James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1876

194 consent of both parties, except in case of violation of 42nd law"; then either party may dismiss the trangressor. XLIV. After the delivery of four balls the Umpire must call “ Over,” but not until the ball shall be finally settled in the Wicket-keeper's or Bowler’ s hand ; the ball shall then be considered dead; nevertheless, if any idea be entertained that either of the Strikers is out, a question may be put previously to, but not after, the delivery of the next ball. In one-day matches h<wever, it is often Advisable to howl five halls to the over to save time A pood Umpire will take care not to call “ over ” until the ball “ is finally settled accord- ing to the law.” XLV. The Umpire must take especial care to call “ No Ball” instantly upon delivery ; “ Wide Ball ” as soon as it shall pass the Striker. lie should call “ no hall” in*1ontly , to give the striker opportunity to toko advantage of the bowler’s laxity. A batsman cannot he out from a no-hall except by I k ing m 1 out.* XLYI. Tlie players who go in second shall follow their innings if tney have obtained eighty runs less than their antagonists, except in all matches limited to one day^s play, when the number shall be limited to sixty instead o f eighty. XLYII. When one of the Strikers shall have been put out, the use of the bat shall not be allowed to any person until the next striker shall come in. A very useful provision, hut unfortunately one much abused. There is an opportunity in nearly every game for players to exhibit their prowess with the bat without seizing upon this our. NOTE.—The Committee of the Marvlebone Club think it desirable that previously to the commencement of a Match, one of each side should be declared the manager of it; and that the new laws with respect to substi­ tutes may he carried out in a spirit of fairness and mutual concession, it is their wish that such substitutes be allowed in all reasonable cases, and that the Umpire should enquire if it is done with the consent of the manager of the opposite side. Complaints having hern made that it is the practice of some players when at the wicket to make holes in the ground for a footing, the Committee are of opinion that Umpires should be empowered to prevent it. Curiously enough, there iRno provision in these laws for “ byes.” Indeed they arc not oven mentioned. It iR customary, however, to allow the side batting to score as many runs afl may he obtained, from the hall passing the long-stop or wicket-keeper, aR the case maybe. How it has come to pass that the Marylebone Club, in their wisdom, have omitted this, it is not for me to say. The sooner, however, the omission is rectified, the sooner will the Laws approach completion.* THE LAWS OF SINGLE WICKET. I. When there shall be less than five players on a side, Bounds shall he placed twenty-two yards each in a line from the oil and leg-stump. II. The hall must be hit before the Bounds to entitle the Striker to a run, which tun cannot be obtained unless he touch the bowling stump or crease )u a line with his bat, or some part of his person, or go bevond them # returning to the popping crease as at Double Wicket, according‘to the 21st law. n 2