1. Duration of Matches
2.1 Start and Finish times
2.2 Interval between innings
3.1 Delayed or Interrupted Matches - General
3.2 Delay or interruption to the innings of the
team batting first
3.3 Delay or interruption to the innings of the
team batting second
3.4 Calculation of target score
4. Fielding restrictions
5. No-ball
6. Wide bowling
7. Code of conduct
Matches will consist of one innings per side and each innings will be limited to 50 six-ball overs. A minimum of 25 overs per team will constitute a match.
There will be two three-and-a half-hour sessions, separated by a 45-minute break.
2.1 Start and Finish times:
NSW, Vic (+1100 GMT): 2.30-6.00pm, 6.45-10.15pm
Qld (+1000 GMT): 1.30-5.00pm, 5.45-9.15pm
SA (+1030 GMT): 2.00-5.30pm, 6.15-9.45pm
Tas (+1100 GMT): 10.00-1.30pm, 2.15-5.45pm
WA (+0800 GMT): 1.45-5.15pm, 6.00-9.30pm.
2.2 Interval between innings:
The innings of the team batting second shall not commence before the scheduled time, unless the team batting first has completed its innings at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interval, in which case a 10-minute break will occur and the team batting second will commence its innings and the interval will occur as scheduled.
Where play is delayed or interrupted the umpires will reduce the length of the interval as follows:
Time lost Interval Up to 60 minutes 30 minutes between 60 and 120 minutes 20 minutes more than 120 minutes 10 minutes
3.1 General
- The object shall always be to rearrange the number of overs so that both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs. A minimum of 25 overs have to be bowled to the side batting second to constitute a match. The calculation of the number of overs to be bwled shall be based on an average rate of 15 overs per hour in the total time available for play. If a reduction of the number of overs is required, any recalculation must not cause the match to be rescheduled to finish earlier than the original cessation time. This time may be extended to allow for one extra over for both teams to be added if required.
- If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required numbers of overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result achieved.
- The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the first team unless the latter has been all out in less than the agreed number of overs.
- Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re the number of overs.
3.2 Delay or interruption to the innings of the team batting first
- If the number of overs of the team batting first is reduced, a fixed time will be specified for the completion of the first session, as calculated by applying the provisions of clauses 2.2 and 3.1.
- If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for cessation of the first session, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled.
3.3 Delay or interruption to the innings of the team batting second
- If there is a suspension in play during the second innings, the overs shall be reduced at a rate of 15 overs per hour for time lost. The exception being when the innings of the team batting first has been completed prior to the scheduled (or rescheduled) time for the interval between innings. In that case, the reduction in overs will not commence until an amount of time equivalent to that by which the second innings started early has elapsed. The hours of play shall be extended by the amount of time lost up to a maximum of 15 minutes in day matches and up to 45 minutes in day/night matches. Calculations due to any time lost thereafter shall be as per 3.2.
- If the team batting second has not had the opportunity to complete the agreed number of overs, subject to the provisions, and has neither been dismissed, nor passed its opponent's score, then the result should be decided as follows:
The runs scored by the team batting second shall be compared with the runs scored by the team batting first from the equivalent number of highest scoring overs discounted at a rate of 0.5% per over lost.3.4 Calculation of target score
Where the number of overs in the innings of the team batting second has to be revised, the target score shall be calculated as follows:
- from the table of runs scored by the team batting first, the scorers shall calculate the total runs scored by the team from the equivalent number of highest scoring overs;
- this total is then discounted at a rate of 0.5% per over lost;
- the target score is the dsicounted total runs (ignoring fractions), plus one.
Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. Their centre is the middle stump at either end of the pitch and their radius is 30 yards (27.5 metres).
At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fieldsmen on the leg side.
For the first 15 overs only two fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction markings at the instant of delivery.
Two inner circles shall be drawn on the field of play.
The circles have as their centres the centre point of the popping crease at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the circles is 15 yards (13.72 metres).
In the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within the 15-yard field restriction of the striker at the instant of delivery. The two stationary fieldsmen may be permitted to stand deeper than 15 yards (in the undemarcated area) provided they are standing in orthodox slip and leg slip positions.
Where play is delayed or interrupted affecting the innings of the team batting first and the total number of overs is reduced, the number of overs in regard to field restrictions shall be reduced proportionately.
In the event of an infringement, the square leg umpire shall call and signal no-ball.
Short-pitched bowling - If the ball passes or would have passed above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease, either umpire shall call and signal no-ball.
Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket.
Any off-side or leg-side delivery which in the opinion of the umpire does not give a batsman a reasonable opportunity to score shall be called a wide. As a guide, on the leg-side a ball landing clearly outside the leg stump going further away shall be called a wide.
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.
Source: Australian Cricket Board.
Contributed by: Rick Eyre (rick@cricinfo.com)