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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 1: The Players

1 parts · 5 tests · 50 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 1 covers the size of a side (eleven, or more or fewer by agreement, with never more than eleven fielding), the nomination of players in writing before the toss, replacing a nominated player, the captain and his or her deputy, and the captains' responsibility for playing within the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket.

1.11The Players, Nomination and the Captain

Side size and the fielding limit; nominating and replacing players; the captain, the deputy and the toss; the captains' responsibility for the Spirit of Cricket; and how nominated players differ from substitutes.

Test 1Team size and the fielding limitTake a test

  1. A match is played between two sides of eleven, and one of the eleven is the captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.1 · recall

  2. Law 1.1 lets the two sides agree to play with fewer than eleven.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.1 · applied

  3. By agreement a match may be played between sides of fewer than or more than eleven.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.1 · applied

  4. Whatever the size of the side, not more than eleven players may field at any time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.1 · applied

  5. If a side falls below its nominated number, the match continues as long as that is possible.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.1 · applied

  6. The Laws refer to any agreements made before the toss.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.1 · recall

  7. An innings is completed when balls remain but no further batter is available.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.1 and 13.3.2 · applied

  8. With no further batter available after eleven wickets, the side is all out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.1 and 13.3 · applied

  9. Each side of eleven has one captain among its players.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.1 · recall

  10. Only nominated players may bat, and in a twelve-a-side match all twelve are nominated.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.1 and 25.1 · applied

Test 2Nominating and replacing playersTake a test

  1. Each captain nominates the players in writing.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.1 · applied

  2. The nomination is made in writing to one of the umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.1 · recall

  3. Nomination comes before the toss, not before the first ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.1 · recall

  4. No player may be replaced after nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.2 · recall

  5. Replacement after nomination needs the opposing captain's consent, whoever wants it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.2 · applied

  6. Without consent a nominated player cannot be replaced.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.2 · applied

  7. A replacement is considered the same player as the nominated player for the Laws.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.3 · recall

  8. A replacement shall not bat in an innings in which the replaced player has completed his.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.3.1 · applied

  9. The bar applies only where the replaced player had completed his innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.3.1 · applied

  10. Unserved penalty time, warnings or suspensions pass to the replacement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.3.2 · applied

Test 3The captain and his or her deputyTake a test

  1. If the captain is not available, a deputy acts for him or her.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.1 · recall

  2. Any person associated with the team may deputise to make the nomination.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.2 · recall

  3. Law 1.3.2 lets a person connected with the side act for the captain in nominating.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.2 · applied

  4. After nomination, only a nominated player can act as the captain's deputy.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.3 · recall

  5. The toss is included in the duties only a nominated deputy may discharge.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.3.3 and 13.4 · applied

  6. A substitute shall not bowl or act as captain.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.3.3 and 24.1.2 · applied

  7. The deputy acts with the duties and responsibilities of the captain under the Laws.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.3 · recall

  8. The deputy discharges the captain's duties, including the toss decision.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.3.3 and 13.5 · applied

  9. Once the decision is notified, it cannot be changed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 13.5 · applied

  10. The umpires meet the captains to determine the balls, hours of play, intervals and similar matters.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 2.3.1 · recall

Test 4Responsibility for fair playTake a test

  1. Captains answer for both the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.4 · recall

  2. Law 41.1 (Fair and unfair play) restates the captains' responsibility.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.4 and 41.1 · recall

  3. The major responsibility is the captains', but it extends to all players, match officials and, in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · recall

  4. The Preamble names respect as the idea at the heart of the Spirit of Cricket, and the rest of the Preamble spells out whom that respect is owed to.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · recall

  5. Respect covers the captain, teammates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · recall

  6. 'Accept the umpire's decision' is one of the listed Spirit of Cricket points.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · applied

  7. Players should congratulate the opposition on their successes and enjoy those of their own team.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · applied

  8. The Preamble says to thank the officials and the opposition at the end, whatever the result.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · recall

  9. Players are asked to show self-discipline, even when things go against them.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · recall

  10. The Laws apply equally to players, umpires and scorers of any gender.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble · recall

Test 5Nominated players, substitutes and the tossTake a test

  1. Law 24.1.2 bars a substitute from bowling and from captaining the side; keeping wicket is possible, but only with the umpires' consent.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 24.1.2 · recall

  2. A substitute may keep wicket only with the umpires' consent.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 24.1.2 · recall

  3. Only a nominated player may bat or act as a runner.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 25.1 · recall

  4. Only nominated players may bat, so a substitute may not.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 25.1 · applied

  5. A nominated player may bowl or field though a substitute acted for him, subject to Laws 24.2 and 24.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 24.1.3 · applied

  6. A substitute is allowed if a fielder is injured or ill, and this occurred during the match, or for another wholly acceptable reason.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 24.1.1 · recall

  7. The toss takes place on the field in the presence of one or both umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 13.4 · recall

  8. The toss is held no earlier than 30 and no later than 15 minutes before the start.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 13.4 · recall

  9. The window runs from the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the start of play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 13.4 · applied

  10. The captain who wins the toss notifies the opposing captain and the umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 13.5 · recall

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 1 with the Preamble and Laws 2.3, 13, 24 and 25 as cross-references (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Preamble8
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.17
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.13
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.23
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 13.43
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.3.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.22
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.32
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 13.52
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 24.1.22
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 25.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.1 and 13.3.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.1 and 13.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.1 and 25.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.2.3.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.3.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.3.3 and 13.41
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.3.3 and 24.1.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.3.3 and 13.51
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 2.3.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 1.41
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 1.4 and 41.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 24.1.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 24.1.11