings. Law 10.1(e) (Insufficient time to complete rolling) shall apply.
5. Changing agreed times of intervals
If, at any time during the match, either playing time is lost through adverse conditions of ground, weather or light or in exceptional circumstances, or the players have occasion to leave the field other than at a scheduled interval, the time of the lunch interval or of the tea interval may be changed if the two umpires and both captains so agree, providing the requirements of 3 above and 6, 7, 8 and 9(c) below are not contravened.
- Changing agreed time for lunch interval
(a) If an innings ends when 10 minutes or less remains 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 minute interval 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 remains 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 remains 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. - Changing agreed time for tea interval
(a) (i) If an innings ends when 30 minutes or less remains before the agreed time for tea, the interval shall be taken immediately. It shall be of the agreed length and shall be considered to include the 10 minute interval between innings.
(ii) If, when 30 minutes remains 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, if conditions permit.
(b) (i) If, because of adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, a stoppage occurs when 30 minutes or less remains 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 the interval or as soon after as conditions permit.
(ii) If a stoppage is already in progress when 30 minutes remains before the agreed time for tea, 5 above will apply. - Tea interval - 9 wickets down
If either 9 wickets are already down when 2 minutes remains to the agreed time for tea, or the 9th wicket falls within this 2 minutes, or at any 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 that is 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.
For the purposes of this section of Law, the retirement of a batsman is not to be considered equivalent to the fall of a wicket.
- Intervals for drinks
(a) If on any day the captains agree that there shall be intervals for drinks, the option to take such drinks 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) Unless, as permitted in 10 below, the captains agree to forgo it, a drinks interval shall be taken at the end of the over in progress when the agreed time is reached. If, however, a wicket falls or a batsman retires 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.
(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.
When play is in progress, the batsmen at the wicket may deputise for their captain in making an agreement to forgo a drinks interval in that session.
- 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.
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Law 16 (Start of play; cessation of play)
- Call of Play
The bowler’s end umpire shall call Play at the start of the match and on the resumption of play after any interval or interruption.
- Call of Time
The bowler’s end umpire shall call Time when the ball is dead on the cessation of play before any interval or interruption and at the conclusion of the match. See Laws 23.3 (Call of Over or Time) and 27 (Appeals).
- Removal of bails
After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets.
- 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, walking at his normal pace, the umpire 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.
- 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 remains before the time agreed for the next interval, the interval will be taken immediately if
either (i) a batsman is dismissed 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 the resumption of play.
- 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 bowler’s end umpire shall indicate the commencement of this 20 overs to the players and to the scorers. The period of play thereafter shall be referred to as the last hour, whatever its actual duration.
- 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 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 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, for the interval, to be deducted from the resulting number to determine the number of overs still to be bowled.
(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) 10 minutes, for the interval, to be deducted from this time 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 if a further part of 3 minutes remains.
9. Conclusion of match
The match is concluded
(a) as soon as a result as defined in sections 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5(a) 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 is reached earlier.
(c) in the case of an agreement under Law 12.1(b) (Number of innings), as soon as the final innings is completed as defined in Law 12.3(e) (Completed innings).
(d) if, without the match being concluded, either as in (a) or in (b) or in (c) above, the players leave the field for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, and no further play is possible.
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.
- 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 separate parts of such an over shall count as one over of the minimum to be bowled.
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Law 17 (Practice on the field)
- Practice on the pitch or the rest of the square
(a) There shall be no practice of any kind, at any time on any day of the match, on the pitch or on either of the two strips parallel and immediately adjacent to the pitch, one on either side of it, each of the same dimensions as the pitch.
(b) There shall be no practice of any kind on any other part of the square at any time on any day of the match, except before the start of play on that day 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 it will significantly impair the surface of the square.
- Practice on the outfield
All forms of practice are permitted on the outfield before the start of the day’s play on any day or after the close of play on any day
or during the lunch and tea intervals
or between innings,
providing the umpires are satisfied that such practice will not cause significant deterioration in the condition of the outfield.
Such practice must not continue later than 5 minutes before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for play to commence or to resume.
- Practice on the outfield between the call of Play and the call of Time
(a) The restrictions in (b), (c) and (d) below shall apply not only between the call of Play and the call of Time but also during an interval for drinks, or on any other occasion when Time has been called but the players remain on the field of play.
(b) No ball other than the match ball may be used on the field of play.
(c) There shall be no bowling or batting practice on the outfield. However, bowling a ball to a player in the outfield, using arm action only, although a form of practice shall not be regarded as bowling practice.
(d) All other forms of practice are permitted on the outfield either at the fall of a wicket or during other gaps in play for legitimate activities providing that
(i) only the fielders as defined in Appendix D participate in such practice
(ii) the umpire is satisfied that it will not contravene either of Laws 42.3 (The match ball – changing its condition) or 42.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side).
4.Trial run up
A bowler is permitted to have a trial run up provided the umpire is satisfied that it will not contravene either of Laws 42.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side) or 42.13 (Fielder damaging the pitch).
- Penalties for contravention
All forms of practice are subject to the provisions of Laws 42.3 (The match ball – changing its condition), 42.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side) and 42.13 (Fielder damaging the pitch). Additionally, if there is a contravention of any of the provisions of 1, 2, or 3 above, the following penalties will apply.
If the contravention is
(a) by a fielder, he shall not be allowed to bowl after the contravention until
either at least one hour has elapsed
or there has been at least 30 minutes of playing time since the contravention, whichever is sooner.
If the contravention is by the bowler during an over, he shall not be allowed even to complete that over. It shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.
(b) by a batsman,
(i) in the first instance, the umpire shall warn the player that the practice is not permitted, and inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action. This warning shall apply throughout the innings which is about to begin or is in progress. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.
(ii) if during that innings there is any further contravention by any batsman, the umpire shall award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. He shall inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and as soon as practicable the captain of the batting side.
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Law 18 (Scoring runs)
- 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 these Laws, the scoring of runs or awarding of penalties will be subject to any provisions that may be applicable, for the disallowance of runs or for the non-award of penalties.
- Short runs
(a) A run is short if a batsman fails to make good his ground in 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 setting off for his first run from in front of his popping crease may do so also without penalty. - Unintentional short runs
Except in the circumstances of 5 below,
(a) if either batsman runs a short run, the umpire concerned shall, unless a boundary is scored, 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 to be recorded.
- Deliberate short runs
(a) Notwithstanding 4 above, if either umpire considers that either or both batsmen deliberately run short at his end, the umpire concerned shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of what has occurred. The bowler’s end umpire shall then
(i) warn both batsmen that the practice is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.
(ii) whether a batsman is dismissed or not, disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than any runs awarded for penalties.
(iii) return the batsmen to their original ends.
(iv) inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
(v) inform the scorers as to the number of runs to be recorded.
(b) If there is any further instance of deliberate short running by any batsman in that innings, the umpire concerned shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of what has occurred and the procedure set out in (a) (ii), (iii) and (iv) above shall be repeated. Additionally the bowler’s end umpire shall,
(i) award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side
(ii) inform the scorers as to the number of runs to be recorded
(iii) together with the other umpire report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the batting side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and the player or players concerned. - Runs awarded for penalties
Runs shall be awarded for penalties under 5 above, and Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission), 17.5 (Penalties for contravention), 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). Note, however, the restrictions on the award of penalty runs in Laws 26 (Bye and Leg bye), 34 (Hit the ball twice), 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) and 41.4 (Penalty runs not to be awarded).
- Runs scored for boundaries
Runs shall be scored for boundary allowances under Law 19 (Boundaries).
- Runs scored for Lost ball
Runs shall be scored when Lost ball is called under Law 20 (Lost ball).
- Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed
When a batsman is dismissed, any runs for penalties awarded to either side shall stand. No other runs shall be credited to the batting side, except as follows. If a batsman is
(a) dismissed Obstructing the field, the batting side shall also score the runs completed before the offence.
If, however, the obstruction prevented a catch being made, no runs other than penalties shall be scored.
(b) dismissed Run out, the batting side shall also score runs completed before the wicket was put down.
If, however, a striker who has a runner is himself dismissed Run out, under Law 2.8(d), runs completed by the runner and the other batsman shall be disallowed.
- Runs scored when the ball becomes dead other than at the fall of a wicket
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
(a) any runs for penalties awarded to either side shall be scored. Note however the provisions of Laws 26.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded) and 41.4 (Penalties not to be awarded).
(b) additionally 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 had already crossed at the instant of the incident or call.
Note specifically, however, the provisions of Law 42.5(f) (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman).
- Batsman returning to original end
(a) When a batsman is dismissed, the not out batsman shall return to his original end
(i) if the striker is himself dismissed in the circumstances of Law 2.8(d) (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner).
(ii) and, with the three exceptions of
Run out other than in (i) above
Caught
Obstructing the field,
for all other methods of dismissal.
(b) Other than at the fall of a wicket, the batsmen shall return to their original ends in the cases of, and only in the cases of
(i) a boundary (ii) disallowance of runs for any reason (iii) a decision by the batsmen at the wicket to do so, under Law 42.5(g),(Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman)
- Batsman returning to wicket he has left
(a) When a batsman is dismissed Caught, Obstructing the field or Run out other than under Law 2.8, the not out batsman shall return to the wicket he has left but only if the batsmen had not already crossed at the instant of the incident causing the dismissal.
(b) Except in the cases listed in 11(b) above, if while a run is in progress the ball is called dead by an umpire or becomes dead for any other reason except the dismissal of a batsman, the batsmen shall return to the wickets they had left, but only if they had not already crossed in running when the ball became dead.
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Law 19 (Boundaries)
- 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 (To inform captains and scorers). - Defining the boundary - boundary marking
(a) Wherever practicable the boundary shall be marked by means of a white line or a rope along the ground.
(b) If the boundary is marked by means of 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 on the ground 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 it is not possible then,
(i) if some part of the fence or other marker has come within the field of play, that part shall be removed from the field of play as soon as the ball becomes dead.
(ii) the line where the base of the fence or marker originally stood shall define the boundary edge. - Scoring a boundary
(a) A boundary shall be scored and signalled by the bowler’s end umpire 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.
(iii) the ball, having crossed the boundary in the air, is first touched by a fielder who has not satisfied the conditions in 4(i) below.
(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 solid object marking the boundary except the boundary edge
or (ii) the ground beyond the boundary edge
or (iii) any object in contact with the ground beyond the boundary edge.
- Ball beyond the boundary
After it has crossed the boundary in the air, a ball may be caught, subject to the provisions of Law 32, or fielded provided that
(i) the first contact with the ball is by a fielder, not touching or grounded beyond the boundary, who has some part of his person grounded within the boundary or whose final contact with the ground before touching the ball was entirely within the boundary.
Any fielder subsequently touching the ball is not subject to this restriction.
(ii) neither the ball, nor any fielder in contact with the ball touches, or is grounded beyond, the boundary at any time during the act of making the catch or of fielding the ball.
The act of making the catch, or of fielding the ball, shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with some part of a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control both over the ball and over his own movement.
- 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 shall be described as a Boundary 6 and a Boundary 4 respectively, although the number of runs awarded may not be 6 or 4 if other allowances have been agreed under (a) above.
These allowances shall still apply even though the ball has previously touched a fielder. See also (c) below.
(c) A Boundary 6 will be scored if and only if the ball has been struck by the bat and pitches beyond the boundary. The ball is to be regarded as pitching beyond the boundary even though before it has pitched, a fielder
(i) catches it within the boundary but either has some part of his person touching the boundary or grounded beyond the boundary when he catches the ball or, after catching it, 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).
(ii) comes into contact with the ball in the circumstances of 3a (iii) above.
(d) The award for all other boundaries scored under 3 above, for which either the ball was not struck by the bat or did not pitch beyond the boundary as defined above, will be a Boundary 4, including a case under 3(a)(iii) when the ball has pitched within the boundary before contact with the fielder.
- Runs scored
When a boundary is scored,
(a) any runs for penalties awarded to either side shall be scored.
(b) the batting side, except in the circumstances of 7 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 had already crossed at the instant the boundary is scored.
(c) When the runs in (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).
7. Overthrow or wilful act of fielder
If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder the runs scored shall be
(i) any runs for penalties awarded to either side
and (ii) the allowance for the boundary
and (iii) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the throw or act.
Law 18.12(b) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the throw or act.
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Law 20 (Lost ball)
- 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(b) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the call.
- 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).
- Runs scored
(a) Any runs for penalties awarded to either side shall be scored.
(b) The batting side shall additionally be awarded,
either (i) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the call, or (ii) 6 runs, whichever is the greater. These 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.
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Law 21 (The result)
- 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. See Law 12.3 (Completed innings). Note also 6 below.
- 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. See Law 12.3 (Completed innings). Note also 6 below.
- Umpires awarding a match
Notwithstanding any agreement under Law 12.1(b) (Number of innings),
(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) 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 in dangerous or unreasonable conditions).
(iii) if applicable, no overs shall be deducted during the last hour of the match solely on account of this time.
4. Matches in which there is an agreement under Law 12.1(b)
For any match in which there is an agreement under Law 12.1(b) (Number of innings), if the result is not determined in any of the ways stated in 1, 2 or 3 above, then the result shall be as laid down in that agreement.
- All other matches - A Tie or Draw
(a) 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.
(b) A Draw
A match which is concluded as defined Law 16.9 (Conclusion of match), without being determined in any of the ways stated in (a) above or in 1, 2, or 3, above, shall count as a Draw.
- Winning hit or extras
(a) As soon as a result is reached as defined in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5(a) above, the match is at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter, except as in Law 42.17(b) (Penalty runs), 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 by the batsmen before the completion of a catch, or the obstruction of a catch, from which the striker could be dismissed.
(c) If a boundary is scored before the batsmen have completed sufficient runs to win the match, 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. - 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, without having scored a total of runs in excess of the total scored by the opposing side, the side batting last has lost all its wickets, but as the result of an award of 5 penalty runs its total of runs is then sufficient to win, 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.
- 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).
- Mistakes in scoring
If, after the players and umpires 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, or in that innings, has not been completed
or (ii) the agreed time for close of play, or for the end of the innings, has not been reached then, unless one side concedes defeat, the umpires shall order play to resume.
Unless a result is reached sooner, play will then continue, if conditions permit, until the prescribed number of overs has been completed and either time for close of play has been reached or the allotted time for the innings has expired, as appropriate. The number of overs and time remaining shall be taken as they were at the call of Time for the supposed conclusion of the match. No account shall be taken of the time between that moment and the resumption of play.
(b) If, at this call of Time, the overs have been completed and no playing time remains, 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.
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Law 22 (The over)
- Number of balls
The ball shall be bowled from each end alternately in overs of 6 balls.
- Start of an over
An over has started when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his action for the first delivery of that over.
- Validity of balls
(a) A ball shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over unless it is delivered, even though, as in Law 42.15 (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery) a batsman may be dismissed or some other incident occurs without the ball having been delivered.
(b) A ball 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 23.6 (Dead Ball; ball counting as one of over).
(ii) if it is called dead in the circumstances of Law 23.4(b)(vi) (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball). Note also the special provisions of Law 23.4(b)(v).
(iii) if it is a No ball. See Law 24 (No ball).
(iv) if it is a Wide. See Law 25 (Wide 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).
(c) Any deliveries other than those listed in (a) and (b) above shall be known as valid balls. Only valid balls shall count towards the 6 balls of the over. - Call of Over
When 6 valid balls have been bowled and when the ball becomes dead, the umpire shall call Over before leaving the wicket. See also Law 23.3 (Call of Over or Time).
- Umpire miscounting
(a) If the umpire miscounts the number of valid balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand.
(b) If, having miscounted, the umpire allows an over to continue after 6 valid balls have been bowled, he may subsequently call Over as the ball becomes dead after any delivery, even if that delivery is not a valid ball. - Bowler changing ends
A bowler shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired, provided he does not bowl two overs consecutively, nor bowl parts of each of two consecutive overs, in the same innings.
- 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 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, it shall be completed on resumption of play. - Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over
If for any reason a bowler is incapacitated while running up to deliver 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 consecutively, nor bowl parts of each of two consecutive overs, in that innings.
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Law 23 (Dead ball)
- Ball is dead
(a) The ball becomes dead when
(i) it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or of the bowler.
(ii) a boundary is scored. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).
(iii) a batsman is dismissed. The ball will be deemed to be dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal.
(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 fielder.
(vii) there is an award of penalty runs under either of Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission) or 41.2 (Fielding the ball). The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(viii) there is contravention of Law 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
(ix) Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).
(x) the match is concluded in any of the ways stated in Law 16.9 (Conclusion of match).
(b) The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play. - Ball finally settled
Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.
- Call of Over or Time
Neither the call of Over (see Law 22.4), nor the call of Time (see Law 16.2) is to be made until the ball is dead, either under 1 above or under 4 below.
- Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball
(a) When the ball has become dead under 1 above, the bowler’s end umpire may call and signal 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 the striker has had the opportunity of playing the ball.
(v) the striker is not ready for the delivery of the ball and, if the ball is delivered, makes no attempt to play it. Provided the umpire is satisfied that the striker had adequate reason for not being ready, the ball shall not count as one of the over.
(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 also (vii) below.
The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(vii) there is an instance of a deliberate attempt to distract under either of Laws 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) or 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman). The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(viii) the bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery.
(ix) 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 under Law 42.15 (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery).
(x) he is required to do so under any of the Laws not included above.
5. 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.
- Dead ball; ball counting as one of over
(a) When a ball which has been delivered is called dead or is to be considered dead then, other than as in (b) below,
(i) it will not count in the over if the striker has not had an opportunity to play it.
(ii) it will be a valid ball if the striker has had an opportunity to play it, unless No ball or Wide has been called, except in the circumstances of 4(b)(vi) above and Laws 2.6 (Fielder returning without permission), 41.2 (Fielding the ball), 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) and 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman).
(b) In 4(b)(v) above, the ball will not count in the over only if both conditions of not attempting to play the ball and having an adequate reason for not being ready are met. Otherwise the delivery will be a valid ball.
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Law 24 (No ball)
- 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 assess 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 call and signal No ball and, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then,
(i) caution the bowler. This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
(ii) inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action.
(iii) inform the batsmen at the wicket of what has occurred.
(b) If, after such caution, either umpire considers that, in that innings, a further delivery by the same bowler is thrown, the procedure set out in
(a) above shall be repeated, indicating to the bowler that this is a final warning.
This warning shall also apply throughout the innings.
(c) If either umpire considers that, in that innings, a further delivery by the same bowler is thrown, he shall call and signal No ball and when the ball is dead inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then,
(i) direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler forthwith. The over shall, if applicable, be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over or part thereof nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.
The bowler thus suspended shall not bowl again in that innings.
(ii) inform the batsmen at the wicket and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the occurrence.
(d) The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and the 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.
- 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.
- Fair delivery - the feet
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride,
(a) the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his stated mode of delivery.
(b) the bowler’s front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised
(i) on the same side of the imaginary line joining the two middle stumps as the return crease described in (a) above and (ii) behind the popping crease.
If the bowler’s end umpire is not satisfied that all of these three conditions have been met, he shall call and signal No ball.
- Bowler breaking wicket in delivering ball
Either umpire shall call and signal No ball if, other than in an attempt to run out the non-striker under Law 42.15, the bowler breaks the wicket at any time after the ball comes into play and before he completes the stride after the delivery stride. See Appendix D. Laws 23.4(b)(viii), 23.4(b)(ix) and 10 below will apply.
- Ball bouncing more than twice or rolling along the ground
The umpire shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched bat or person of the striker,
either (i) bounces more than twice
or (ii) rolls along the ground
before it reaches the popping crease.
- 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 previously touched the bat or person of the striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.
- Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws
In addition to the instances above, No ball is to be called and signalled 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 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
- Revoking a call of No ball
An umpire shall revoke his call of No ball if the ball does not leave the bowler’s hand for any reason.
- No ball to over-ride Wide
A call of No ball shall over-ride the call of Wide ball at any time. See Laws 25.1(Judging a Wide) and 25.3 (Call and signal of Wide ball).
- Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.
- 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, the 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 runs awarded for penalties.
- Runs resulting from a No ball - how scored
The one run penalty shall be scored as a No ball extra. If other penalty runs have been awarded to either side these shall be scored as stated in Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batsmen or any boundary allowance shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat; otherwise they shall also be scored as No ball extras.
Apart from any award of 5 penalty runs, all runs resulting from a No ball, whether as No ball extras or credited to the striker, shall be debited against the bowler.
- No ball not to count
A No ball shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.3 (Validity of balls).
- 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).
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