In the previous editions of “How’s that” the duties of an umpire before, during and after a match were covered in depth. In the next few editions we will be looking at “Setting up the Game.” In setting up the game one of the most if not the most important aspect are the players.
How many players are allowed in a match?
A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be captain.
By agreement a match may be played between sides of fewer than, or more than, eleven players, but not more than eleven players may field at any time.
If, during the match and for whatever reason, a side is reduced to fewer than the original number of nominated players, the match shall continue as long as it is possible to do so under the Laws or any agreements made before the toss.
When shall the nomination of players take place?
Each captain shall nominate his/her players in writing to one of the umpires before the toss. No player may be replaced after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
The Captain and their responsibilities
If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy shall act for him/her. If a captain is not available to nominate the players, then any person associated with that team may act as his/her deputy to do so. At any time after the nomination of the players, only a nominated player can act as deputy in discharging the duties and responsibilities of the captain as stated in these Laws, including at the toss
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within The Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.
Source: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (Law 1)
Interested in learning more about the Laws of Cricket? Please feel free to join the North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Training classes utilize a combination of power point presentations, verbal discussions, quizzes and on field demonstrations when the laws of cricket are being taught. Training classes are free of charge and persons male or female and of any age are welcome to join. For more information please contact (868)464-8005.
