1. Rolling
The pitch shall not be rolled during the match except
as permitted in (a) and (b) below.
(a) Frequency and duration of 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 7 minutes, before the start of each innings,
other than the first innings of the match, and before
the start of each subsequent day's play. See (d) below.
(b) Rolling after a delayed start
In addition to the rolling permitted above, 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
7 minutes. However, if the umpires together agree that
the delay has had no significant effect on the state
of the pitch, they shall refuse the request for the
rolling of the pitch.
(c) Choice of rollers
If there is more than one roller available the captain
of the batting side shall have the choice.
(d) Timing of permitted rolling
The rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes) before play
begins on any day shall be started not more than 30
minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for
play to begin. The captain of the batting side may,
however, delay the start of such rolling until not less
than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled
for play to begin, should he so desire.
(e) Insufficient time to complete rolling
If a captain declares an innings closed, or forfeits
an innings, or enforces the follow-on, and the other
captain is prevented thereby from exercising his option
of the rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes), or if
he is so prevented for any other reason, the extra time
required to complete the rolling shall be taken out
of the normal playing time.
2. Sweeping
(a) If rolling is to take place the pitch shall first
be swept to avoid any possible damage by rolling in
debris. This sweeping shall be done so that the 7 minutes
allowed for rolling is not affected.
(b) The pitch shall be cleared of any debris at all
intervals for meals, between innings and at the beginning
of each day, not earlier than 30 minutes nor later than
10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled
for play to begin. See Law 15.1 (An interval).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) and (b) above,
the umpires shall not allow sweeping to take place where
they consider it may be detrimental to the surface of
the pitch.
3. Mowing
(a) The pitch
The pitch shall be mown on each day of the match on
which play is expected to take place, if ground and
weather conditions allow.
(b) The outfield
In order to ensure that conditions are as similar as
possible for both sides, the outfield shall be mown
on each day of the match on which play is expected to
take place, if ground and weather conditions allow.
If, for reasons other than ground and weather conditions,
complete mowing of the outfield is not possible, the
Ground Authority shall notify the captains and umpires
of the procedure to be adopted for such mowing during
the match.
(c) Responsibility for mowing
All mowings which are carried out before the match shall
be the responsibility of the Ground Authority.
All subsequent mowings shall be carried out under the
supervision of the umpires.
(d) Timing of mowing
(i) Mowing of the pitch on any day of the match shall
be completed not later than 30 minutes before the time
scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day.
(ii) Mowing of the outfield on any day of the match
shall be completed not later than 15 minutes before
the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin
on that day.
4. Watering
The pitch shall not be watered during the match.
5. Re-marking creases
The creases shall be re-marked whenever either umpire
considers it necessary.
6. Maintenance of foot holes
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 more than
one day's duration, the umpires shall allow, if necessary,
the re-turning of foot holes made by the bowler in his
delivery stride, or the use of quick-setting fillings
for the same purpose.
7. Securing of footholds and maintenance of pitch
During play, the umpires shall allow the players to
secure their footholds by the use of sawdust provided
that no damage to the pitch is caused and that Law 42
(Fair and unfair play) is not contravened.
8. Non-turf pitches
Wherever appropriate, the provisions set out in 1 to
7 above shall apply. |