Summary of Changes to Laws in 2000 Code

The Laws are now preceded by The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket, which is a description of what is to be understood by 'The Spirit of the Game', previously taken for granted.

There are no longer any notes to the Laws – they have all been incorporated into the main body of the Laws.

Throughout the Laws, statements about awarding, cancelling or recording runs have been adjusted to take account of the two facts that:

No balls and Wides stand in addition to runs by the batsmen

penalty extras may be awarded.

Such adjustments are not noted separately in this document.

LAW
1	NEW	Nomination of players must be in writing.
	ADDED	Clarification of who may act as deputy before toss and after toss. Responsibility of captains - a repeat of paragraph in Law 42.
2	NEW	Umpires have discretion to allow a substitute or runner for acceptable reasons; consent of captains not required. 'Consent of umpire' changed to 'umpire to be informed' for fielder leaving the field (permission still needed for return). Procedure laid down (includes penalty extra) if fielder returns without permission and touches ball. Provision for absence or penance time overlapping an interruption. Runner to carry a bat (long accepted). Scorers to be informed of decisions and agreements between captains and umpires on hours, etc.
	CHANGE	'Injured striker or 'injured batsman' now 'batsman with a runner' (wording only). Absence on first day no different from any other day.
	ADDED	Substitute can't act as captain on field of play - only implied before (other restrictions remain). Guidance on where runner should stand. Clarification on absence/penalty time overlapping from one day to the next or one innings to the next. Clarification of batsman commencing innings at start of innings/start of session.
3	NEW	Conditions under which umpire can be changed stated; consent of captains not involved; replacement umpire to stand at striker's end unless captains agree otherwise. Back-up time piece now to be agreed. Instructions on procedures if ground, weather or light bad at the end of an interval. Signals to be separately acknowledged (long accepted). Instructions to umpires about what they must check with scorers and when. Five new signals: last hour, 5 penalty runs to batting side, 5 penalty runs to fielding side, new ball and revoke last signal.
	CHANGE	Umpires' time of arrival now 45 minutes before (was 30 minutes). Procedures when conditions of ground, weather or light deteriorate - when the umpires can allow captains to play on and when umpires must forbid play - are set out much more fully than before. Appeals against ground, weather or light upheld if conditions are the same or worse. The ambiguous words 'actual state or things shall continue' are replaced by a detailed statement of what is required. Description of signal for boundary 4 (slight change).
	ADDED	All decisions, agreements and checks to be made before the match are collected together (as well as being stated in the relevant Laws). Distinction made between which signals can be made during play and which are to be signalled to the scorers when the ball is dead.
4	NEW	Two scorers to be appointed. What they must record. What they must check with umpires and when. Requirement for separate acknowledgements stated.

5	NEW	Balls to remain under control of umpires throughout the match. Umpires to take possession of match ball at various stated points in the game. Batsmen and scorers to be told when new ball taken. Batsmen and fielding captain to be informed when ball is replaced.
	CHANGE	Specification of grades 2-4 balls deleted.
6	NEW	Definition of what counts as part of the bat - includes the whole of the glove on a hand holding the bat, which affects Law 32 (Caught).
	ADDED	Blade to be made solely of wood.
7	CHANGE	Change of pitch: 'unfit for play' changed to 'unreasonable or dangerous for play'.
	ADDED	More precise definition of pitch. Statement that umpires are final judges of fitness of pitch.
8	NEW	Size and shape of stumps and size of bails laid down. Diagram showing the various measurements in Appendix A.
	CHANGE	Umpires' agreement to dispense with bails not dependent on a high wind.
	ADDED	Clarification that bails are to be dispensed with at both ends if at all.
9	NEW	Crease markings are to be white.
	CHANGE	Creases at right angles to the popping crease are 'return creases' along their whole length. 'Forward extension' is removed from the vocabulary (but not from the pitch).
	ADDED	Bowling crease is back edge of marking (not previously stated). Diagram showing layout and measurements in Appendix B.
10	NEW	What is permitted; what is required; where responsibility lies for sweeping is laid down.
	CHANGE	Time limits are laid down for completion of sweeping and mowing of pitch/outfield. Groundstaff not restricted to 'before match' to inform if complete mowing of outfield can't take place. Creases re-marked whenever necessary.
	ADDED	Words 'allow either batsman to beat the pitch with his bat' are removed. Clarification that if late declaration, etc. means insufficient time for rolling, only the shortfall of time is to be taken out of playing time.
11	NEW	Groundstaff to allow facility for umpires and captains to inspect, if covers left on until toss.
	CHANGE	Area which may be covered is now 5 feet in front of popping crease instead of 4.
	ADDED	More detail of when covers are to be removed.
12	NEW	Completed innings defined. A 'not earlier than' limit for the toss as well as a 'not later than' one.
	CHANGE	Provision for continuing a one innings match is removed.
	ADDED	More detail about what may be agreed on limiting an innings by overs or by time.
13	ADDED	Clarification on rolling when follow-on enforced. Clarification of 'number of days remaining'.

14	NEW	Ball must be dead when declaration made. Either innings can be forfeited.
	ADDED	Clarification on rolling in cases of declaration or forfeiture.
15	Law 15 has been split - part going to Law 16 (re-numbered as 15), the rest going to a new Law 17. Comments below should be read in conjunction with previous Law 16.
	NEW	List of precisely what is to count as an interval (but no change). Lunch and tea will be the full agreed length. Consequently, if play stops early, the few extra minutes are not added to the interval, and vice versa. Drinks intervals agreement to be reviewed on each day of play. Drinks intervals can be re-scheduled if there are stoppages - details laid down. Instruction to inform scorers about changes of intervals. Batsmen at wicket may deputise for captain in agreeing, or not, to forgo drinks (as is normal practice now).
	CHANGE	Intervals can be 'altered', not merely 'brought forward'.
	ADDED	More detail on what is to be agreed about intervals, and when. Detail about how the length of an interval is measured. More detail about stoppages, etc. within 10 minutes of lunch, 30 minutes before tea. List on intervals which may be cancelled by agreement.
16	This was previously Law 17, and now has the addition of one section of the previous Law 15. Comments below should be read in conjunction with previous Law 17.
	NEW	Last hour officially defined and to be 'indicated' at start of first of minimum number of overs. Interruptions separated from intervals. Time lost for interruption defined. Calculations no longer involve 8-ball overs (see Law 22). Conclusion of match defined (inter alia clarifies position of overs versus time).
...16	CHANGE	(No actual change) on times for calling Play or Time. The words 'any interval or interruption' cover all the times previously listed separately, except the start of the match and the conclusion of the match. The umpires do not themselves have to remove the bails. Last over - the words 'at request of either captain' have been removed.
	ADDED	Considerable detail about gong off when less than 2 minutes remain and starting a new over - to resolve the conflict that previously existed between the two situations. Clarification of calculation of overs in last hour (no change of principle).
17	This is a new Law created out of the second and third paragraphs of the previous Law 15. Comments below should be read in conjunction with previous Law 15.
	NEW	Separate provisions laid down, including times for each, about practice (batting or bowling) on the pitch, part of ground adjacent to pitch, square, any other part of the field of play. Penalty (restriction on bowling) laid down for contravention.
	CHANGE	'At fall of a wicket' deleted from trial run up. Forbidden 'unless umpire satisfied it will cause no waste of time'.
18	NEW	Whenever runs accrue or penalties might be awarded, if the situation demands disallowance of runs, the disallowance will always take precedence. Penalty extras and reporting (after warning) added to procedure for deliberate short runs.
	CHANGE	'After a hit' deleted - 'or at any time while the ball is in play' makes the phrase redundant (wording only). For deliberate short runs umpire to wait until ball is dead before taking action. Boundaries and Lost ball runs separated out from runs for penalties (Law was misleading previously). 'Batsman with a runner himself run out' is removed from list of occasions for sending back but is covered in other parts of this Law (no actual change).

	ADDED	Clarification that a boundary over-rides short runs (but not deliberate short runs). Runs when batsman dismissed listed and whether not out batsman return to his end. Clarification of runs scored when ball becomes dead, covering all situations.
19	NEW	Boundary must be agreed so that sight-screen is outside. Concept of 'boundary edge' is introduced - which is the actual boundary. Precise detail of what the boundary edge is for the most usual types of marking. 6 (or agreed allowance) scored if ball hits anything (marking, rope, wall, etc.) full pitch beyond this edge. This has important implications for catches taken around the boundary area.
	CHANGE	All boundaries treated the same - no differentiation between line/rope and fence. Run in progress, if batsmen have crossed, counts towards those completed when ball crosses the boundary.
	ADDED	Clarification that if batsmen run more than allowance, the runs replace the boundary (relevant for 'sending back'). Instructions for situation of boundary fence collapsing.
20	ADDED	Replacement of ball.
21	NEW	New forms of stating result introduced - Match Awarded; Match Conceded. 'Result cannot be changed'.
	CHANGE	Awarding match for refusal to play - no appeal necessary. Option of continuing a one innings match deleted. Boundary will be scored in full only if it happens before side scored enough to win. Procedure for mistakes in scoring adjusted to take account of overs in the last hour as well as time. Correctness of scores and hence result to be entirely a matter for umpires and scorers.
	ADDED	Procedure for investigating a refusal to play. Procedure for dealing with time lost in investigation if it does not lead to match being awarded. Clarification that even if side scores enough runs to win while catch is being taken, the catch will take precedence and no runs be scored. Clarification with regard to time elapsing while mistake in scoring being discovered.
22	NEW	Definition of start of over.
	CHANGE	8-ball overs removed from the Laws. Position of non-striker moved out of this Law to Law 29. Both sides having ceased to regard the ball as in play moved out of this Law into Law 23.
	ADDED	List of balls which do not count in the over.
23	NEW	Umpire permitted to call dead ball (if necessary) in 'automatic' cases. Ball to be called dead if striker distracted. Extra ball allowed, although striker may have had opportunity to play it, if striker distracted, either accidentally or deliberately (latter is new provision in Law 42).
	CHANGE	'Lodging' separated from 'becoming trapped'. List of occasions when ball is not dead deleted (was inadequate and unnecessary).
	ADDED	Both sides have ceased to regard the ball as in play - imported from Law 22.
24	NEW	Umpire to ascertain mode of bowling (bowler still responsible for notifying change). Underarm bowling not permitted (except by agreement before the match). Definition of fair delivery - the arm: 'directly precedes the ball leaving the hand' changed to 'from point where arm reaches shoulder level to ball leaving the hand'. As well as No ball for throwing, procedure of warning leading to suspension and report. Warning procedure not to be implemented if ball is thrown before entering delivery stride. Penalty for No ball to stand as well as other runs (No ball penalty always an extra; other runs as the case may be). Penalty for No ball to be awarded 'instantly'. Ball rolling along ground or bouncing more than twice - No ball to be called.
	CHANGE	'Bowler throwing at striker's wicket' becomes 'Bowler throwing towards striker's end'. 'Bowler attempting to run out non-striker' moved from this Law to Law 42. Striker not to have right to try to hit ball coming to rest in front of wicket - No ball and Dead ball to be called (moved to this Law from Law 25).
	ADDED	List of No ball calls from other Laws. Clarification that No ball over-rides Wide ball.

25	NEW	Definition of Wide - still based on 'reach' but further defined as 'by means of a normal cricket stroke'. More in line with a 'one-day Wide'. Penalty for Wide to stand as well as other runs. Penalty for Wide to be awarded 'instantly'.
	CHANGE	'Ball coming to rest in front of striker' moved from this Law to Law 24. 'Ball over head height' moved from this Law to Law 42.
	ADDED	Call to be revoked if No ball called.
26	ADDED	What happens if it is a No ball (previously Law only said 'not being a No ball'). More detail of procedure when Leg byes are not to be allowed. Clarification that 'no runs shall be allowed' means no penalties, except 1 for a No ball.
27	NEW	Long accepted concept of 'walking' embodied in Law. New concept introduced of the difference between 'out' and 'dismissed'. Umpire to call Dead ball 'to prevent any further action' if he intervenes when batsman leaves his wicket under a misapprehension.
	CHANGE	Words 'in favour of the batsman' changed to 'not out' (slight change). Words 'in exceptional circumstances' deleted from withdrawal of appeal.
28	NEW	Fielder replacing stump(s) must do so where wicket originally stood.
	CHANGE	Fielder can replace stump(s) even if all three stumps not out.
	ADDED	Clarification that cap, etc. falling off, or bat striker has let go of, still count for putting down the wicket. Considerable detail on deciding the wicket is down after a decision to play without bails.
29	NEW	Which is a batsman's ground defined (what is a batsman's ground defined in Appendix C).
	ADDED	Position of non-striker - instead of in Law 22.
The words 'on appeal', formerly appearing in some, but not all, of Laws 30-39, which deal with dismissals, have been deleted from each Law in which they appear. It is still true that a batsman cannot be given out without an appeal. The distinction between 'out' and 'dismissed' covers the situations. Instances are 30 separately noted.
30	CHANGE	'Before completion of stroke' no longer a consideration. Striker is vulnerable until contact between ball and fielder or umpire.
	ADDED	Bowled to take precedence over any other form of dismissal.
31	NEW	Completely new principle for giving batsman out if delayed in coming to the wicket. Procedure laid down for what to do if no batsman appears.
32	NEW	Definition of completing a catch - fielder must have complete control over the ball and over his own movement. Caught to take precedence over any other form of dismissal except Bowled.
	CHANGE	Can be caught off any part of glove on hand holding bat (by new definition of bat - see Law 6). Fielder allowed to go outside boundary 'during' catch and return to complete it as long as he is inside at any time he is in contact with the ball. Fielder cannot lean against boundary fence and take a catch (consequence of change in definition of boundary). Can still catch it in air over boundary if he is inside.
33	CHANGE	'Returning the ball to fielder' moved from this Law to Law 37.
	ADDED	Statement of long accepted caveat that batsman is not out Handled the ball if trying to avoid injury. What runs are to be scored.
34	NEW	Definition of 'struck' (applicable only to this Law).
	CHANGE	'Returning the ball to fielder' moved from this Law to Law 37. Reference to 'hand holding the bat' deleted (new definition of bat makes it redundant).
	ADDED	Consideration of hitting the ball a second time after being touched by a fielder, but dealt with under Law 37. Clarification that the first strike determines how runs (if any are allowed) are to be credited. Considerable detail on what runs are allowed and the procedures for umpires.
35	NEW	Setting off for first run without having played at the ball included.
	CHANGE	'As a result of any action' changed to 'in the course of any action'.
36	NEW	Off side of striker's wicket remains as when the ball comes into play (to deal with reverse sweep and batsman changing grip).
	CHANGE	Umpire to ignore the fact that the ball might have pitched after impact before reaching stumps.
	ADDED	Clarification that only first impact to count.

37	NEW	Hitting the ball after contact with fielder. Wilful distraction by word or action included.
	CHANGE	'Returning the ball to fielder' (with bat or hand) without permission is Obstructing the field (moved here from Laws 33 and 34).
38	NEW	Run out requires subsequent ball-fielder contact, once bowler has entered delivery stride.
	CHANGE	Not attempting a run when No ball called no longer confers immunity from Run out. Leaving his ground to avoid injury need not be after batsman has been running.
	ADDED	As a consequence of first change above - Stumped is not to turn into Run out solely because No ball has been called (see Law 39). Further clarification of a rebound from a helmet worn by a fielder.
39	ADDED	More detail on 'put down by the wicket-keeper' and on ball rebounding from his person. Stumped does not turn into Run out solely because No ball has been called - conditions for Stumped must fail on at least on other count too.
40	NEW	Wicket-keeper officially allowed to wear pads and gloves, providing he is acting as wicket-keeper. Specifications to which wicket-keeper's gloves must conform (illustrated in Appendix C). Definition of unfair movement by wicket-keeper while ball is being delivered; action by umpire if it occurs.
41	NEW	Fielders not allowed to wear pads and gloves unless acting as wicket-keeper (long accepted). 5 penalty runs for illegal fielding not to be awarded if striker makes no attempt to hit the ball, or tries to avoid being hit by it. Definition of unfair movement by close/deep fielders while ball is being delivered; action by umpire if it occurs.
	CHANGE	'Stop the ball' replaced by 'fielding the ball' (illegal fielding).
	ADDED	Greater detail about procedure for illegal fielding. Reporting as well as 5 penalty extras if it is wilful, but only the 5 penalty extras for hitting helmet. Clarification of 'fielder behind the popping crease'.
42	NEW	5 penalty runs and reporting now laid down for ball tampering, deliberate obstruction or distraction of batsman while receiving the ball or after receiving the ball, time wasting by batsmen or (in some cases) fielder, avoidable damage to the pitch by fielders or by batsmen, batsmen attempting to steal a run. The exact procedure (which varies from case to case) is laid down in detail for each case. Offences by the bowler still lead to his being taken off. 'Breaches of Spirit of the Game' added to reportable offences. Umpire has no option but to report, whether or not action by captain is effective. All reporting to include captain as well as player(s) concerned.
	CHANGE	Intimidation removed from definition of unfair fast short pitched balls. Criterion is 'likely to inflict physical injury'. High full pitches separated into 'slow' and 'other than slow'. Bowling of fast short pitched balls and fast high full pitches classed together as dangerous and/or unfair bowling with a single procedure instead of two. 'Danger area' renamed 'protected area' and to start 5 feet in front of popping crease. Bowler attempting to run out non-striker moved here from Law 24; to be before entering delivery stride and Dead ball to be called (hence no possibility of runs) if attempt fails. Ball going over the top of the batsman's head moved to Law 42.6 from Law 25 (Wide ball).
	ADDED	Clarification of umpire's action if he intervenes in a case of unfair play not covered by other Laws.
ADDITION OF APPENDICES A - Diagram showing measurements of stumps and bails. B - Diagram showing measurements of pitch and creases. C - Photograph showing new specification wicket-keeping gloves. D - List defining a large number of words and phrases previously taken for granted as RELATIVE PAGES LINKS :- LAWS OF CRICKET-PAGE-2 LAWS OF CRICKET-PAGE-3 LAWS OF CRICKET-PAGE-4 LAW-PAGE-1 LAWS OFCRICKET RULES OF CRICKET