Laws 31 - 42

[Macc]

LAW 31

TIMED OUT

• Out Timed Out
  
  An incoming Batsman shall be out Timed Out if he wilfully takes more than two minutes to come in -- the two minutes being timed from the moment a wicket falls until the new batsman steps on to the field of play.
  If this is not complied with and if the Umpire is satisfied that the delay was wilful and if an appeal is made, the new Batsman shall be given out by the Umpire at the Bowler's end.
  
  [**] Time to be Added
  
  The time taken by the Umpires to investigate the cause of the delay shall be added at the normal close of play.
  
  NOTES
  (a) Entry in Score Book
  The correct entry in the score book when a Batsman is given out under this Law is "timed out", and the Bowler does not get credit for the wicket.
  (b) Batsmen Crossing on the Field of Play
  It is an essential duty of the Captains to ensure that the in-going Batsman passes the out-going one before the latter leaves the field of play.
  

LAW 32

CAUGHT

• Out Caught
  
  The Striker shall be out Caught if the ball touches his bat or if it touches below the wrist his hand or glove, holding the bat, and is subsequently held by a Fieldsman before it touches the ground.
  
  
• A Fair Catch
  
  A catch shall be considered to have been fairly made if:-
  
  (a) The Fieldsman is within the field of play throughout the act of making the catch.
  
  (i) The act of making the catch shall start from the time when the Fieldsman first handles the ball and shall end when he both retains complete control over the further disposal of the ball and remains within the field of play.
  
  (ii) In order to be within the field of play, the Fieldsman may not touch or ground any part of his person on or over a boundary line. When the boundary is marked by a fence or board the Fieldsman may not ground any part of his person over the boundary fence or board, but may touch or lean over the boundary fence or board in completing the catch.
  
  (b) The ball is hugged to the body of the catcher or accidentally lodges in his dress or, in the case of the Wicket-Keeper, in his pads. However, a Striker may not be caught if a ball lodges in a protective helmet worn by a Fieldsman, in which case the Umpire shall call and signal "dead ball". See Law 23. (Dead Ball).
  
  (c) The ball does not touch the ground even though a hand holding it does so in effecting the catch.
  
  (d) A Fieldsman catches the ball, after it has been lawfully played a second time by the Striker, but only if the ball has not touched the ground since being first struck.
  
  (e) A Fieldsman catches the ball after it has touched an Umpire, another Fieldsman or the other Batsman. However a Striker may not be caught if a ball has touched a protective helmet worn by a Fieldsman.
  
  (f) The ball is caught off an obstruction within the boundary provided it has not previously been agreed to regard the obstruction as a boundary.
  
  
• Scoring of Runs
  
  If a Striker is caught, no runs shall be scored.
  
  NOTES
  (a) Scoring from an Attempted Catch
  When a Fieldsman carrying the ball touches or grounds any part of his person on or over a boundary marked by a line, 6 runs shall be scored.
  (b) Ball Still in Play
  If a Fieldsman releases the ball before he crosses the boundary, the ball will be considered to be still in play and it may be caught by another Fieldsman. However, if the original Fieldsman returns to the field of play and handles the ball, a catch may not be made.
  

LAW 33

HANDLED THE BALL

• Out Handled the Ball
  
  Either Batsman on appeal shall be out Handled the Ball if he wilfully touches the ball while in play with the hand not holding the bat unless he does so with the consent of the opposite side.
  
  NOTES
  (a) Entry in Score Book
  The correct entry in the score book when a Batsman is given out under this Law is "handled the ball", and the Bowler does not get credit for the wicket.
  

LAW 34

HIT THE BALL TWICE

• Out Hit the Ball Twice
  
  The Striker, on appeal, shall be out Hit the Ball Twice if, after the ball is struck or is stopped by any part of his person, he wilfully strikes it again with his bat or person except for the sole purpose of guarding his wicket: this he may do with his bat or any part of his person other than his hands, but see Law 37.2. (Obstructing a Ball From Being Caught).
  
  For the purpose of this Law, a hand holding the bat shall be regarded as part of the bat.
  
  
• Returning the Ball to a Fieldsman
  
  The Striker, on appeal, shall be out under this Law, if, without the consent of the opposite side, he uses his bat or person to return the ball to any of the fielding side.
  
  
• Runs from Ball Lawfully Struck Twice
  
  No runs except those which result from an overthrow or penalty, see Law 41. (The Fieldsman), shall be scored from a ball lawfully struck twice.
  
  NOTES
  (a) Entry in Score Book
  The correct entry in the score book when the Striker is given out under this Law is "hit the ball twice", and the Bowler does not get credit for the wicket.
  (b) Runs Credited to the Batsman
  Any runs awarded under 3. above as a result of an overthrow or penalty shall be credited to the Striker, provided the ball in the first instance has touched the bat, or, if otherwise as extras.
  

LAW 35

HIT WICKET

• Out Hit Wicket
  
  The Striker shall be out Hit Wicket if, while the ball is in play:-
  
  (a) His wicket is broken with any part of his person, dress, or equipment as a result of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery, or in setting off for his first run, immediately after playing, or playing at, the ball.
  
  (b) He hits down his wicket whilst lawfully making a second stroke for the purpose of guarding his wicket within the provisions of Law 34.1. (Out Hit the Ball Twice).
  
  NOTES
  (a) Not Out Hit Wicket
  A Batsman is not out under this Law should his wicket be broken in any of the ways referred to in 1(a) above if:-
  (i) It occurs while he is in the act of running, other than in setting off for his first run immediately after playing at the ball, or while he is avoiding being run out or stumped.
  (ii) The Bowler after starting his run-up or bowling action does not deliver the ball; in which case the Umpire shall immediately call and signal "dead ball".
  (iii)It occurs whilst he is avoiding a throw-in at any time.
  

LAW 36

LEG BEFORE WICKET

• Out L.B.W.
  
  The Striker shall be out L.B.W. in the circumstances set out below:-
  
  (a) Striker Attempting to Play the Ball
  
  The Striker shall be out L.B.W. if he first intercepts with any part of his person, dress or equipment a fair ball which would have hit the wicket and which has not previously touched his bat or a hand holding the bat, provided that:-
  
  (i) The ball pitched, in a straight line between wicket and wicket or on the off side of the Striker's wicket, or was intercepted full pitch.
  and
  
  (ii) The point of impact is in a straight line between wicket and wicket, even if above the level of the bails.
  
  (b) Striker Making No Attempt to Play the Ball
  
  The Striker shall be out L.B.W. even if the ball is intercepted outside the line of the off-stump, if, in the opinion of the Umpire, he has made no genuine attempt to play the ball with his bat, but has intercepted the ball with some part of his person and if the other circumstances set out in (a) above apply.
  

LAW 37

OBSTRUCTING THE FIELD

• Wilful Obstruction
  
  Either Batsman, on appeal, shall be out Obstructing the Field if he wilfully obstructs the opposite side by word or action.
  
  
• Obstructing a Ball from Being Caught
  
  The Striker, on appeal, shall be out should wilful obstruction by either Batsman prevent a catch being made.
  
  This shall apply even though the Striker causes the obstruction in lawfully guarding his wicket under the provisions of Law 34. See Law 34.1. (Out Hit the Ball Twice).
  
  NOTES
  (a) Accidental Obstruction
  The Umpires must decide whether the obstruction was wilful or not. The accidental interception of a throw-in by a Batsman while running does not break this Law.
  (b) Entry in Score Book
  The correct entry in the score book when a Batsman is given out under this Law is "obstructing the field", and the bowler does not get credit for the wicket.
  

LAW 38

RUN OUT

• Out Run Out
  
  Either Batsman shall be out Run Out if in running or at any time while the ball is in play -- except in the circumstances described in Law 39. (Stumped) -- he is out of his ground and his wicket is put down by the opposite side. If, however, a Batsman in running makes good his ground he shall not be out Run Out, if he subsequently leaves his ground, in order to avoid injury, and the wicket is put down.
  
  
• "No Ball" Called
  
  If a no ball has been called, the Striker shall not be given Run Out unless he attempts to run.
  
  
• Which Batsman is Out
  
  If the Batsmen have crossed in running, he who runs for the wicket which is put down shall be out; if they have not crossed, he who has left the wicket which is put down shall be out. If a Batsman remains in his ground or returns to his ground and the other Batsman joins him there, the latter shall be out if his wicket is put down.
  
  
• Scoring of Runs
  
  If a Batsman is run out, only that run which is being attempted shall not be scored. If however an injured Striker himself is run out, no runs shall be scored. See Law 2.7. (Transgression of the Laws by an Injured Batsman or Runner).
  
  NOTES
  (a) Ball Played on to Opposite Wicket
  If the ball is played on to the opposite wicket neither Batsman is liable to be Run Out unless the ball has been touched by a Fieldsman before the wicket is broken.
  (b) Entry in Score Book
  The correct entry in the score book when the Striker is given out under this Law is "run out", and the Bowler does not get credit for the wicket.
  (c) Run Out off a Fieldsman's Helmet
  If, having been played by a Batsman, or having come off his person, the ball rebounds directly from a Fieldsman's helmet on to the stumps, with either Batsman out of his ground, the Batsman shall be "Not Out".
  

LAW 39

STUMPED

• Out Stumped
  
  The Striker shall be out Stumped if, in receiving the ball, not being a no-ball, he is out of his ground otherwise than in attempting a run and the wicket is put down by the Wicket-Keeper without the intervention of another Fieldsman.
  
  
• Action by the Wicket-Keeper
  
  The Wicket-Keeper may take the ball in front of the wicket in an attempt to Stump the Striker only if the ball has touched the bat or person of the Striker.
  
  NOTES
  (a) Ball Rebounding from Wicket-Keeper's Person
  The Striker may be out Stumped if in the circumstances stated in 1. above, the wicket is broken by a ball rebounding from the Wicket-Keeper's person or equipment other than a protective helmet or is kicked or thrown by the Wicket-Keeper on to the wicket.
  

LAW 40

THE WICKET-KEEPER

• Position of Wicket-Keeper
  
  The Wicket-Keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket until a ball delivered by the Bowler touches the bat or person of the Striker, or passes the wicket, or until the Striker attempts a run. In the event of the Wicket-Keeper contravening this Law, the Umpire at the Striker's end shall call and signal "no ball" at the instant of delivery or as soon as possible thereafter.
  
  
• Restriction on Actions of the Wicket-Keeper
  
  If the Wicket-Keeper interferes with the Striker's right to play the ball and to guard his wicket, the Striker shall not be out, except under Laws 33. (Handled the Ball), 34. (Hit the Ball Twice), 37. (Obstructing the Field) and 38. (Run Out).
  
  
• Interference with the Wicket-Keeper by the Striker
  
  If in the legitimate defence of his wicket, the Striker interferes with the Wicket-Keeper, he shall not be out, except as provided for in Law 37.2. (Obstructing a Ball from Being Caught).
  

LAW 41

THE FIELDSMAN

• Fielding the Ball
  
  The Fieldsman may stop the ball with any part of his person, but if he wilfully stops it otherwise, 5 runs shall be added to the run or runs already scored; if no run has been scored 5 penalty runs shall be awarded. The run in progress shall count provided that the Batsmen have crossed at the instant of the act. If the ball has been struck, the penalty shall be added to the score of the Striker, but otherwise to the score of byes, leg- byes, no balls or wides as the case may be.
  
  
• Limitation of On-Side Fieldsmen
  
  The number of on-side Fieldsmen behind the popping crease at the instant of the Bowler's delivery shall not exceed two. In the event of infringement by the fielding side the Umpire at the Striker's end shall call and signal "no ball" at the instant of delivery or as soon as possible thereafter.
  
  
• Position of Fieldsmen
  
  Whilst the ball is in play and until the ball has made contact with the bat or the Striker's person or has passed his bat, no Fieldsman, other than the Bowler, may stand on or have any part of his person extended over the pitch (measuring 22 yards/20.12 m. x 10 ft./3.05 m.). In the event of a Fieldsman contravening this Law, the Umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal "no ball" at the instant of delivery or as soon as possible thereafter. See Law 40.1. (Position of Wicket-Keeper).
  
  
• Fieldsman's Protective Helmets
  
  Protective helmets, when not in use by members of the fielding side, shall only be placed, if above the surface, on the ground behind the Wicket-Keeper. In the event of the ball, when in play, striking a helmet whilst in this position, five penalty runs shall be awarded, as laid down in Law 41.1. and Note (a).
  
  NOTES
  (a) Batsmen Changing Ends
  The 5 runs referred to in 1. above are a penalty and the Batsmen do not change ends solely by reason of this penalty.
  

LAW 42

UNFAIR PLAY

• Responsibility of Captains
  
  The Captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws.
  
  
• Responsibility of Umpires
  
  The Umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
  
  
• Intervention by the Umpire
  
  The Umpires shall intervene without appeal by calling and signalling "dead ball" in the case of unfair play, but should not otherwise interfere with the progress of the game except as required to do so by the Laws.
  
  
• Lifting the Seam
  
  A Player shall not lift the seam of the ball for any reason. Should this be done, the Umpires shall change the ball for one of similar condition to that in use prior to the contravention. See Note (a).
  
  
• Changing the Condition of the Ball
  
  Any member of the fielding side may polish the ball provided that such polishing wastes no time and that no artificial substance is used. No-one shall rub the ball on the ground or use any artificial substance or take any other action to alter the condition of the ball.
  
  In the event of a contravention of this Law, the Umpires, after consultation, shall change the ball for one of similar condition to that in use prior to the contravention.
  This Law does not prevent a member of the fielding side from drying a wet ball, or removing mud from the ball. See Note (b).
  
  
• Incommoding the Striker
  
  An Umpire is justified in intervening under this Law and shall call and signal "dead ball" if, in his opinion, any Player of the fielding side incommodes the Striker by any noise or action while he is receiving a ball.
  
  
• Obstruction of a Batsman in Running
  
  It shall be considered unfair if any Fieldsman wilfully obstructs a Batsman in running. In these circumstances the Umpire shall call and signal "dead ball" and allow any completed runs and the run in progress or alternatively any boundary scored.
  
  
• The Bowling of Fast Short Pitched Balls
  
  The bowling of fast short pitched balls is unfair if, in the opinion of the Umpire at the Bowler's end, it constitutes an attempt to intimidate the Striker. See Note (d).
  Umpires shall consider intimidation to be the deliberate bowling of fast short pitched balls which by their length, height and direction are intended or likely to inflict physical injury on the Striker. The relative skill of the Striker shall also be taken into consideration.
  
  In the event of such unfair bowling, the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall adopt the following procedure:-
  
  (a) In the first instance the Umpire shall call and signal "no ball", caution the Bowler and inform the other Umpire, the Captain of the fielding side and the Batsmen of what has occurred.
  
  (b) If this caution is ineffective, he shall repeat the above procedure and indicate to the Bowler that this is a final warning.
  
  (c) Both the above caution and final warning shall continue to apply even though the Bowler may later change ends.
  
  (d) Should the above warnings prove ineffective the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall:-
  
  (i) At the first repetition call and signal "no ball" and when the ball is dead direct the Captain to take the Bowler off forthwith and to complete the over with another Bowler, provided that the Bowler does not bowl two overs or part thereof consecutively. See Law 22.7. (Bowler Incapacitated or Suspended during an Over).
  (ii) Not allow the Bowler, thus taken off, to bowl again in the same innings.
  
  (iii)Report the occurrence to the Captain of the batting side as soon as the Players leave the field for an interval.
  
  (iv) Report the occurrence to the Executive of the fielding side and to any governing body responsible for the match who shall take any further action which is considered to be appropriate against the Bowler concerned.
  
  
• The Bowling of Fast High Full Pitches
  
  [Previous Law 42.9and Note (e) deleted, and replaced with the following amendment, approved by the MCC at a Special General Meeting held on 5 May, 1993. This amendment applies to all grades of cricket with immediate effect.]
  The bowling of fast high full pitches is unfair.
  
  A fast high full pitched ball shall be defined as a ball that passes, or would have passed, on the full above waist height of a Batsman standing upright at the crease. Should a Bowler bowl a fast high full pitched ball, either Umpire shall call and signal "no ball" and adopt the procedure of caution, final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in 8. above.
  
  
• Time Wasting
  
  Any form of time wasting is unfair.
  
  (a) In the event of the Captain of the fielding side wasting time or allowing any member of his side to waste time, the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall adopt the following procedure:-
  
  (i) In the first instance he shall caution the Captain of the fielding side and inform the other Umpire of what has occurred.
  
  (ii) If this caution is ineffective he shall repeat the above procedure and indicate to the Captain that this is a final warning.
  
  (iii)The Umpire shall report the occurrence to the Captain of the batting side as soon as the Players leave the field for an interval.
  
  (iv) Should the above procedure prove ineffective the Umpire shall report the occurrence to the Executive of the fielding side and to any governing body responsible for that match who shall take appropriate action against the Captain and the Players concerned.
  
  (b) In the event of a Bowler taking unnecessarily long to bowl an over the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall adopt the procedures, other than the calling of "no-ball", of caution, final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in 8 above.
  
  (c) In the event of a Batsman wasting time (See Note (f)) other than in the manner described in Law 31. (Timed Out), the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall adopt the following procedure:-
  
  (i) In the first instance he shall caution the Batsman and inform the other Umpire at once, and the Captain of the batting side, as soon as the Players leave the field for an interval, of what has occurred.
  
  (ii) If this proves ineffective, he shall repeat the caution, indicate to the Batsman that this is a final warning and inform the other Umpire.
  
  (iii)The Umpire shall report the occurrence to both Captains as soon as the Players leave the field for an interval.
  
  (iv) Should the above procedure prove ineffective, the Umpire shall report the occurrence to the Executive of the batting side and to any governing body responsible for that match who shall take appropriate action against the Player concerned.
  
  
• Players Damaging the Pitch
  
  The Umpires shall intervene and prevent Players from causing damage to the pitch which may assist the Bowlers of either side. See Note (c).
  
  (a) In the event of any member of the fielding side damaging the pitch the Umpire shall follow the procedure of caution, final warning and reporting as set out in 10(a) above.
  
  (b) In the event of a Bowler contravening this Law by running down the pitch after delivering the ball, the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall first caution the Bowler. If this caution is ineffective the Umpire shall adopt the procedures, other than the calling of "no-ball", of final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in 8. above.
  
  (c) In the event of a Batsman damaging the pitch the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall follow the procedures of caution, final warning and reporting as set out in 10(c) above.
  
  
• Batsman Unfairly Stealing a Run
  
  Any attempt by the Batsman to steal a run during the Bowler's run-up is unfair. Unless the Bowler attempts to run out either Batsman -- see Law 24.4. (Bowler Throwing at Striker's Wicket Before Delivery) and Law 24.5. (Bowler Attempting to Run Out Non-Striker Before Delivery) -- the Umpire shall call and signal "dead ball" as soon as the Batsmen cross in any such attempt to run. The Batsmen shall then return to their original wickets.
  
  
• Players' Conduct
  
  In the event of a player failing to comply with the instructions of an Umpire, criticising his decisions by word or action, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the Umpire concerned shall, in the first place report the matter to the other Umpire and to the Player's Captain requesting the latter to take action. If this proves ineffective, the Umpire shall report the incident as soon as possible to the Executive of the Player's team and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take any further action which is considered appropriate against the Player or Players concerned.
  
  NOTES
  (a) The Condition of the Ball
  Umpires shall make frequent and irregular inspections of the condition of the ball.
  (b) Drying of a Wet Ball
  A wet ball may be dried on a towel or with sawdust.
  (c) Danger Area
  The danger area on the pitch, which must be protected from damage by a Bowler, shall be regarded by the Umpires as the area contained by an imaginary line 4 ft./1.22 m. from the popping crease, and parallel to it, and within two imaginary and parallel lines drawn down the pitch from points on that line 1 ft./30.48 cm. on either side of the middle stump.
  (d) Fast Short Pitched Balls
  As a guide, a fast short pitched ball is one which pitches short and passes, or would have passed, above the shoulder height of the Striker standing in a normal batting stance at the crease.
  (e) [Eliminated by amendment to Law 42.9.]
  (f) Time Wasting by Batsmen
  Other than in exceptional circumstances, the Batsman should always be ready to take strike when the Bowler is ready to start his run-up.