In this edition of “How’s That” we will look at a different section in the
Laws of Cricket. In the last twelve editions of “How’s That” focus was given to “Setting up the Game.” Now that the game has been set up, we would look at another component of the game, “Innings and Results”
Number of innings
A match shall be one or two innings for each side according to an agreement reached
before the match.
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:
in a one-inning match, a similar agreement shall apply to both innings.
in a two-inning match, similar agreements shall apply
to the first innings of each side
or to the second innings of each side
or to 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 16.1 (A Win
– two-innings match) or 16.2 (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 14 (The follow-on) or in Law 15.2 (Forfeiture of an
innings).
Completed innings
A side’s innings is to be considered as completed if any of the following applies:
the side is all out.
at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, further balls remain to be
bowled but no further batter is available to come in.
the captain declares the innings closed.
the captain forfeits the innings.
in the case of an agreement above either the prescribed number of overs has
been bowled or the prescribed time has expired as appropriate.
The toss
The captains shall toss a coin 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 start of play.
Decision to be notified
As soon as the toss is completed, the captain of the side winning the toss shall
decide whether to bat or to field and shall notify the opposing captain and the
umpires of this decision. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.
Source: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (Law 13)
Interested in learning more about the Laws of Cricket? Please join the North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Training classes utilize a combination of PowerPoint presentations, verbal discussions, quizzes, and on-field demonstrations when the laws of cricket are being taught. Training classes are free and persons, male or female and of any age are welcome to join.
For more information, please contact (868)752-3572.
