SportsMaze

The rare cases people argue about

Rare situations, and the ones people argue about.

A · Advanced · 20 rules · Step 3 of 4

How does a batter get out?

  1. When is a batter out for hitting the ball twice?A batter is out hit the ball twice when, after the ball has hit their bat or body, they deliberately hit it again before a fielder touches it, for any reason other than stopping it hitting their stumps.
  2. When is a batter out obstructing the field?A batter is out obstructing the field when they deliberately get in the way of the fielding side, by word or action, while the ball is in play.
  3. How long does a new batter have to get to the crease?A new batter is out timed out if they, or the other batter, are not ready to face the next ball within a set time of the last wicket falling: 3 minutes under the Laws, 2 minutes in Tests and ODIs and 90 seconds in T20 internationals.
  4. Can a batter retire, and can they come back?A batter can leave the field between balls, when it is a dead ball.

How are runs scored?

  1. When do umpires award 5 penalty runs?Umpires award 5 penalty runs to the other side for certain breaches of the rules, most often by the fielding side.

What is unfair play, and what happens?

  1. Is fake fielding allowed in cricket?No.
  2. What is ball tampering, and can players use saliva on the ball?No player may change the condition of the ball.
  3. Can players run on the pitch, and what is the danger area?No player may damage the pitch on purpose or without good reason.
  4. What happens if a team wastes time?Wasting time is unfair for either side.
  5. What happens to players who misbehave on the field?Under the Laws, umpires deal with misconduct in four levels.

What is a fair ball, and what does a foul ball cost?

  1. Is a full toss above the waist a no-ball?Yes.
  2. What is a legal bowling action, and what is chucking?A bowler must bowl the ball, not throw it.

What can fielders do?

  1. What can and can't the wicketkeeper do?The wicketkeeper is the only fielder allowed to wear gloves and leg guards.
  2. What are fielders not allowed to do?Fielders may stop the ball with any part of their body, but not deliberately with anything else, such as a cap or clothing held out.
  3. Can a substitute field, bowl or keep wicket?A substitute may field in place of a player who is injured or ill, or for another reason the umpires accept.

Who can play, and who can come on?

  1. Can a concussed player be replaced in cricket?Yes, in ICC internationals.
  2. What happens when a player is injured during play?An umpire stops play at once for a possibly serious injury.

How does a match work, and how is it won?

  1. What is the stop clock, and what is the penalty for slow over rates?In ICC internationals, the fielding side must start each new over within 60 seconds of the last one ending.
  2. Who decides when play stops for rain or bad light?The umpires alone decide.
  3. What happens on a reserve day?ODI · T20A reserve day is a spare day some series and tournaments set aside.
Officials' detail · 5 rulesNext: officials' detail rules