Coaches Corner

Law Clarification

There has been much debate already this season regarding the bowler attempting to run out the non-striker defore delivery of the ball. LAW 42.15 makes it clear as to when this is possible, or not. The following extract is given in guidance to this law.

LAW 41.25.

The bowler is permitted, before entering his delivery stride, to attempt to run out the non-striker. The ball shall not count in the over.

The umpire shall call and signal dead ball as soon as possible if the bowler fails in the attempt to run out the non-striker.

Notes: The non-striker should leave his ground only after the bowler has entered his delivery stride. If he does so any earlier, the bowler is quite entitled to attempt to run him out. NO WARNING IS NECESSARY, although the usual custom is for the bowler to mention it to the offending batsmen, and tell him that if he does it again he could be out Run Out. In Law, this warning is not necessary.

The attempt can be made anytime after the ball comes into play - i.e. when the bowler starts his run-up or, where he has no run-up, his bowling action - up to when he enters his delivery stride. The delivery stride is the last deliberate placement of the bowler's feet during which his arm will swing over to deliver the ball.

Provided that the attempt is made before the back foot lands in the delivery stride and the batsman has left his ground, on appeal, the non-striker shall be given out Run-out.