LAW CHANGES 2022 – Explanation of changes from MCC.

Since the publication of the 2017 Code of the Laws of Cricket, the game has changed in numerous ways. The 2nd edition of that Code, published in 2019, made relatively minor changes. The 2022 Code, however, made some rather bigger changes, from the way we talk about cricket to the way it’s played. These changes came into effect on 1 October 2022 for cricket played all around the world and are therefore pertinent to the 2023 English season and beyond.

These explanations refer to the most significant although many more Laws have been amended and updated:

Batters.
The most striking change, which affects almost every Law, is the replacement of the gendered terms batsman and batsmen, to batter and batters. This was announced in September 2021. MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all. The amendments are a natural evolution from work already undertaken in this area as well as an essential part of MCC’s global responsibility to the sport.

LAW 18.
There are five changes in this Law. The most significant is to Law 18.11. First trialled by the ECB in The Hundred, Law 18.11 has now been changed so that, when a batter is out Caught, the new batter shall come in at the end the striker was at, i.e. to face the next ball (unless it is the end of an over). Under the previous Laws, a bowler could take a wicket, and still have to bowl at a set batter if the batters managed to cross. It was felt that the bowler should be rewarded with the chance to bowl at the new, incoming batter, if balls remain in the over. This also applies to the obstruction of a catch.
18.11 Batter returning to original end 18.11.1 When the striker is dismissed in any of the circumstances in 18.11.1.1 to 18.11.1.8, the not out batter shall return to his/her original end.
18.11.1.1 A dismissal in the circumstances of Law 25.6.4 or 25.6.5 (Dismissal and conduct of a batter and his/her runner).
18.11.1.2 Bowled.
18.11.1.3 Stumped.
18.11.1.4 Hit the ball twice.
18.11.1.5 LBW.
18.11.1.6 Hit wicket.
18.11.1.7 Caught.
18.11.1.8 Obstructing the field, where the obstruction or distraction prevents the striker being out Caught.

LAW 18.4.
The second significant change is to Law 18.4. In the past, if a batter had run short, the umpire was instructed to ignore that short run should the ball go to the boundary. This remains the case in almost all cases. However, should that boundary come from an overthrow, the batters should not be credited with that short run. There has therefore been a minor change to amend this.
18.4.2 if, after either or both batters run short, a boundary is scored the umpire concerned shall disregard the short running and shall not call or signal Short run, unless the boundary is a result of an Overthrow or wilful act of a fielder (see Law 19.8 – Overthrow or wilful act of fielder).

LAW 36.
In keeping with our attempt to simplify the language of the Laws, the words ‘stance’ and ‘guard’ have been removed. Neither term was clear, and there was a great overlap in their use. Instead, the Laws now refer to a batting position and a normal batting position.
36.3 Off side of wicket The off side of the striker’s wicket shall be determined by the striker’s batting position at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.

LAW 38.
As well as a number of more minor changes, there is one significant addition to this Law. The old Law 41.16 (non-striker leaving his/her ground early) has been moved to Law 38. This clause remains one of the most controversial clauses in the Laws of Cricket, despite MCC having changed the emphasis of this Law, so that responsibility is put on the non-striker to stay in his/her ground until the ball is released. This latest change goes a little further, removing this Law from ‘unfair play’ and moving it to Run Out. After all, this is simply a run out, and there is nothing unfair about it.

LAW 40.
An incoming batter used to have to be in a position to take guard within three minutes. They are now required to be ready to receive the ball in this time. This is a small, but significant change which should both simplify this Law and speed up incoming batters.
40.1.1 After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed Out.

LAW 41.3.
The use of saliva to polish the ball has long been a concern for MCC. It is both unhygienic and open to abuse, with players using various types of sweet to alter their saliva. During COVID-19, playing regulations were written in most cricket to state that saliva could no longer be applied to the ball. Data from international cricket has shown that this change had very little impact on the amount of swing. Players were using sweat to polish the ball, and this was equally effective. With both of those in mind, the new Law will not permit the use of saliva on the ball. Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.

The full Laws can be found at:

www.lords.org/mcc/about-the-laws-of-cricket

and / or

https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws-of-cricket