James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1878

167 Umpires arc frequently lax on this point. Wicket-keepers often, especially with slow howling, take the ball in front of the wicket; and Umpires should recollect that an active batsman can sometimes get hack into his ground as soon as the’ ball can pass the wicket. Therefore, wicket-keepers should be watched. XXXVI. The Umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play; and all disputes shall be determined by them, each at his own wicket; but in case of a catch which the Umpire at the wicket bowled from cannot see sufficiently to decide upon, he may apply to the other Umpire, whose opinion shall be conclusive. And in my opinion he should always so apply in case of doubt. XXXV II. The Umpires in all matches shall pitch fair wickets; and the parties shall toss up for choice of innings. The Umpires shall change wickets after each party has had one innings. In this law the word “ wickets ” is used in two different senses. If on the second occa­ sion of its use it read “ ends ” it would perhaps be clearer. XXXVIII. They shall allow two minutes for each Striker to come in and ten minutes between each innings. When the Umpire shall call “ P lay” the party refusing to play shall lose the match. This is to guard against either side taking an unfair advantage of the other in cases where time is of importance, and Umpires should jealously watch any attempt at unfairness. % X X X IX . They are not to order a Striker out unless applied to by the adversaries. Nor by inference, should an Umpire give an intimation to the adversaries that it would be advisable for them to appeal. XL . But'if one of the Bowler’s feet be not on the ground behind the bowling crease and within the return crease when he shall deliver the ball, the Umpire at his wicket, unasked, must call “ No Ball.” See Note to Rule 9. XLI. If either of the Strikers run a short run the Umpire shall call “ One Short.” XLII. No Umpire shall be allowed to bet. XLIII. No Umpire is to be changed during the match, unless with the •consent of both parties, except in case of violation of the 42nd Law ; then either party may dismiss the transgressor. 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 bail. In onc-day matches, however, it is often advisable to bowl five balls to the over to save time. A good Umpire will take care not to call “ over ” until the ball “ is finally settled according to the law.” XLV . The Umpire must take especial care to call “ No Ball ” instantly npon delivery; “ Wide Ball ” as soon as it shall pass the Striker. He should call “ *0 ball ” instantly, to give the striker opportunity to take advantage of the bowler’s laxity. A batsman cannot be out from a no-ball except by being ‘run out. XLV I. The players who go in second shall follow their innings if they 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 of eighty.