James Lillywhte's Cricketers' Annual 1884

1 7 4 LILLYWHITE'SCRICKETERS' A N N U A L. C H A P T E R V . T H EL A W SO FC R I C K E T . W I T HN O T E SB Y J A M E SL I L L Y W H I T E . I. TheBALLmust not weigh less than five ounces and a half , nor more than five ounces and three -quarters . It must measure not less than nine inches , normorethannine inches and one-quarter in circumference . A tthe beginning of each innings , either party maycall for a new ball . [It is not usual, however, except in case of the ball being muchdamaged, for morethantwo balls to beused in amatch.] 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 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 beeight inches wide at the bottom as well as the top . I have generally adopted the plan of laying the bails onthe ground as aguide to setting upthe stumps] I V. 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 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 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 the ball whenthrownin, without incurring the danger of being struck b yit.] V I. 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. The ground shall not be rolled , watered , covered , mown, or beaten during amatch , except at the commencement of each innings and of each day's play, when, unless the in -side object , the ground shall be swept and rolled for not more than ten minutes . This rule shall not prevent the Striker from beating the ground with his bat , nor the batsınan nor bowler from using saw- dustinorder to obtain a proper foothold .