Single-Wicket Laws - 1827
THE LAWS OF CRICKET
From Scores & Biographies Vol. II, pp38-39
LAWS FOR SINGLE WICKET
When there shall be less than five players on a side, bounds shall be placed, twenty-two yards each, in a line from the off and leg stump.
The ball must be hit before the bounds to entitle the striker to a run, which run cannot be obtained unless he touch the bowling stump with his bat, or some part of his person; returning to the popping-crease as at double wicket, according to the 22nd Law.
When the striker shall hit the ball, one of his feet must be on the ground, and behind the popping-crease; otherwise the umpire shall call “No Hit.”
When there shall be less than five players on a side, no byes nor overthrows shall be allowed. The fieldsman must return the ball so that it shall cross the play between the wicket and the bowling stump, or between the wicket and the bounds. The striker may run till the ball be so returned.
After the striker shall have run one notch, if he start again he must touch the bowling stump, and turn before the ball shall cross the play to entitle him to another.
The striker shall be entitled to three notches for lost ball, and the same number for ball stopped with hat, with reference to the 29th and 44th Laws at double wicket.
When there shall be more than four players on a side, there shall be no bounds. All hits, byes and overthrows shall then be allowed.
The bowler is subject to the same laws as at double wicket.
Not more than one minute shall be allowed between each ball.
[Copied from the “Sporting Magazine” of 1828]
Haygarth dates these as 1828, however Rait Kerr places them at 1827. See Rait Kerr RS, 1950, The Laws of Cricket, their History and Growth, pub. Longmans, Green and Co.
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