James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1876

CH APTER V I I I . * THE LAWS OF CRICKET. W ith N otes by J ames L illywhite . I. The BALL must weigh not less than five ounces and-a-half, nor more than five ounces and three-quarters. It must measure not less than nine inches, nor more than nine inches and one-quarter in circumference. A t the beginning of each innings, either party may call for a new ball. It is not usual, however, except in case of the ball being much damaged, foi more than two balls to be used in a match. II. The BAT must not exceed four inches and one-quarter in the widest part; it must not be more than thirty-eight inches in length. The law does not specify how this is to be enforced, but I think it is the Umpire’s duty to see that bats larger than the law allows are not played with; and probably words added to that effect would be an improvement. III. The STUMPS must be three in number ; twenty-seven inches out of the ground; the Bails eight inches in length; the Stumps of equal and o f sufficient thickness to prevent the ball from passing through. Although not stated, it is clearly the spirit of the law, and the stumps should be eight inches wide at the bottom as well as at the top. I have generally adopted the plan of laying the balls on the ground as a guide, to setting up the stumps. IV. The BOWLING CREASE must be in a line with the Stumps ; six feet eight inches in length; the Stumps in the centre ; with a return crease at each end towards the Bowler at right angles. It is important to notice that the return crease should be at right angles to the bowling crease. I have often seen it drawn in an oblique direction, which would give the bowler an advantage. V. The POPPING CREASE must be four feet from the wicket, and parallel to i t ; unlimited in length, but not shorter than the Bowling Crease. Unlimited in length, so as to give the batsman an opportunity of keeping clear of the baU when thrown in, without incurring the danger of being struck by it. VI. The wickets must be pitched opposite to each other by the Umpires, at the distance of twenty-two yards. It is advisable to use a chain to measure the distance, as tapes are liable to stretch. VII. It shall not be lawful for either party during the match, without the consent of the other, to alter the ground by rolling, watering, covering, mowing, or beating, except at the commencement of each innings, when the f *ound shall he swept and rolled unless the next side going in object to it. his rule is not meant to prevent the striker from beating the ground with his bat near to the spot where he stands during the innings, nor to prevent the bowler from filling up holes with saw-dust, etc., when the ground shall be wet. Consent to rolling, &c., is seldom or ever asked during the progress of an innings. At the commencement of an innings the side going in should see that it is swept and rolled us of course it is to their advantage. ' *