James Lilllywhite's Cricketers' Annual 1880

T H EL A W SO F C R I C K E T . 1 8 5 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 . [Thelawdoes not specify how this is to be enforced , but Ithink it is the Umpire's duty to see that bats larger than the law allows are not played with ; and probably wordsaddedto that effect wouldbe animprovement.] 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 of 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 bails on the ground as a guide to setting up the stumps.] IV. The BOWLINGCREASE 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 importantto 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 thebowleranadvantage.] V. ThePOPPING CREASE Must be four feet from the wicket , and parallel to it ; 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 theball w h e nthrownin, withoutincurring the dangerof beingstruck 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 measurethe 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 ground shall be swept and rolled , unless the next side going in object to it . This rule is not meantto 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 sawdust , &c., when the ground shall be w e t. [Consent o rolling , &c., is seldomor ever asked duringthe progress of an innings. A tthe commencementof aninningsthe side goingin shouldsee that it is sweptand rolled , as of course it ist otheir advantage.] VIII. After rain the wickets maybe changed with the consent of both parties . [Averynecessary provision, especially if thegroundis m u c hcut up.] I X. The BOWLERshall deliver the ball with one foot on the ground behind the bowling crease , and within the return crease , and shall bowl one over before he change wickets , which he shall be permitted to do twice in the same innings , and no bowler shall bowl more than two overs in succes- sion. [Noticethat the lawreads behind the bowlingcrease ; henceit follows that if the bowler's foot touch any part of the line , it is a no-ball . By changing wickets twice,' it is understood that a bowler, after changingends, m a yreturn to his original e n donly.] X. The ball must be bowled. If thrown or jerked the Umpire shall call 'N oBall.' [Adistinct action of the elbow distinguishes a throw, and a jerk would clearly be shownby the arm striking the bowler's side before delivery ofthe ball .]