The MCC Laws sub-committee has suggested several changes , which were subsequently approved at the Club’s Main Committee meeting last week. The laws will come into force from October 1. There are several notable changes in Laws of Cricket.
Replacement players :
The MCC has introduced a new clause – Law 1.3 which is regarding to the replacement players. The replacements are now be treated as if they were the player they replaced on the field. They will receive the sanctions or dismissals which the player has done in that match.
Mankad:
Mankad’ method of dismissing batters will not be listed under unfair play in new laws. The method involves the bowler stumping the batter who starts running from the bowler’s end before the ball is fully thrown.
Dead ball :
Unfair movement by the fielding side Until now, any member of the fielding side who moved unfairly, was punished only with a ‘Dead ball’ – potentially cancelling a perfectly good shot by the batter. Given the action is both unfair and deliberate, it will now see the batting side awarded 5 Penalty runs.
Striker’s right to play the ball :
If the ball should land away from the pitch, the new Law 25.8 allows the striker to play the ball so long as some part of their bat or person remains within the pitch. Should they venture beyond that, the umpire will call and signal Dead ball. As recompense to the batter, any ball which would force them to leave the pitch will also be called No ball.
No saliva :
The new Laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball. Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.