Laws of cricket

Below are links to information about the Laws of cricket and tips on umpiring and scoring.

Law 6 (The Bat) changing from 1st October 2008

Details of the change in Law 6 can be found on the MCC website.

A guide for umpires on the change to Law 6 can be downloaded here.

Law books

Copies of Tom Smith's new cricket umpiring and scoring: the internationally recognised and definitive guide to the interpretation and application of the laws of cricket are available at a price of £10 inclusive of P&P from our Secretary.

"Tom Smith's book is indispensable" - Richie Benaud

"Its comprehensive explanation of the Laws, their interpretation and application, together with guidance notes on best field-craft and man-management practice is truly first class" - Jeff Evans, ECB First Class List Umpire

The MCC Open Learning Manual can be downloaded from the MCC website. The purpose of this manual is to set out a straightforward account of the Laws of Cricket, in a form which the student can easily digest and from which they can learn. Its primary aim is not to train umpires to pass examinations, but to help them to do a better job on the field of play.

A pocket-sized edition of the MCC Laws of Cricket (handy for taking with you onto the field of play) can be purchased (price £3.00) from the online shop at Lord's.

Other resources

The BBC website has a basic guide to cricket and an interactive umpire game.

The IICUS website has a helpful armchair umpire section which provides definitions of cricketing terms and explanations of key points of Law. The site also has a very useful umpiring technique manual.

Email feedback on this site to: webmaster@esacus.org.uk