Laws of Cricket 1980 Code - Law 10
1. Rolling
During the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the batting side, for a period of not more than seven minutes before the start of each innings, other than the first innings of the match, and before the start of each day's play. In addition, if, after the toss and before the first innings of the match, the start is delayed, the captain of the batting side may request to have the pitch rolled for not more than seven minutes. The pitch shall not otherwise be rolled during the match.
The seven minutes rolling permitted before the start of a day's play shall take place not earlier than half an hour before the start of play and the captain of the batting side may delay such rolling until ten minutes before the start of play should he so desire.
If a captain declares an innings closed less than fifteen minutes before the resumption of play, and the other captain is thereby prevented from exercising his option of seven minutes rolling or if he is so prevented for any other reason the time for rolling shall be taken out of the normal playing time.
2. Sweeping
Such sweeping of the pitch as is necessary during the match shall be done so that the seven minutes allowed for rolling the pitch provided for in 1. above is not affected.
3. Mowing
a. Responsibilities of Ground Authority and of Umpires
All mowings which are carried out before the toss for innings shall be the responsibility of the ground authority. Thereafter they shall be carried out under the supervision of the umpires. See Law 7.2 (Selection and Preparation).
b. Initial Mowing
The pitch shall be mown before play begins on the day the match is scheduled to start or in the case of a delayed start on the day the match is expected to start. See 3(a) above. (Responsibilities of Ground Authority and of Umpires).
c. Subsequent Mowings in a Match of Two or More Days' Duration
In a match of two or more days' duration, the pitch shall be mown daily before play begins. Should this mowing not take place because of weather conditions, rest days or other reasons the pitch shall be mown on the first day on which the match is resumed.
d. Mowing of the Outfield in a Match of Two or More Days' Duration
In order to ensure that conditions are as similar as possible for both sides, the outfield shall normally be mown before the commencement of play on each day of the match, if ground and weather conditions allow. See Note (b) to this Law.
4. Watering
The pitch shall not be watered during a match.
5. Re-Marking Creases
Whenever possible the creases shall be re-marked.
6. Maintenance of Foot-Holes
In wet weather, the umpires shall ensure that the holes made by the bowlers and batsmen are cleaned out and dried whenever necessary to facilitate play. In matches of two or more days' duration, the umpires shall allow, if necessary, the re-turfing of foot-holes made by the bowler in his delivery stride, or the use of quick-setting fillings for the same purpose, before the start of each day's play.
7. Securing of Footholds and Maintenance of Pitch
During play, the umpires shall allow either batsman to beat the pitch with his bat and players to secure their footholds by the use of sawdust, provided that no damage to the pitch is so caused, and Law 42 (Unfair Play) is not contravened.
Notes
1. Non-Turf Pitches
The above Law 10 applies to turf pitches.
The game is played on non-turf pitches in many countries at various levels. Whilst the conduct of the game on these surfaces should always be in accordance with the Laws of Cricket, it is recognised that it may sometimes be necessary for Governing Bodies to lay down special playing conditions to suit the type of non-turf pitch used in their country.
In matches played against Touring Teams, any special playing conditions should be agreed in advance by both parties.
2. Mowing of the Outfield in a Match of Two or More Days' Duration
If, for reasons other than ground and weather conditions, daily and complete mowing is not possible, the Ground Authority shall notify the captains and umpires, before the toss for innings, of the procedure to be adopted for such mowing during the match.
3. Choice of Roller
If there is more than one roller available the captain of the batting side shall have a choice.
Reproduction of the Laws of Cricket is by kind permission of Marylebone Cricket Club