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Men's Test Match Clause 20: Dead Ball

20. Dead Ball

  • 20.1. Ball is dead

    • 20.1.1. The ball becomes dead when

      • 20.1.1.1. it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or of the bowler.
      • 20.1.1.2. a boundary is scored. See clause 19.7 (Runs scored from boundaries).
      • 20.1.1.3. a batsman is dismissed. The ball will be deemed to be dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal.
      • 20.1.1.4. whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment
      • 20.1.1.5. whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.
      • 20.1.1.6. there is an award of Penalty runs under either of clauses 24.4 (Player returning without permission) or 28.2 (Fielding the ball). The ball shall not count as one of the over.
      • 20.1.1.7. there is a contravention of clause 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
      • 20.1.1.8. the match is concluded in any of the ways stated in clause 12.6 (Conclusion of match).

    • 20.1.2. The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.

    • 20.1.3. In a match where cameras are being used on or over the field of play (e.g. Spidercam), should a ball that has been hit by the batsman make contact, while still in play, with the camera, its apparatus or its cable, either umpire shall call and signal ‘dead ball’. The ball shall not count as one of the over and no runs shall be scored. If the delivery was called a No ball it shall count and the No ball penalty shall be applied. No other runs (including penalty runs) apart from the No ball penalty shall be scored.

    • 20.1.4. Should a ball thrown by a fielder make contact with a camera on or over the field of play, its apparatus or its cable, either umpire shall call and signal dead ball. Unless this was already a No ball or wide, the ball shall count as one of the over. All runs scored to that point shall count, plus the run in progress if the batsmen have already crossed.

    • Refer also to paragraph 2.6 of Appendix D.

  • 20.2. Ball finally settledWhether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.
  • 20.3. Call of Over or TimeNeither the call of Over (see clause 17.4), nor the call of Time (see clause 12.2) is to be made until the ball is dead, either under clauses 20.1 or 20.4.
  • 20.4. Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball

    • 20.4.1. When the ball has become dead under clause 20.1, the bowler’s end umpire may call and signal Dead ball if it is necessary to inform the players.

    • 20.4.2. Either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball when

      • 20.4.2.1. intervening in a case of unfair play.
      • 20.4.2.2. a possibly serious injury to a player or umpire occurs.
      • 20.4.2.3. leaving his/her normal position for consultation.
      • 20.4.2.4. one or both bails fall from the striker’s wicket before the striker has had the opportunity of playing the ball.
      • 20.4.2.5. the striker is not ready for the delivery of the ball and, if the ball is delivered, makes no attempt to play it. Provided the umpire is satisfied that the striker had adequate reason for not being ready, the ball shall not count as one of the over.
      • 20.4.2.6. the striker is distracted by any noise or movement or in any other way while preparing to receive, or receiving a delivery. This shall apply whether the source of the distraction is within the match or outside it. Note also clause 20.4.2.7. The ball shall not count as one of the over.
      • 20.4.2.7. there is an instance of a deliberate attempt to distract under either of clauses 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) or 41.5 (Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman). The ball shall not count as one of the over.
      • 20.4.2.8. the bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery.
      • 20.4.2.9. the ball does not leave the bowler’s hand for any reason other than an attempt to run out the non-striker under clause 41.16 (Non-striker leaving his ground early).
      • 20.4.2.10. satisfied that the ball in play cannot be recovered.
      • 20.4.2.11. required to do so under any of the Playing Conditions not included above.
  • 20.5. Ball ceases to be dead
    The ball ceases to be dead – that is, it comes into play – when the bowler starts his run-up or, if there is no run-up, starts his bowling action.
  • 20.6. Dead ball; ball counting as one of over

    • 20.6.1. When a ball which has been delivered is called dead or is to be considered dead then, other than as in clause 20.6.2,

      • 20.6.1.1. it will not count in the over if the striker has not had an opportunity to play it.
      • 20.6.1.2. unless No ball or Wide ball has been called, it will be a valid ball if the striker has had an opportunity to play it, except in the circumstances of clauses 20.4.2.6 and 24.4 (Player returning without permission), 28.2 (Fielding the ball), 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) and 41.5 (Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman).

    • 20.6.2. In clause 20.4.2.5, the ball will not count in the over only if both conditions of not attempting to play the ball and having an adequate reason for not being ready are met. Otherwise the delivery will be a valid ball.