When is the toss, and what does the winner choose?
I · Intermediate · How does a match work, and how is it won? · 16 of 19The two captains toss a coin between 30 and 15 minutes before the start. The winner chooses whether to bat or to field first, and tells the other captain and the umpires. Once announced, the choice cannot be changed.
How it works
- The toss is on the field of play, with an umpire present under the Laws, or under the ICC Match Referee's supervision in internationals.
- If the captain is not there, a deputy who is a named player can toss.
- In internationals, the toss marks the start of the match for some purposes: if the toss happens and rain stops play, the toss result and the named teams carry over to a reserve day.
Tricky cases
Can the captain change their mind after the toss?
No. Once the other captain and the umpires are told, the decision stands.
Can the teams change after the toss?
Only with the other captain's consent, under the Laws and in ICC internationals. Once play is under way, only the replacements the rules provide for, such as a concussion replacement.
Why the rule exists
Conditions, the pitch and the light can favour batting or bowling first. A coin makes the choice fair.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Laws | Toss in the presence of an umpire | L13.4 |
| ICC men's internationals | Toss under the ICC Match Referee's supervision | PC-O 13.4 (also PC-T, PC-I) |
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 13.4, 13.5 and 1.2, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's playing conditions, clause 13.4 and Appendix G, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF); ICC playing conditions (PDF).