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  Playing Conditions

Except as varied hereunder, the Laws of Cricket (1980 Code) Second Edition - 1992 and subsequent amendments shall apply.

1. DURATION OF MATCHES AND COMPOSITION OF TEAM

1.1

    Mercantile Mutual Cup Matches shall be of one day's scheduled duration. The matches will consist of one innings per side and each innings will be limited to 50 six-ball overs. A minimum of 15 overs per team shall constitute a match. (Finals a minimum of 25 overs per team).
1.2
    A team shall consist of twelve players.
    Eleven fieldsmen only shall be on the field of play at any one time.
    One player in each side shall not be permitted to bat.
    Interchange of fieldsmen without restriction is permitted, provided no playing time is wasted.
2. HOURS OF PLAY AND INTERVALS
2.1 Hours of Play
    2.1.1 Preliminary Matches
    DAY MATCHES
      NSW, TAS, VIC, ACT
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.15pm Lunch
      2.15pm - 5.45pm Afternoon Session

      QLD
      9.00am - 12.30pm Morning Session
      12.30pm - 1.15pm Lunch
      1.15pm - 4.45pm Afternoon Session

      SA, WA
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

    The following playing times shall apply to these specific matches;
      10 October 1999 NSW v VIC
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      17 October 1999 SA v TAS
      9.30am - 1.00pm Morning Session
      1.00pm - 1.30pm Lunch
      1.30pm - 5.00pm Afternoon Session

      24 October 1999 QLD v NSW
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      31 October 1999 NSW v SA
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      13 November 1999 VIC v ACT
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      14 November 1999 NSW v TAS
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      4 December 1999 ACT v QLD
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      5 December 1999 VIC v WA
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      12 February 2000 TAS v WA
      10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
      1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
      2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

      13 February 2000 SA v QLD
      9.30am - 1.00pm Morning Session
      1.00pm - 1.30pm Lunch
      1.30pm - 5.00pm Afternoon Session

    DAY/NIGHT MATCHES
      QLD, VIC, SA
      2.30pm - 6.00pm Afternoon Session
      6.00pm - 6.45pm Tea
      6.45pm - 10.15pm Evening Session
    2.1.2 Semi Finals and Final
      Times and venues to be determined by ACB.
    2.1.3 Venues
      If it is necessary for ACB to transfer a match, the hours of play applying to the new venue shall be determined by ACB.

    There will be two sessions of 3½ hours each, separated by a break as per 2.1.1 and 2.1.2.

2.2 Interval Between Innings:

    The innings of the team batting second shall not commence before the scheduled time for commencement of the second session unless the team batting first has completed its innings at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interval, in which case a ten 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
    Note: Refer also to the provisions of Clause 4.2
2.3 Intervals for Drinks
    Two drinks breaks per session shall be permitted, each 1 hour 10 minutes apart. The provisions of Law 16.6 shall be strictly observed except that under conditions of extreme heat the Umpires may permit extra intervals for drinks.
    An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the Umpires. Any player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire.
2.4 Extra Time
    Provision has been made for up to 15 minutes of extra official playing time and up to 45 minutes in day/night matches - refer 4.2.1 (a) and 4.2.3.
3. APPOINTMENT OF UMPIRES
    The Home State shall appoint all Umpires from its own panel of first-class Umpires except for the Finals. The Umpires for all finals shall be appointed by the ACB and must be members of the National Panel. The home State shall also appoint a third Umpire from the State first class panel who shall act as the emergency Umpire and officiate in regard to TV replays at all televised Mercantile Mutual Cup matches where the technology is available. The third umpire will officiate in regard to TV replays only when the umpires on the field have referred a decision to him in regard to hit wicket, run out, caught and stumping appeals.
    Either the on-field or third Umpire shall be entitled to call for a TV replay to assist him in making a decision about whether the fieldsman had any part of his person in contact with the ball when he touched or crossed the boundary line or whether a four or six had been scored (refer to Regulation of ICC Umpires Code of Conduct).
4. LENGTH OF INNINGS
4.1 Uninterrupted Matches

  1. Each team shall bat for 50 (six ball) overs unless all out earlier. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.
  2. 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.
    Unless otherwise determined by the Referee, the innings of the team batting second shall be limited to the same number of overs bowled by it, at the scheduled time for cessation of the first session. The over in progress at the scheduled cessation time shall count as a completed over.
    The interval shall not be extended and the second session shall commence at the scheduled time.
    The Referee may increase the number of overs to be bowled by the team bowling second if, after consultation with the Umpires, he is of the opinion that events beyond the control of the bowling team prevented that team from bowling the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the innings of the team batting first.
  3. If the team batting first is all out and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the interval, the innings of the team batting second shall be limited to the same number of overs bowled to the team batting first at the scheduled time for the interval (the over in which the last wicket falls to count as a complete over).
  4. If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 50 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 50 overs except as provided in (c) above.
  5. If the team fielding second fails to bowl 50 overs or the number of overs as provided in 4.1 (b), (c) or (d) by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result achieved.
4.2 Delayed Or Interrupted Matches
    4.2.1 General
    1. 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. (Minimum 15 overs each team. Finals 25 overs each team), subject to the provisions of Clause 4.1(b)
      The calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on an average rate of 14.28 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Under all circumstances, the field restrictions for the innings of the team batting second shall be the same as for the team batting first.
    5. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.
    6. Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re number of overs.
    4.2.2 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting First
    1. 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 4.2.1 (a).
    2. 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, and 4.1 (b) shall apply.
    3. If the team batting first is all out and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the interval, 4.1 (c) shall apply.
    4.2.3 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting Second
      If it is not possible for the team batting second to have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs as the team batting first, the overs to be bowled shall be reduced at the rate of 14.28 overs per hour, for time lost.
      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 because of any time lost thereafter shall be as per 4.2.1 (a).
      Under all circumstances, the field restrictions for the team batting second shall be the same as for the team batting first. Calculations of target score - refer clause 10.3.
5. RESTRICTIONS ON THE PLACEMENT OF FIELDSMEN
    Two semi circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi circles have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi circles is 30 yards (27.5m). The ends of each semi circle are joined to the other by a straight line drawn on the field on the same side of the pitch.
    The field restriction area should be marked by continuous painted white lines or 'dots' at five yard (4.5m) intervals, each 'dot' to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches (18 cm) in diameter.
    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 marking at the instant of delivery. For overs 16 to 30 only three fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery. For the remaining overs only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery. In the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within 15 (14m) yards of the striker 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). The field restriction area should be marked by 'dots'. The segment of the circles reserved for the slip positions shall not be demarcated. (Refer attached Appendix A).
    In the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within the 15 yards field restriction of the striker at the instant of delivery. When a fast bowler is bowling the two stationary fieldsmen may be permitted to stand deeper than 15 yards (in the undemarcated area) provided only that they are standing in slip , leg slip and gully positions.
    Where play is delayed or interrupted affecting the innings of the team batting first and the total number of overs available is reduced, the number of overs in regard to field restrictions shall be reduced proportionately. Fractions are to be ignored.
    In the event of an infringement, the square leg umpire shall call and signal no ball.
6. NUMBER OF OVERS PER BOWLER
    No bowler shall bowl more than 10 overs in an innings.
    In a delayed or interrupted match where the overs are reduced for both teams or for the team bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed. This restriction shall not apply to the team fielding second where the provisions of Clause 4.1(b) have been applied.
    Where the total overs is not divisible by 5, one additional over shall be allowed to the maximum number per bowler necessary to make up the balance.
    In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler's limit is concerned.
    The scoreboard shall show the total number of overs bowled and the number of overs bowled by each bowler.
7. NO BALL
    A bowler shall be allowed to bowl one short pitched delivery per over (not being a wide).
    A fast short pitched delivery is defined as a ball which passes or would have passed above shoulder height of the batsman standing upright at the crease.
    In the event of the bowler bowling more than one fast short pitched delivery in an over, either umpire shall call and signal no ball.
    The above regulation is not a substitute for Law 42.8 which umpires may apply at any time.
    NOTE the provision of one allowable fast short pitched delivery per over shall be superseded by the provisions of Clause 8 - wide bowling. A penalty of one run shall be scored for a no ball, plus any runs scored from the delivery.
8. WIDE BOWLING - JUDGING A WIDE
    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 the 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 above provisions do not apply if the striker makes contact with the ball.
    A penalty of one run shall be scored for a Wide. This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.
    All runs which are run or result from a wide ball which is not a No-Ball shall be scored as Wides.
9. THE BALL
    Kookaburra "Turf" (white) brand balls as approved by the Australian Cricket Board will be used in all matches.
    Where day/night matches are scheduled, white balls will be used in all matches (including day matches) in a series.
    Each fielding team shall have one new ball for its innings.
    In the event of a ball becoming wet and soggy as a result of play continuing in inclement weather or it being affected by dew, or a white ball becoming significantly discoloured and in the opinion of the Umpires being unfit for play, the ball may be replaced for a ball that has had a similar amount of wear, even though it has not gone out of shape.
    Either bowler or batsman may raise the matter with the Umpires and the Umpires' decision as to replacement or otherwise will be final.
    Also Umpires shall inspect the ball at the second drinks interval and if in their opinion the ball has become significantly discoloured and unfit for play, the ball may be replaced with a ball that has had a similar amount of wear and improved colour.
    The umpires shall retain possession of the match ball(s) throughout the duration of the match when play is not actually taking place. During play umpires shall periodically and irregularly inspect the condition of the ball and shall retain possession of it at the fall of a wicket, a drinks interval, at the end of each over, or any other disruption in play.
10 THE RESULT
10.1
    A result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 15 overs (preliminary matches), subject to the provisions of Clause 4.1(b) and 4.2.2(b), unless one team has been all out in less than 15 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 15 overs.
    All matches in which both teams have not had an opportunity of batting for a minimum of 15 overs, shall be declared no result.
10.2 Tie
    In matches in which both teams have had the opportunity of batting for the agreed number of overs, subject to the provisions of Clauses 4.1(b) and 4.2.2(b) the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, the result shall be a tie and no account shall be taken of the number of wickets which have fallen.
10.3 Delayed or Interrupted Matches - Calculation of the Target Score
    Experimental Conditions (2 years from August 1999) - if, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than originally allotted (minimum 15 overs in preliminary matches and 25 overs in finals unless the provisions of 4.1 (b) or 4.2.2 (b) apply), then a revised target score (to win) should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing. This revised target is to be calculated using the Duckworth/Lewis method. The target will always be a whole number and one run less will constitute a Tie. (Refer Appendix B).
11. POINTS
11.1 Preliminary Matches
    Win 2
    Tie or No Result 1
    Loss 0
    In the event of the teams finishing on equal points, the right to play in the final match or series will be decided by the most wins in the preliminary matches or, when teams have both equal wins and equal points, the team which was the winner from the preliminary match(es) (played between them) will be placed in the higher position or, if still equal, the higher net run rate in the preliminary matches. In a match declared no result, run rate is not applicable.
    A team's net run rate is calculated by deducting from the average runs per over scored by that team throughout the competition, the average runs per over scored against that team throughout the competition, that is, calculation of net run rate = Team run rate per over less Opponent run rate per over.
    In the event of a team being all out in less than its full quota of overs, the calculation of its net run rate shall be based on the full quota of overs to which it would have been entitled and not on the number of overs in which the team was dismissed.
    In matches where play is delayed or interrupted, and the match becomes less than a 50 over per team match, the Team Run Rates will be calculated as follows:
    1. The Team Run Rate for the team batting second will be the rate achieved in its innings, with such rate being based on the number of overs as set in Clause 10.4.
    2. The Team Run Rate for the team batting first will be that which was achieved from the same number of highest scoring overs as set in Clause 10.4 to be bowled to the team batting second.
11.2 Qualifying for Finals
    At the conclusion of the preliminary matches, the four highest placed teams shall qualify to play in the semi finals. The draw of matches shall be:
      1st v 4th
      2nd v 3rd
11.3 Semi Finals
  1. Venues
    The States whose team finishes first and second at the conclusion of the preliminary matches calculated as per clause 11.1 shall have the right to host the semi finals.
  2. No Result
    If no result is achieved in either of the semi finals on the scheduled day of play the match shall be replayed on the reserve date as scheduled. If there is no result or a tie in either semi final the highest placed team at the conclusion of the preliminary matches shall proceed to the final.
  3. Reserve Dates
    Sunday February 20, 2000
    Monday February 21, 2000
12. FINAL
12.1 Venue
    The Final shall be played at a venue to be determined by ACB.
12.2 Tie
    If there is a tie in the Final, the teams competing in the Final shall be declared "joint winners".
12.3 No Result
    If no result is achieved in the Final on the scheduled day of play, the match shall be replayed on the reserve date as scheduled.
    In the event of a no result in the Final (including the Reserve Day), the team finishing on top of the points table at the end of the preliminary matches shall be declared the winner.
12.4 Reserve Date
    Monday February 28, 2000.
13. USE OF LIGHTS
    If in the opinion of the Umpires, natural light is deteriorating to an unfit level, they may authorise the ground authorities to use the available artificial lighting so that the match can continue in acceptable conditions.
    In the event of power failure or lights malfunction the existing provisions for "Delayed or Interrupted Matches" shall apply.
14. CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT & FOOTWEAR
    Only approved logos and identification, as authorised by ICC policy and/or ACB/State Associations are permitted to be worn in matches.
    In all matches, the competing teams will wear approved coloured clothing and equipment.
    The use of non-spiked footwear by players is not permitted.
15. SIGHT SCREENS
    Sight screens will be black.
16. BOUNDARIES
    Any competition or advertising sign attached or near to the sight screen shall be deemed to be separate from the sight screen, ie if the ball hits such a sign on the full, 6 runs shall be scored.
17. PLAYER'S CONDUCT
    All players shall be bound by the terms of the ACB Code of Conduct.
18. REFEREE
    Each preliminary match will be under the control of a Match Referee appointed by the local State Association who will meet with the Umpires and Captains prior to the commencement of the match to secure uniform interpretation of these playing conditions and to adjudicate, if necessary, should there by any dispute.
    Match Referees for the Semi Finals and Final shall be appointed by ACB.
    If, in the opinion of the Referee, a result has been contrived and he so reports to the Australian Cricket Board, then the Australian Cricket Board may amend points obtained in the match by either team.
19. SUBSTITUTES 19.1 Law 2.1 will apply as modified:
    In normal circumstances, a Substitute shall be allowed to field only for a player who satisfies the umpires that he has become injured or become ill during the match. However, in very exceptional circumstances, the umpires may use their discretion to allow a Substitute for a player who has to leave the field or does not take the field for other wholly acceptable reasons, subject to consent being given by the opposing Captain. If a player wishes to change his shirt, boots etc., he may leave the field to do so (no changing on the field) but no Substitute will be allowed.
19.2 Law 2.6 (Runner's Equipment) will apply as modified:
    The player acting as Runner for an injured Batsman shall at all times wear similar external clothing and protective equipment as the injured Batsman.
19.3 Law 2.8 - Fieldsman Leaving the Field
    In place of Law 2.8, the following will apply:
    No fieldsman shall leave the field or return during a session of play without the consent of the umpire at the bowler's end. The umpire's consent is also necessary if a Substitute is required for a fieldsman at the start of play or when his side returns to the field after an interval. If a member of the fielding side does not take the field at the start of play, leaves the field or fails to return after an interval and is absent from the field longer than 8 minutes:
    1. the player shall not be permitted to bowl in that innings after his return until he has been on the field for at least that length of playing time for which he was absent.
    2. the player shall not be permitted to bat unless or until, in the aggregate, he has returned to the field and/or his side's innings has been in progress for at least that length of playing time for which he has been absent or, if earlier, when his side has lost five wickets.
      The restriction in (i) and (ii) above shall not apply if the player has suffered an external blow (as opposed to an internal injury such as a pulled muscle) whilst participating earlier in the match and consequently been forced to leave the field. Nor shall it apply if the player has been absent for very exceptional and wholly acceptable reasons (other than injury or illness) and consent for a Substitute has been granted by the opposing Captain.
    Note - in the event of a fieldsman already being off the field at the commencement of an interruption in play through ground, weather or light conditions, he shall be allowed to count any such stoppage time as playing time, provided that he personally informs the umpires when he is fit enough to take the field had play been in progress.
20. LAW 3.8 - FITNESS OF GROUND, WEATHER AND LIGHT
20.1
    Add the following to paragraph (a) and delete clause (i):
    The umpires will suspend, or continue to suspend play for bad light when they consider that there is a risk of serious physical injury to the batsman, or where conditions are unfit for play. Amongst the facts to be considered are background, sight screens and the type of bowling. Before deciding to suspend play, or not to resume play after an interval on account of bad light (but for no other reason), the umpires shall establish whether the Captain of the batting team (the batsmen at the wicket may deputise for their Captain) wishes to continue in unfit conditions; if so, his wishes shall be met.
20.2
    Add the following to the last sentence of 3.8 (a) (ii):
    ..... or, as a consequence of a change of bowler, if batting conditions have become more dangerous.
20.3
    The umpires shall disregard any shadow on the pitch from the stadium or from any permanent object on the ground.
21. LAW 6 - THE BAT
    Law 6.1 will apply as modified:
    The bat overall shall not be more than 38 inches/96.5 cm in length; the blade of the bat shall be made of wood, shall have a conventional "flat" face and shall not exceed 4 ¼ inches/10.8 cm at the widest part.
22. LAW 7 - THE PITCH
    In addition to the Law 7.2, the following will apply:
    Captains, umpires, the referee and Groundsmen should co-operate to ensure that, prior to the start of any day's play, no-one bounces a ball on the pitch or strikes it with a bat to assess its condition or for any other reason, or causes damage to the pitch in any other way.
    Prior to the start of play on any day, only the Captain and team Coach may walk on the pitch to assess its condition. Spiked footwear is not permitted.
    Prior to the commencement of a day's play, one TV commentator and camera crew of the official licensed TV broadcaster/s (but not news crew) may be permitted to inspect the pitch and surrounds subject to the following:
  • a ball must not be bounced on the pitch
  • a key or knife may only be inserted in the pitch in the area between the popping and bowling creases
    In the event of any dispute, the referee in consultation with the Home Association will rule and his ruling will be final.
23. Law 9.2 - The Popping Crease
    Law 9.2 shall apply, except that the reference to "a minimum of 6 ft" shall be replaced by "a minimum of 15 yards".
24. Law 10 - The Pitch
    Law 10.1 Rolling of the Pitch - Law 10.1 will apply, but add the following sentence to the first paragraph:
    In addition the umpires are empowered to authorise the Groundsman to roll, sweep and otherwise treat the pitch by such manner and means which they, bearing in mind the advice of the Groundsman, consider will return the state of the pitch as near as possible to that pertaining when the choice of innings was made.
    Law 10.3 (d) Mowing of the Outfield - the outfield shall be mown daily before play begins.
    Law 10.6 Maintenance of Foot Holes - Law 10.6 will apply but add:
    The umpires shall see that wherever possible and whenever it is considered necessary, action is taken during all intervals in play to do whatever is practicable to improve the bowler's foot holes.
25. Covering the Pitch - Before and During a Match
    In place of Law 11.1 and 11.2, the following shall apply:
    In all matches, the pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to the commencement of play and for the duration of the period of the match. It shall be wholly covered at the termination of each day's play or providing the weather is fine, within a period of two hours thereafter.
    The covers shall be removed no earlier than 5.00am and no later than 7.00am on each morning of the match (including the rest day) provided it is not raining at the time, but they will be replaced if rain falls prior to the commencement of play.
    Note: the covers must totally protect the pitch and also the pitch surroundings, a minimum 5 metres either side of the pitch and any worn or soft areas in the outfield, as well as the bowlers run-ups to a distance of at least 10 x 10 metres.
    Attention is drawn to Law 3 Note (c) and Law 11.3.
26. Drying of Pitch and Ground
  1. Prior to tossing for choice of innings the artificial drying of the pitch and outfield shall be at the discretion of the Groundsman. Thereafter and throughout the match the drying of the outfield may be undertaken at any time by the Groundsman, but the drying of the affected area of the pitch shall be carried out only on the instructions and under the supervision of the umpires. The umpires shall be empowered to have the pitch dried without reference to the Captains at any time they are of the opinion that it is unfit for play.
  2. The umpires may instruct the Groundsman to use any available equipment, including any roller for the purpose of drying the pitch and making it fit for play.
    Note - an absorbent roller may be used to remove water from the covers including the cover on the match pitch.
27. Law 15.2 - Practice on the Field
    At no time on any day of the match shall there be any bowling or batting practice on the pitch or the square, except in official netted practice pitch areas. In addition there shall be no bowling or batting practice on any part of the square or the area immediately parallel to the match pitch after the commencement of play on any day. Any fieldsman contravening this Law may not bowl his next over.
    No practice may take place on the field if, in the opinion of the umpires, it could result in a waste of time.
28. Law 19 - Boundaries
28.1
    The boundary shall be the fence or a rope inside the fence. The pitch shall be a minimum 60 yards from one boundary square of the pitch. When this minimum distance is used, the pitch has to be a minimum 80 yards from the opposite square boundary. The straight boundary at both ends of the pitch shall be a minimum of 60 yards. Distances shall be measured from the centre of the pitch to be used.
    If an unauthorised person enters the playing arena and handles the ball, the umpire at the bowler's end shall be the sole judge of whether the boundary allowance should be scored or the ball be treated as still in play or called dead ball if a batsman is liable to be out as a result of the unauthorised person handling the ball.
28.2
    Note (a) - Sight screens shall be provided at both ends of all grounds. Advertising shall be permitted on the sight screen behind the striker, providing it is removed for the subsequent over from that end.
29. Law 21 - The Result
    Law 21 shall apply with the following:
    Any query on the result of the match as defined in Law 21.6 and 21.7 shall be resolved as soon as possible and a final decision made by the umpires at close of play.
30. Law 22.7 - Bowler Incapacitated or Suspended During an Over
    The following shall apply in place of Law 22.7:
    If for any reason, a Bowler is incapacitated while running up to bowl the first ball of an over, or is incapacitated or suspended during an over, the umpire shall call and signal "dead ball" and another bowler shall bowl or complete the over from the same end, provided only that he shall not bowl two overs, or part thereof, consecutively in one innings.
31. Law 24.1 - The Ball - Mode of Delivery
    Law 24.1 will apply except that the bowler may not deliver the ball underarm. If a bowler bowls a ball underarm the umpire shall call and signal dead ball, and the ball is to be re-bowled overarm. In addition, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal no ball if a ball which the umpire considers to have been delivered:
  1. bounces more than twice or
  2. rolls along the ground or
  3. comes to rest before it reaches the striker or, if not otherwise played by the striker, before it reaches the popping crease. If the ball comes to rest in such circumstances, the umpire will call No Ball and Law 25.3 shall apply.
32. Law 24.2 - Fair Delivery - The Arm
    Law 24.2 shall apply with the following:
    The umpire shall also adopt the procedures of caution, final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in Law 42.8
33. Law 24.8 - Penalty
    The following shall apply in place of Law 24.8:
    A penalty of one run shall be scored for a no ball, plus any runs scored from the delivery. The above penalty shall also apply to clause 7 (No Ball) and clause 39 (fast, high full pitched balls).
34. Law 24.8 and 25.6
    In addition, the following shall apply:
    No balls and wide balls not scored from shall be included in the bowling analysis of the bowler responsible.
35. Law 30 - Bowled
    The following shall apply in place of Law 30.1(b):
    He plays the ball, or if it touches his person, then hits or kicks it into and breaks his wicket and in the umpire's judgement an attempt to protect the wicket has been made, the striker will be given out on appeal - bowled. Completion of the stroke will not be considered if an attempt is made to protect the wicket. See Law 34.1 (Out-Hit the Ball Twice).
36. Helmets (and Protective Equipment)
    In addition to Laws 23.1 (e), 32.2 (e), 38 Note (c) and 41.4 the following shall apply:
    The striker is out under this Law if the ball is deflected from his bat onto his own protective helmet and he is subsequently caught. Runs may be scored off deflections from the batsman's or fielder's helmet.
    A batsman may call for a helmet to be brought out to him at any time. He must then wear or carry it personally all the time while play is in progress, or can have it taken off the field at the fall of a wicket, or at the end of an over, or at any drinks interval.
    In all cases, no actions involving helmets are to waste playing time. Umpires are not to hold helmets. The exchanging of protective equipment between members of the fielding side on the field shall be permitted provided that the umpires do not consider that it constitutes a waste of playing time. A batsman may only change other items of protective equipment (e.g. batting gloves, etc.) provided that there is no waste of playing time.
37. Law 42.3 - Unfair Play
    In addition to Law 42.3 the following will apply:
    It is normal fielding practice for fielders in recognised close to the wicket catching positions to be stationary, and for outfielders to walk in towards the striker when the bowler commences his run up. Any significant movement, off line or in depth, by a fielder once the bowler commences his run up is considered unfair and either umpire shall take action under Law 42.3 (Unfair Play). As a guide, the movement of a wicket keeper standing back who moves up to the stumps would be regarded as significant, whereas the movement forward by a wicket keeper of a couple of paces for a slower delivery or in taking his normal stance would not be regarded as significant. The same provision will apply to a slip fielder who takes only a couple of steps forward. The umpire has to make a judgement taking all the circumstances into account.
38. Law 42.4 - (Lifting The Seam) and 42.5 - (Changing the Condition of the Ball)
    In the event that a ball has been interfered with and requires replacement the batsman at the wicket shall choose the replacement ball from a selection of six other balls of various degrees of usage (including a new ball) and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention.
39. Law 42.9 - The Bowling of Fast, High, Full Pitched Balls
    Delete existing law and replace with the following:
    Any high full pitched ball (regardless if its pace) which passes or would have passed above the waist height of the Batsman standing upright at the crease shall be called, and signalled No Ball by the Umpire at the Bowler's end.
    In the event of a Bowler bowling a 'fast' high full pitched ball (i.e. a Beamer), the Umpire at the Bowler's end shall adopt the procedure of caution, final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in Law 42.8 above. However, if the Umpire at the Bowler's end considers that such a 'fast' high pitch has been bowled 'deliberately' at the Batsman he shall call and signal No Ball and direct the Captain of the fielding side to take the Bowler off forthwith without adopting the procedure of caution and final warning.
40. Law 42.11 Players Damaging the Pitch
    Law 42.11 (c) shall be replaced by the following:
    In the event of the batsman damaging the pitch, the umpire at the bowler's end shall follow the procedures of caution and final warning as set out in Law 42.10 (c). Should the above warnings prove ineffective the umpire shall intervene without appeal by calling and signalling 'Dead Ball' as soon as he considers there is no immediate chance of a dismissal, disallow any runs, and return the batsmen to their original ends.
41. Law 42 Note (C)
    Law 42 Note (c) shall apply except that the reference to "4 ft" shall be replaced by "5 ft".
42. "Hitting Up"
    Teams are required to observe Ground Authority regulations and to exercise the utmost care and caution when engaging in practice and pre-match warm-up and "hitting-up" activities so as to avoid the risk of injury to members of the public, damage to the centre wicket region and to perimeter fencing.

Date-stamped : 02 Mar2000 - 02:23