Skip to content
Insporta Book
en
EnglishРусскийDeutschEspañolEestiSuomiItalianoFrançaisPolski日本語한국어中文
FootballCricketFutsalTriathlonTennisGolfFigure SkatingBasketballMethodologyWhy it worksTake a test

Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 26: Practice on the Field

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 13 October 2026 · markdown

Law 26 sets out the bar on practice on the pitch, practice on the rest of the square only with the umpires' approval, when practice is permitted on the outfield (before and after play, in intervals, and during play under conditions), the trial run-up, the warning for a contravention (and its effect on the team), and 5 Penalty runs with a report for a further contravention.

26.261Practice on the Field: The Pitch, the Square and the Outfield

The bar on practice on the pitch at any time, practice on the rest of the square only with the umpires' approval, and practice on the outfield before play, after play and in intervals, and during play when only fielders use the match ball with no bowling practice parallel to the pitch.

Test 1No practice on the pitchTake a test

  1. The pitch itself is off limits for practice throughout the match, on every day of it; the rest of the square may be used for practice with the umpires' approval (Law 26.1.2).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · recall

  2. A bowler's wish to bowl a few deliveries on the pitch changes nothing: the bar has no exception for bowlers.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  3. Practice on the pitch is barred by Law 26.1.1; once the umpire sees it, Law 26.4.1 has him warn the player that it is not permitted and tell the other umpire and both captains.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  4. Law 26.1.1 is the pitch sentence of Law 26.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · recall

  5. The board names the pitch on any day, so the bar applies without exception.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  6. Law 26.1.1 contains no approval exception, unlike Law 26.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  7. Law 26.1 is headed Practice on the pitch or the rest of the square.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1 · recall

  8. Law 26.1 to 26.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26 · applied

  9. Law 26.1.1 forbids practice on the pitch even during intervals.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  10. The bar is not limited to days with play or to the first day: it covers the whole match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · recall

Test 2Practice on the rest of the squareTake a test

  1. Law 26.1.2 allows practice on the rest of the square only with the umpires' approval.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · recall

  2. Law 26.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · recall

  3. Law 26.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · applied

  4. Law 26.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · applied

  5. Only the umpires' approval turns practice on the square from barred to lawful.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · applied

  6. Law 26.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · recall

  7. Law 26.1.2 has an approval exception that Law 26.1.1 lacks.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · recall

  8. Law 26.1.1 bars the pitch; 26.1.2 allows the square with approval; 26.2 allows the outfield.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26 · applied

  9. Law 26.1.2 uses the same wording as 26.1.1 about time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · recall

  10. Law 26.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.2 · applied

Test 3Practice on the outfield outside playTake a test

  1. Law 26.2.1 permits all forms of practice on the outfield at those times.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · recall

  2. Law 26.2.1 lists before the start of play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · recall

  3. Law 26.2.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · applied

  4. Law 26.2.1 names the lunch and tea intervals and between innings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · recall

  5. At lunch, outfield practice is permitted when the umpires are satisfied about the outfield.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · applied

  6. Law 26.2.1 requires the umpires to be satisfied of no significant deterioration.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · recall

  7. Law 26.2.1 allows it after the close of play, subject to the umpires' satisfaction.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · applied

  8. Law 26.2.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · applied

  9. Law 26.2.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · recall

  10. A practice at an unnamed moment, such as during an over, falls outside the permitted list.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · applied

Test 4Practice on the outfield during playTake a test

  1. Law 26.2.2 applies between the call of Play and the call of Time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · recall

  2. Law 26.2.2: only fielders as defined in Appendix A.7.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · recall

  3. Law 26.2.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

  4. Law 26.2.2: no ball other than the match ball is used.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · recall

  5. Law 26.2.2: no ball other than the match ball is used for practice during play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

  6. Law 26.2.2: no bowling practice in the area between the square and the boundary in a direction parallel to the match pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · recall

  7. Law 26.2.2 names 41.3 (changing the ball's condition) and 41.9 (time wasting).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · recall

  8. Law 26.2.2: between the call of Play and the call of Time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

  9. Law 26.2.2 allows no ball other than the match ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

  10. A substitute not yet on the field is not a fielder as the Appendix defines, so he cannot join.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

Test 5Practice in casesTake a test

  1. Law 26.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  2. Law 26.2.2 allows it between Play and Time if all conditions are met.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

  3. The outfield is open to practice, the square needs approval and the pitch is barred.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26 · applied

  4. Law 26.2.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · recall

  5. Among the four, only the pitch is barred at every moment of every day.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  6. Law 26.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · recall

  7. Law 26.2.1 and 26.2.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2 · recall

  8. Law 26.2.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · applied

  9. Law 26.2.2 bars bowling practice in that area during play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

  10. Law 26.2.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.1 · recall

26.262Practice on the Field: The Trial Run-Up and the Penalties

When a bowler may take a trial run-up (the umpire satisfied it will not breach Laws 41.9 or 41.12), practice being subject to Laws 41.3, 41.9 and 41.12, the first warning (and its effect on the team when given to a batter at the wicket), 5 Penalty runs for a further contravention and the report after the match.

Test 1The trial run-upTake a test

  1. Law 26.3 permits a trial run-up provided the umpire is satisfied.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · recall

  2. Law 26.3 names 41.9 (time wasting) and 41.12 (fielder damaging the pitch).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · recall

  3. Law 26.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · applied

  4. Law 26.3: provided the umpire is satisfied.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · recall

  5. The trial run-up is allowed here because nothing in it breaches the Laws the umpire checks.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · applied

  6. Law 26.3 does not allow a run-up that contravenes Law 41.9.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · applied

  7. Law 26.3 names Law 41.12 (fielder damaging the pitch).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · applied

  8. Law 26.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · applied

  9. Law 26.3 is headed Trial run-up.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · recall

  10. Law 26.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.3 · applied

Test 2Practice subject to Law 41, and the warningTake a test

  1. Law 26.4 names 41.3, 41.9 and 41.12.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4 · recall

  2. Law 26.4.1: warn the player that the practice is not permitted.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · recall

  3. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · applied

  4. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · recall

  5. Law 26.4.1: the first contravention brings a warning.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · applied

  6. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · recall

  7. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · recall

  8. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · applied

  9. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · applied

  10. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · recall

Test 3A warning to a batter at the wicketTake a test

  1. Law 26.4.1.1: inform the other batter and each incoming batter.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · recall

  2. Law 26.4.1.1: the warning applies to the team throughout the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · recall

  3. Law 26.4.1 and 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · applied

  4. Law 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · recall

  5. The warning is not personal: it stays with the team for every later batter.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · applied

  6. Law 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · recall

  7. Law 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · applied

  8. Law 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · applied

  9. Law 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · applied

  10. Law 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · applied

Test 4A further contraventionTake a test

  1. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · recall

  2. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · recall

  3. Law 26.4.1 and 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · applied

  4. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · applied

  5. A further contravention is no longer warned but penalised with five runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · applied

  6. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · recall

  7. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · recall

  8. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · applied

  9. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · recall

  10. Law 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.2 · recall

Test 5Law 26 as a wholeTake a test

  1. Law 26.1, 26.2, 26.3 and 26.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26 · recall

  2. Law 26.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4 · recall

  3. Law 26.2, 26.3 and 26.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26 · applied

  4. Law 26.4.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · recall

  5. Law 26.4.1: the umpire warns the player that the practice is not permitted.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1 · applied

  6. Law 26.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.1 · applied

  7. Law 26.4.1 and 26.4.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4 · applied

  8. Law 26.4.1 and 26.4.2: a warning first, then runs and the report for a further contravention.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4 · applied

  9. Law 26.4.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.1 · applied

  10. Law 26.2.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.2 · applied

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 26 with Laws 41.3, 41.9, 41.12 and Appendix A.7 as cross-references (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.113
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.2.213
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.112
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.111
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.1.111
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.310
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.4.210
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.1.29
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 265
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.44
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 26.21