The structure of the game Laws 12 to
LAW 12: INNINGS Analysis points
a Agreement before match one innings each side or two
innings to be a certain number of overs innings to last a specified time
b Situations when innings not alternate
c The five situations in which the innings is complete
d The toss for choice of innings who makes it
where it is to be made when it is to be made
e Decision to bat or bowl when to be notified not to be changed
Commentary
a Matches have either one innings (opportunity for the side to bat) for each side or two innings for each side.
Which applies in a particular match must be settled ‘before the match’. This means that it may have been laid down in advance in regulations for the match
otherwise it must be agreed before the toss.
There must be agreement about how many innings for each side.
There may be agreement that instead of running its course, an innings may be terminated when a given number of overs has been bowled
or when a given time has elapsed.
Although such agreements are not obligatory, if they are made they must be made before the toss unless laid down in advance
they cannot place a limitation on an innings of one side, without a similar limitation applying to the corresponding innings of the other side
they must include instructions on determining the result in situations where the usual criteria do not apply.
Law 12.1(b) sets this out in detail.
b When there are two innings for each side, the four innings are to be taken alternately, first one side then the other, unless
a captain forfeits one of his side’s innings a side has to ‘follow-on’.
These two situations are explained in Laws 13 and 14.
c Law 12.3 sets out clearly the five situations in which a side’s innings is to be considered as completed.
The side being all out is obvious.
The situation described under Law 12.3(b) is a little complicated. It can arise when the last but one wicket falls (or a batsman retires at the equivalent stage).
This could happen on the last ball of the innings. In that case there is no problem. The side is not all out, and the innings is not regarded as completed.
If it happens before the last ball of the innings, normally the last batsman would then come in and continue the innings. If, however, the one remaining batsman has retired because he was injured, although he has the right to return, he may not be able to do so because
either he is still unfit, or not yet returned from hospital
or he was one of the last two at the wicket, so play cannot continue to give opportunity for a further wicket fall or retirement, without which he cannot return, even when recovered.
Nevertheless, because his retirement was caused by injury, he is not out. The side is not all out, but because no further batsman can come in to continue it, the innings has to be regarded as
completed.
Although described for one injured batsman, it could apply when more than one batsman is injured and unable to return.
The other three possibilities of declaring, forfeiting and following-on are explained in Laws 13 and 14.
d The toss for choice of innings is a watershed between ‘before the match’ and ‘during the match’. Throughout the Laws it is referred to simply as ‘the toss’.
It is to be made by the two captains. If one is not available (or both are not) the umpires must insist that another person conducts the toss. This was explained in Law 1 Comment c.
It is to be made on the field of play and supervised by an umpire. It is usually conducted on the pitch, though the Law requires only that it is ‘on the field of play’. It is to be made in the presence of an umpire. The Law requires one umpire to be present but allows for both umpires undertaking this supervision. Although not specified in Law, it is advisable that the umpire insists that the captain tossing the coin allows it to fall to the ground so that the fairness of the procedure is apparent to all. It is to be made
not more than 30 minutes before not less than 15 minutes before
the time when play is due to start. This may be a re-scheduled start time if there has been a delay. It was explained in Law 1 that the umpires need to identify the captain of each team. This should be done before the start of the 15 minute period for the toss so that, if either captain has not arrived, the players can be alerted to the need for a deputy to act. This tactic is a useful way of reminding captains that the time for the toss is approaching Once the list of nominated players has been given to an umpire – anyone can do this – the deputy must be one on that list. If the captain arrives before the end of the 15 minute period, no harm is done. If he does not, a deputy is then ready to act within the laid down time limits.
e The captain who wins the toss must be ready with his choice of batting or fielding first. He must notify the other captain of it there and then, at the same time informing the umpire(s) present. As with all information given to an umpire, the latter will ensure that both the other umpire (if not present) and the scorers know.
This decision cannot be changed
once it has been notified to the opposing captain, whatever the circumstances.The time restriction is important. A captain needs to organise his team; batsmen and wicket-keeper need to put on pads etc. The start of play could be unnecessarily delayed, if the captain does not know in good time whether his side is to bat or to field.
LAW 13: THE FOLLOW-ON