1959-60

31
2
CRICKET
Covering the Pitch
ii.
The pitch shall not be completely covered during a match
unless special regulations so provide ; covers used to protect the
bowlers' run up shall not extend to a greater distance than
32'"
ft.
in front of the popping creases.
NOTE
i. It is usual under this Law to protect the bowlers' run up,
before and during a match, both at night and, when necessary,
during the day. The covers should be removed early each morning,
if fine.
Maintenance of the Pitch
12.
The batsman may beat the pitch with his bat, and players
may secure their footholds by the use of sawdust, provided Law 46
be not thereby contravened. In wet weather the umpires shall see
that the holes made by the bowlers and batsmen are cleaned out and
dried whenever necessary to facilitate play.
(D) THE CONDUCT OF THE GAME
Innings
1
3
Each side has two innings, taken alternately, except in the
case provided for in Law T4. The choice of innings shall be decided
by tossing on the field of play.
NOTES
i. The captains should toss for innings not later than
15
minutes
before the time agreed upon for play to start. The winner of the
toss may not alter his decision to bat or field once it has been notified
to the opposing captain.
2.
This Law also governs a one-day match in which play con-
tinues after the completion of the first innings of both sides.
(See
also Law
22.)
Following Innings
1
4. The side which bats first and leads by r5o runs in a match
of three days or more, by ioo runs in a two-day match, or by 75
runs in a one-day match, shall have the option of requiring the other
side to follow their innings.
Declarations
15. The Captain of the batting side may declare an innings closed
at any time during a match irrespective of its duration.
16. When the start of play is delayed by weather Law
14
shall
apply in accordance with the number of days' play remaining
from the actual start of the match.
Start and Close of Play and Intervals
17. The umpires shall allow such intervals as have been agreed
upon for meals, io minutes between each innings and not more than
2
minutes for each fresh batsman to come in. At the start of each
innings and of each day's play and at the end of any interval the
If