Lancashire League Handbook 2021

52 (i) 2 runs shall be awarded to the batting team in respect of any no ball (which shall include any ball which pitches more than once or which does not pitch and is above waist high) and in addition the batting team shall be entitled to a free hit following any foot fault no ball. The delivery following a no ball called for a foot fault shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball), then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batsman is facing. For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball. Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker save that in all circumstances, any fielder within 15 yards of the striker may retreat to a position on the same line no more than 15 yards from the striker. The Umpires will signal a free hit by (after the normal No Ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion. 3.14. Players are allowed to rub mud off the ball and rub the ball in sawdust. 3.15. The League Executive will arrange the supply of Grade A cricket balls which will be the only official match ball in First Eleven League &Worsley Cup matches. Each side to bat its own ball which must be a new one. 4. PLAYING CONDITIONS 4.1. The captains shall decide as to the fitness of the ground for the commencement of a match. In the event of disagreement a majority of the captains and umpires shall decide, and should they disagree play shall not commence. 4.2. When a match has been commenced and then stopped by rain the question of the resumption of play shall be decided by the Umpires only. 4.3. During the Match the Umpires shall be in complete control deciding all questions relating to the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play without the need for consultation with any other party. 5. COVERING AND ROLLING PITCHES 5.1. Wickets may be protected against wet weather before a match at the home Club’s discretion by covering the whole or both ends. Covers must not be used at one end only and, when used only at the ends, each end must be covered on a similar area in relation to the position of each wicket. After the match has commenced, if play is interrupted by weather, the home Club will be responsible for covering (and uncovering) the whole wicket if possible at the direction of the Umpires. 5.2. Before the Match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the batting captain - such rolling to be completed no later than 5 minutes before play is due to commence and such rolling not to exceed 7 minutes.