Northerns Cricket Union 2017

Note: There are two main differences in this playing condition compared to Law 42.3.
Playing condition clause 42.3.1 replaces the Law 42.3(e) (ii) and means that a bowler cannot be
removed from the attack for the team's second offence of changing the condition of the ball. For a
second offence the process of a 5 run penalty to the batting side shall be repeated. The penalty for
this occurrence will be dealt with further by reporting it as a breach of the Code of Conduct. If it is
clear that the condition of the ball has been changed but the player concerned cannot be identified,
then the Captain of the fielding side would be reported. Under the new Playing Condition, the
Captain is to be given a first and final official warning and be told that the ball was being changed as,
in the opinion of the umpires the condition of the ball had been changed unnaturally.
This allows the umpires to be direct and transparent in their dealings on ball tampering.
Points to remember:
1. Both umpires must agree on any action taken if there is no agreement the status quo would remain.
2. It is stressed that umpires needed to be firmly of the view that the condition of the ball has been altered
unnaturally as this physical evidence needs to stand up to a hearing, should there be a second offence.
3. The first and final warning is held for that game.
Clause 42.3.2 deals with the process when the umpires cannot identify the player(s) responsible and
directs the Umpires to provide the fielding Captain with a warning while changing the ball for one of
similar wear before this point. The warning is a final caution under this Law and if a repeat occurrence
happens in the same match, then the actions of Clause 42.1.1 will be carried out.
42.4 Law 42.4 - Deliberate attempt to distract striker
Law 42.4 shall apply subject to the following:
In addition, the umpires shall report the incident to the NCU under the Code of Conduct.
42.5 Law 42.5 - Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman
Law 42.5 shall apply subject to the following:
In addition, the umpire shall report the incident to the NCU under the Code of Conduct.
42.6 Law 42.6 - Dangerous and Unfair Bowling
42.6.1 Law 42.6 (a) The Bowling of Fast Short Pitched Balls
Law 42.6 (a) shall be replaced by the following:
(a) A bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched deliveries per over.
(b) A fast short-pitched delivery is defined as a ball which passes or would have passed above the shoulder
height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease.
(c) The umpire at the bowler's end shall advise the bowler and the batsman on strike when each fast short
pitched delivery has been bowled.
(d) In addition, for the purpose of this regulation and subject to Clause 42.4.1 (f) below, a ball that passes
above head height of the batsman, that prevents him from being able to hit it with his bat by means of a
normal cricket stroke shall be called a wide.
(e) For the avoidance of doubt any fast short pitched delivery that is called a wide under this playing
condition shall also count as one of the allowable short pitched deliveries in that over. In the event of a
bowler bowling more than two fast short-pitched deliveries in an over as defined in Clause 42.4.1 (b)
above, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal no ball on each occasion. A differential
signal shall be used to signify a fast short pitched delivery. The umpire shall call and signal 'no
ball' and then tap the head with the other hand.
(f) In the event of a bowler bowling more than two fast short-pitched deliveries in an over as defined in
Clause 42.4.1(b) above, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal no ball on each occasion.
A differential signal shall be used to signify a fast short-pitched delivery. The umpire shall call and signal
“no ball” and then tap the head with the other hand.
(g) If a bowler delivers a third fast short pitched ball in an over, the umpire, after the call of no ball and when
the ball is dead, shall caution the bowler, inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the
batsmen at the wicket of what has occurred. This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
(h) If there is a second instance of the bowler being no balled in the innings for bowling more than two fast short
pitched deliveries in an over, the umpire shall advise the bowler that this is his final warning for the innings.
(i) Should there be any further instance by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire shall call and signal
no ball and when the ball is dead direct the captain to take the bowler off forthwith. If necessary, the over
shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over, or part thereof,
nor be allowed to bowl the next over, or part thereof.
(j) The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.
(k) The umpire will report the occurrence to the other umpire, the batsmen at the wicket and as soon as
possible to the captain of the batting side.
(l) The umpires may report the matter to the NCU who shall take such action as is considered appropriate
against the captain and the bowler concerned(Refer also to Law 42.1 Fair and Unfair Play Responsibility
of the Captains.)The above is not a substitute for Clause 42.7 below which umpires are able to apply at
any time.
Please note: The agreed directive that the umpires call the marginal wide deliveries in favour of the
batsman still applies. Laws 42.6 and 42.7 have been replaced totally with this playing condition. It is
imperative that a consistent interpretation of short pitched bowling is applied by both umpires and it is
expected that both umpires will work closely as a team to apply this restriction. It must be remembered that
this not only applies to deliveries that pass beyond the striker but also deliveries that would have passed
over shoulder height standing up, had the batsman not hit it. Once it has been decided that a short pitched
ball has been delivered in the over, a clear signal should be given once the ball is dead thus enabling the
batsmen, bowler and spectators to be aware of what has happened. It is good practice to ensure that the
bowler is aware of the call by looking for an acknowledgement.
NORTHERNS CRICKET UNION FIXTURE HANDBOOK 2016/2017 SEASON 19