The Rules Of The Game

We all know that cricket has numerous rules and regulations, and how simple they are to grasp, understand and implement !  So why is there always so much confusion. This page tries to enlighten those not so fluent with these rules.

The rules for the Numbty

Ever noticed people going on long walks to avoid standing in the middle to avoid the duty of being made to look like a total numbty in the rules of cricket.  Do you give that LBW and then not get picked again, or do you not give it and get snarled and spitted at for the remaining time you are out at the square.

Do you want to wear brown corduroy's when umpiring - then read on. Hopefully this section will assist in the basics of that wide, LBW and No Ball etc.

I have found a web site www.lords.org  that explains the rules - buggered if I could take it all in, so I will attempt to do a plain English version.

LBW - Rule 36

The LBW, probably the most feared decision to make. Good excuses for not giving are :

Basic rules are

1. Was it a valid ball (i.e. not a no ball)?

2. Did it pitch on line with the stumps or just outside the off stump?

3. Has the batsman hit the ball with anything other than the bat either full pitch or after pitching?

4. Is the point of impact (even if above the level of the bails)

In considering these points only the first interception should be considered.  In the rules, the off side of the wicket is described as  "The offside of the strikers wicket shall be determined by the striker's stance at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery".

So, having had 2 microseconds to review these points and considering that death could be very near to you what do you do ?

1. Give a very concentrated look (as if 3 weeks of constipation has just finished).

2. Rub your pretend beard between your thumb and index finger.

3. Go "Um lets see."

4. Roll your eyes a little.

5. Give "Not out". Especially if the bowler is having a crap on the wicket whilst staring at you and shouting very loud something unintelligible. After this please watch the bowler as it is likely a blood vessel could burst and immediate first aid will be required.

6. Look confident in your answer to show no sign of doubt or weakness and shrug off all instances of doubting that you have parents.

In general, and thinking of the above points, unless you are sure that the ball is going to hit pretty central to the stumps then give not out. Hopefully every one will follow this and at least, be consistent for all batsmen.

If it hits the bat first it is not out.

Ignore the shouts - you make the decision. Smile at them - it can infuriate some.

NO BALL - Rule 24

You should call a No Ball if :

1. The ball has been thrown (very difficult to prove and can cause friction. Speak to team captain to suggest a way ahead).

2. The bowlers front foot goes beyond the popping crease. It does not need to be touching the ground just above or behind the line makes it a good ball.

3. The back foot touches the line at the side of the wicket (i.e. the one that runs parallel to the wicket).

4. If the ball bounce twice or rolls along the ground before the popping crease then it is a no ball.

5. If a ball does not reach the stumps and comes to rest it s a no ball.

6. If a full pitch ball is bowled and goes above the batsman's waist height without bouncing it is a no ball. (Judging some people's waist can be a bit tricky to locate. Use your best judgement. Waist height as if the batsman was standing - again difficult with some batsman to determine).

Notes

A No ball shall over-ride a wide.

More clauses are in the rules - go to the "lords" site to have a look.

One run will be awarded against the bowler for the no ball plus any other runs depending on what happens. A no ball being hit for a four will be scored as five. One no ball and four runs.
All against the bowler with the four going to the batsman.