In this edition of “How’s That” we will look at when play is scheduled to start and end.
Call of Play
The bowler’s end umpire shall call Play before the first ball of the match and on the resumption of play after any interval or interruption.
Call of Time
The bowler’s end umpire shall call Time, when the ball is dead, at the end of any session of play or as required by the Laws.
Removal of bails
After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets.
Starting a new over
Another over shall always be started at any time during the match, if the umpire, walking at normal pace, has arrived at the position behind the stumps at the bowler’s end before the time agreed for the next interval, or for the close of play, has been reached.
Completion of an over
Other than at the end of the match, if the agreed time for an interval is reached during an over, the over shall be completed before the interval is taken.
The exception to this occurs when less than 3 minutes remains before the time agreed for the next interval, the interval shall be taken immediately if either a batter is dismissed or retires or the players have occasion to leave the field whether this occurs during an over or at the end of an over.
Conclusion of match
The match is concluded:
- as soon as a result as defined in Laws 16.1 to 16.4 and 16.5.1 (The result) is reached.
- as soon as both the minimum number of overs for the last hour are completed and the agreed time for close of play is reached, unless a result is reached earlier.
- in the case of an agreement under Law 13.1.2, as soon as the final innings is completed as defined in Law 13.3.5.
- The match is concluded if, without a conclusion having been reached under 12.9.1, the players leave the field for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, and no further play is possible.
Completion of last over of match
The over in progress at the close of play on the final day shall be completed unless
either a result has been reached
or the players have occasion to leave the field. In this case there shall be no resumption of play except in the circumstances of Law 16.9 (Mistakes in scoring) and the match shall be at an end.
Bowler unable to complete an over during last hour of match:
If for any reason, a bowler is unable to complete an over during the last hour, Law 17.8 (Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over) shall apply. The separate parts of such an over shall count as one over of the minimum to be bowled.
Source: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (Law 12)
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