On the previous part of our cricket presentation we discussed on the format of the game and the corresponding concepts for defense and offense. Now it is time to deal with the issue that affects the outcome of a match in more ways than one: breaking the rules and the penalties that this may incur. Let’s begin with those that have the task to maintain the proper implementation of the rules.
The umpires
They are similar to the referees of other sports. They make sure that the rules and regulations are maintained at all times. Whatever calls they make are final. Should there be a case of a wrong call, it can be changed before the next play begins, otherwise it stands. In most matches there are two umpires:
A) The main umpire stands at the bowler’s side of the pitch one step to the offside of the relevant wicket and just inside the outer crease and makes the calls for “no ball”, “wide ball”, “bye” and “leg bye” situations.
B) The leg umpire stands at the extension of the line that the striker’s crease begins, near the outer boundary of the close infield area. They make calls on “stumping”, “run out”, “bouncer wide” and “waist-high no balls”.
There is a third official in all cricket matches and that is the match referee. He is not present on the field while the game progresses and makes the final calls on disciplinary matters. They are also responsible for compiling the final report at the end of each encounter.
The scorer is not an actual official of a match. They are only responsible for noting down the runs as they are signaled by the umpires. They have to immediately acknowledge the reception of such a signal before the next play begins. In professional games there are two scorers, one appointed by each team.
After the end of each innings, the umpires interchange their position and apart from the duties during the progress of the match, they also need to inspect the area of play and the equipment to make sure that they are up to the standards required and meet with the team captains to make certain about the details to be kept according to the level of the match (test, one day, full, etc…)
For major level matches there may be a third or even a forth umpire involved. They are supposed to stand on the outer boundaries and assist in making calls on infractions they notice. Apart from the ones already mentioned, here are other misconducts that may produce penalties.
What do cricket players get punished for?
Cricket is a “gentlemen’s” game so there are not may infractions to punish. The usual situations that include insults, obscene language, disrespect to other colleagues, acts of violence and unacceptable behavior are rare and if they appear, they are dealt with swiftly. The same stands true for protests or appeals in excess of an acceptable limit
- Ball tampering
Balls have been specifically designed in shape and composition to affect deliveries in a certain way. Should players make any changes to change the characteristics to create problems for the striker are punishable with up to five penalty runs while a bowler may be taken out from the specific innings. Further sanctions may be imposed after the end of the match. - Distracting the striker
If any fielder is trying deliberately to distract the striker, then five runs are awarded to the attacking team. - Damaging the pitch
Any player found to be deliberately or avoidably damaging the play area, then they opposing team is awarded with five runs. Depending on the severity of the infraction, the penalty runs can reach the number of 10. - Time wasting
Any action that may result in the interruption or the delay of the progress of a match results in the award of five runs to the other side. - Stealing a run
It is not acceptable for a batsman to try and score a run while the bowler has commenced his effort for a delivery to the striker, unless they are trying to run either of them out. In such a case any runs stolen are awarded to the other side. - Return of a player
Fielders or strikers that have been taken out of play are not allowed to return to the pitch without permission. Should this happen and the player in questions touches the ball while in play, then 5 runs will be awarded to the opponents. - Practice on outfield
If a fielder or a batsman is caught practicing on the outfield without permission, the first time they are given a warning. The second time it’s 5 penalty runs.
We have reached the end of our presentation for the game of cricket. Now you know the nuances of what it is that you watch and, most of all, where it is that you are placing your bets after you open an account via agent. There’s only one thing left. For us to wish you happy earnings.