Laws of Cricket 1980 Code - Law 8

Law 8 - The Wickets

1. Width and Pitching

Two sets of wickets, each 9 inches/22.86cm wide, and consisting of three wooden stumps with two wooden bails upon the top, shall be pitched opposite and parallel to each other at a distance of 22 yards/20.12m between the centres of the two middle stumps.

2. Size of Stumps

The stumps shall be of equal and sufficient size to prevent the ball from passing between them. Their tops shall be 28 inches/71.1cm above the ground, and shall be dome-shaped except for the bail grooves.

3. Size of Bails

The bails shall be each 4-3/8 inches/11.1cm in length and when in position on top of the stumps shall not project more than 1/2 inch/1.3cm above them.

Notes

1. Dispensing with Bails

In a high wind the umpires may decide to dispense with the use of bails.

2. Junior Cricket

For Junior Cricket, as defined by the local Governing Body, the following measurements for the Wickets shall apply:-

Width - 8 inches/20.32cm
Pitched - 21 yards/19.20m
Height - 27 inches/68.58cm
Bails - each 3-7/8 inches/9.84cm in length and should not project more than 1/2 inch/1.3cm above them

Reproduction of the Laws of Cricket is by kind permission of Marylebone Cricket Club

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