Cricket Rules – Law 10 – Preparation And Maintenance Of The Playing Area
1. Rolling
The pitch shall not be rolled during the match except as permitted in (a) and (b) below.(a) Frequency and duration of rollingDuring the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the batting side, for a period of not more than 7 minutes, before the start of each innings, other than the first innings of the match, and before the start of each subsequent day’s play. See (d) below.(b) Rolling after a delayed startIn addition to the rolling permitted above, if, after the toss and before the first innings of the match, the start is delayed, the captain of the batting side may request that the pitch be rolled for not more than 7 minutes. However, if the umpires together agree that the delay has had no significant effect on the state of the pitch, they shall refuse such request for rolling of the pitch.(c) Choice of rollersIf there is more than one roller available the captain of the batting side shall choose which one is to be used.(d) Timing of permitted rollingThe rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes) before play begins on any day shall be started not more than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin. The captain of the batting side may, however, delay the start of such rolling until not less than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin, should he so wish.(e) Insufficient time to complete rollingIf, when a captain declares an innings closed, or forfeits an innings, or enforces the follow-on, there is insufficient time for the pitch to be rolled for 7 minutes, or if there is insufficient time for any other reason, the batting captain shall nevertheless be permitted to exercise his option to have such rolling. The time by which the start of the innings is delayed on that account shall be taken out of normal playing time.
2. Clearing debris from the pitch
(a) The pitch shall be cleared of any debris(i) before the start of each day’s play. This shall be after the completion of mowing and before any rolling, not earlier than 30 minutes nor later than 10 minutes before the time or any rescheduled time for start of play.(ii) between innings. This shall precede rolling if any is to take place.(iii) at all intervals for meals.(b) The clearance of debris in (a) above shall be done by sweeping, except where the umpires consider that this may be detrimental to the surface of the pitch. In this case the debris must be cleared from that area by hand, without sweeping.(c) In addition to (a) above, debris may be cleared from the pitch by hand, without sweeping, before mowing and whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
3. Mowing
(a) Responsibility for mowingAll mowings which are carried out before the match shall be the sole responsibility of the Ground Authority.All subsequent mowings shall be carried out under the supervision of the umpires.(b) The pitch and outfieldIn order that throughout the match the ground conditions should be as nearly the same for both sides as possible,(i) the pitch(ii) the outfieldshall be mown on each day of the match on which play is expected to take place, if ground and weather conditions permit.If, for reasons other than conditions of ground or weather, complete mowing of the outfield is not possible, the Ground Authority shall notify the captains and umpires of the procedure to be adopted for such mowing during the match.(c) Timing of mowing(i) Mowing of the pitch on any day shall be completed not later than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day, before any sweeping prior to rolling. If necessary, debris may be removed from the pitch before mowing, by hand, without sweeping. See 2(c) above.(ii) Mowing of the outfield on any day shall be completed not later than 15 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day.
4. Watering the pitch
The pitch shall not be watered during the match.
5. Re-marking creases
Creases shall be re-marked whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
6. Maintenance of footholes
The umpires shall ensure that the holes made by the bowler and batsmen are cleaned out and dried whenever necessary to facilitate play.In matches of more than one day’s duration, the umpires shall allow, if necessary, the re-turfing of footholes made by the bowler in his delivery stride, or the use of quick-setting fillings for the same purpose.
7. Securing of footholds and maintenance of pitch
During play, umpires shall allow the players to secure their footholds by the use of sawdust provided that no damage to the pitch is caused and that Law 42 (Fair and unfair play) is not contravened.
8. Non-turf pitches
Wherever appropriate, the provisions set out in 1 to 7 above shall apply.
© Marylebone Cricket Club 2010
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