Cricket question. The batting side require two runs to win - the ball is played into the outfield and, although not reaching the boundary there is time for the batsmen to run three. On completion of the second run the umpire at the bowler's end calls 'time' and removes the bails believing the match to be over. The square leg umpire then calls the first run short. The scorers have made no errors. For the purposes of Law 21(9) would this count as a mistake in the scoring that would allow the match to resume unless the last available ball had been bowled?

tented

Surely (a) the umpire would not complete the match if the batsmen were still running and (b) if the square leg umpire was so slow as not the signal the first run short until the 2nd run was completed (unlikely) if he signalled after the other umpire had officially 'closed' the match it would be ignored Jul 30 02, 10:15 AM

Michael Poultney

Please note that (i) an umpire would normally remove the bails when the winning run was made since extra runs would not count unless scored as a boundary the game being over if both runs were legitimate and (ii) short runs are not called by the umpires until the ball is dead otherwise they could be rectified. Jul 30 02, 4:44 PM

oleg_mcnoleg

Looks like a bit of a conundrum within the laws this one. Technically the result should stand (as time has been called) BUT there are sufficient loop holes within the section on 'The Umpires' giving them enough discretion to re-commence play. It also states that the umpires should discuss any potentially confusing calls themselves and this would allow a re-call of play. Other possible 'predural' get-outs would be law 27.7 (Batsman leaving the field under a misapprehension) and 27.9 (Umpire may change his mind). Both of these refere to appeals for dismissals but do give some form of precedent for 'sense' to prevail. As a footnote i've played in a game where the team batting second had to win twice (first one was a scoring error). This is not an uncommon event in club cricket!! Jul 30 02, 9:25 PM

Fosse4

Dead right Oleg - I've played in a number of games where the players have trooped off to check the score books to see if there has been a result (and gone back on to carry on playing for an over or two to make sure of the result) Regarding the question - Once the Umpire has called time the game is over- regardless of the result. (My Opinion) http://www-uk.cricket.org/link_to_database/ABOUT_CRICKET/LAWS/2000_CODE/ is the official line, you can join and debate the rules to your hearts content. Jul 30 02, 9:49 PM

oleg_mcnoleg

Michael - suggest you go to Cricinfo and he'll give you the real 'expert' opinion but i reckon it'll be no different to what you see here! Aug 01 02, 8:23 AM