Laws 11 - 15

[Macc]

LAW 11

COVERING THE PITCH

• Before the Start of a Match
  
  Before the start of a match complete covering of the pitch shall be allowed.
  
  
• During a Match
  
  The pitch shall not be completely covered during a match unless prior arrangement or regulations so provide.
  
  
• Covering Bowlers' Run-Up
  
  Whenever possible, the Bowlers' run-up shall be covered, but the covers so used shall not extend further than 4 ft./1.22 m. in front of the popping crease.
  

NOTES
(a) Removal of Covers
The covers should be removed as promptly as possible whenever the weather permits.

LAW 12

INNINGS

• Number of Innings
  
  A match shall be of one or two innings of each side according to agreement reached before the start of play.
  
  
• Alternate Innings
  
  In a two innings match each side shall take their innings alternately except in the case provided for in Law 13. (The Follow-On).
  
  
• The Toss
  
  The Captains shall toss for the choice of innings on the field of play not later than 15 minutes before the time scheduled for the match to start, or before the time agreed upon for play to start.
  
  
• Choice of Innings
  
  The winner of the toss shall notify his decision to bat or to field to the opposing Captain not later than 10 minutes before the time scheduled for the match to start, or before the time agreed upon for play to start. The decision shall not thereafter be altered.
  
  
• Continuation After One Innings of Each Side
  
  Despite the terms of 1. above, in a one innings match, when a result has been reached on the first innings the Captains may agree to the continuation of play if, in their opinion, there is a prospect of carrying the game to a further issue in the time left. See Law 21(Result).
  

NOTES
(a) Limited Innings - One Innings Match
In a one innings match, each innings may, by agreement, be limited by a number of overs or by a period of time.
(b) Limited Innings - Two Innings Match
In a two innings match, the first innings of each side may, by agreement, be limited to a number of overs or by a period of time.

LAW 13

THE FOLLOW-ON

• Lead on First Innings
  
  In a two innings match the side which bats first and leads by 200 runs in a match of five days or more, by 150 runs in a three-day or four-day match, by 100 runs in a two-day match, or by 75 runs in a one-day match, shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.
  
  
• Day's Play Lost
  
  If no play takes place on the first day of a match of 2 or more days' duration, 1. above shall apply in accordance with the number of days' play remaining from the actual start of the match.
  

LAW 14

DECLARATIONS

• Time of Declaration
  
  The Captain of the batting side may declare an innings closed at any time during a match irrespective of its duration.
  
  
• Forfeiture of Second Innings
  
  A Captain may forfeit his second innings, provided his decision to do so is notified to the opposing Captain and Umpires in sufficient time to allow 7 minutes rolling of the pitch. See Law 10. (Rolling, Sweeping, Mowing, Watering the Pitch and Re- Marking of Creases). The normal 10 minute interval between innings shall be applied.
  

LAW 15

START OF PLAY

• Call of Play
  
  At the start of each innings and of each day's play and on the resumption of play after any interval or interruption the Umpire at the Bowlers' end shall call "play".
  
  
• Practice on the Field
  
  At no time on any day of the match shall there be any bowling or batting practice on the pitch.
  
  No practice may take place on the field if, in the opinion of the Umpires, it could result in a waste of time.
  
  
• Trial Run-Up
  
  No Bowler shall have a trial run-up after "play" has been called in any session of play, except at the fall of a wicket when an Umpire may allow such a trial run-up if he is satisfied that it will not cause any waste of time.