Laws of Cricket 1947 Code (Second Edition) - Law 23

Law 23 - The Over

The ball shall be bowled from each wicket alternately in Overs of either 8 or 6 balls according to the agreed conditions of play. When the agreed number have been bowled and is has become clear to the Umpire at the Bowler's wicket that both sides have ceased to regard the ball as in play, the Umpire shall call "Over" in a distinct manner before leaving the wicket. Neither a "No Ball" nor a "Wide Ball" shall be reckoned as one of the "Over".

Note on Law 23

  1. In the United Kingdom the "over" shall be 6 balls, unless an agreement to the contrary has been made. [see original]


Original Note 1 stated:
  1. In default of any agreement to the contrary, in the United Kingdom the "over" shall be 6 balls.
It was changed sometime late 1967 or early 1968.

Reproduction of the Laws of Cricket is by kind permission of Marylebone Cricket Club

Back to 1947 code second_edition index
Back to Laws index