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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 3: The Scorers

2 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 3 covers the appointment of two scorers, what they record, how often they check and agree the scores with the umpires, and their duty to accept and acknowledge the umpires' signals, together with the umpires' responsibility for the correctness of the scores, what the umpires tell the scorers during the match, and how runs are credited and debited (striker, extras, bowler).

3.31The Scorers: Records, Agreement and Signals

Appointing two scorers and what they record; checking and agreeing the scores with the umpires; accepting and acknowledging signals; who is responsible for the scores; and what the umpires tell the scorers during the match.

Test 1Appointing the scorers and what they recordTake a test

  1. Two scorers shall be appointed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · recall

  2. The Law calls for two scorers, so one volunteer is not enough.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · applied

  3. Scorers record all runs scored, not a selection of them.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · recall

  4. The Law says all runs scored are recorded.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · applied

  5. All wickets taken must be recorded.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · recall

  6. Runs and wickets are always recorded; overs bowled where appropriate.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · recall

  7. Where appropriate the scorers record the overs bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · applied

  8. Law 3.1 lists runs, wickets and, where appropriate, overs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · recall

  9. The Law requires all wickets taken to be recorded.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · applied

  10. Judging fairness is for the umpires; scorers record.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · recall

Test 2Checking and agreeing the scoresTake a test

  1. Law 3.2 expects the two scorers to compare their records often during play, so that any difference is caught early rather than at the end of the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · recall

  2. The check is to ensure the records agree.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · recall

  3. The scorers agree the figures with the umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · recall

  4. At least at every interval other than drinks, and at the conclusion.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · recall

  5. Lunch counts among the intervals at which agreement is due.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · applied

  6. Law 3.2 says 'at least' at every interval other than drinks, so further agreement is not barred.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · applied

  7. Runs, wickets and, where appropriate, the overs bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · recall

  8. At tea, as at lunch, the scorers and umpires compare figures.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · applied

  9. See Law 2.15 (Correctness of scores).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · recall

  10. The figures are agreed at the conclusion of the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.2 · applied

Test 3Accepting and acknowledging signalsTake a test

  1. The scorers shall accept all instructions and signals given by the umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.3 · recall

  2. Each separate signal must be acknowledged immediately.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.3 · recall

  3. Each separate signal is acknowledged.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.3 · applied

  4. A signal is accepted whatever the scorer thinks of it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.3 · applied

  5. Instructions to the scorers come from the umpires and from no one else.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.3 · recall

  6. The umpire waits until each signal has been acknowledged.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.13.2 and 3.3 · applied

  7. The Law speaks of accepting all instructions and signals from the umpires.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.3 · recall

  8. The scorers accept and immediately acknowledge signals.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.3 · recall

  9. The scorers record and acknowledge; the umpires make the decisions and give the signals.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 3.1 and 3.3 · recall

  10. Where several signals are used, they are given in the order the events occurred.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 2.13.2 · applied

Test 4Who is responsible for the scoresTake a test

  1. Any decision as to the correctness of the scores is the umpires' responsibility.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.8 · recall

  2. Correctness of the scores is the umpires' responsibility.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.8 · applied

  3. After the umpires and scorers agree the scores at the conclusion, the result cannot be changed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.10 · recall

  4. Once the scores are agreed at the conclusion, the result is final.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.10 · applied

  5. See Laws 2.15 and 3.2 (Correctness of scores).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.10 · recall

  6. Scorers record under Law 3.1; the umpires answer for correctness under Law 16.8.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 3.1 and 16.8 · applied

  7. Law 16.10: once the umpires have agreed the scores with the scorers at the conclusion of the match, the result cannot be changed afterwards; agreements at intervals do not have that effect.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.10 · applied

  8. Law 16.10 refers to agreement at the conclusion of the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.10 · applied

  9. The umpires carry responsibility for correctness.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.15 and 16.8 · recall

  10. Law 3.1 gives the scorers the recording task.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.1 · recall

Test 5What the umpires tell the scorers during the matchTake a test

  1. The umpire informs the other umpire and indicates the new ball to the batters and scorers.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · recall

  2. Batters and scorers are shown the new ball by the umpire, who tells his colleague too.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.4 · applied

  3. The commencement of the Last hour is indicated to the players and the scorers.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 12.6 · recall

  4. The bowler's end umpire indicates it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 12.6 · recall

  5. Law 11.10 requires the scorers to be informed of hours of play and intervals and changes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 11.10 · recall

  6. A change to agreed times has to be relayed to the scorers as well.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 11.10 · applied

  7. The umpire informs the scorers as to the number of runs to be recorded.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.4.5 · recall

  8. When more than one run is short, the umpire informs the scorers of the runs to record.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.4.5 · applied

  9. The umpire signals penalty runs to the scorers when the ball is dead.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 41.17.1 · recall

  10. The signal is given when the ball is dead.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 41.17.1 · applied

3.32Recording the Runs: Striker, Extras and the Bowler's Account

How runs are credited to the striker or to extras, which runs are debited to the bowler, how no balls, wides, byes and leg byes are scored, and which runs count after a boundary, a dismissal or a dead ball.

Test 1Crediting the runs: striker and extrasTake a test

  1. Runs from a ball struck by the bat are credited to the striker, save for stated exceptions.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.1 · recall

  2. Those two are scored as Penalty runs and as a No ball extra respectively, not to the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.1 · recall

  3. The bat-struck runs go to the striker; the one-run penalty is a no ball extra.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.1 and 21.16 · applied

  4. Without a bat strike, runs are entered under the extras headings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.2 · recall

  5. Runs from a delivery passing the striker untouched are byes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.2 and 23.1 · applied

  6. Only the one-run penalty is a no ball extra; the rest are byes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.2 · applied

  7. The penalty alone is a no ball extra; whatever else is run counts as byes or leg byes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.2 · recall

  8. An award of five penalty runs is scored as penalty runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.1 · applied

  9. Law 18.6 lists Laws 21 and 22, among others, as sources of penalty runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.6 · recall

  10. Law 18.10.1 opens with 'unless stated otherwise in any of the Laws'.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.1 · recall

Test 2Debiting the bowlerTake a test

  1. The bowler is debited with the striker's runs, no ball extras and wides.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.3 · recall

  2. No ball extras and wides are debited; byes and leg byes are not.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.3 · recall

  3. Byes are not among the runs debited to the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.3 · applied

  4. Apart from any award of five penalty runs, all runs from a wide are debited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  5. Penalty runs of five are excluded from the bowler's account.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.3 and 22.7 · recall

  6. All runs scored by the striker are debited to the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.3 · applied

  7. Wides are debited to the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.3 · recall

  8. The striker's runs and the no ball extra are both debited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.3 · applied

  9. Only the no ball extra is debited; the byes are not.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.2 and 18.10.3 · applied

  10. The other three are debited; byes are not.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.3 · recall

Test 3Scoring a no ballTake a test

  1. The penalty is awarded instantly on the call.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · recall

  2. Unless revoked, the penalty stands even if a batter is dismissed.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · applied

  3. It is in addition to other runs, allowances and penalties.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · recall

  4. It is a No ball extra debited against the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · recall

  5. Runs and boundary allowances off a struck ball go to the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · recall

  6. Without a bat strike, the allowance is scored as byes or leg byes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · applied

  7. The penalty stands 'unless the call is revoked'.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.15 · applied

  8. The penalty is added to the runs scored.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · applied

  9. A no ball shall not count as one of the over.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.17 · recall

  10. Other penalty runs are scored as stated in Law 41.17.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.16 · recall

Test 4Scoring wides, byes and leg byesTake a test

  1. A penalty of one run is awarded instantly on the call of Wide ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.6 · recall

  2. With subsequent contact with the bat, the runs are credited to the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.2.2.1 · applied

  3. All runs completed or a boundary allowance, with the penalty, are scored as Wides.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · recall

  4. The allowance of four plus the one-run penalty is five wides.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.7 · applied

  5. A wide shall not count as one of the over.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.8 · recall

  6. Such runs are credited as byes to the batting side.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.1 · applied

  7. Byes apply to a delivery 'not being a Wide'.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.1 · recall

  8. Runs are scored only if the striker attempted to play the ball or tried to avoid being hit.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.2.1 · recall

  9. Where neither condition is met, leg byes are not awarded.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.3 · applied

  10. Such runs are scored as leg byes unless credited to the striker.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.2.3 · applied

Test 5Boundaries, dismissals and dead balls: which runs countTake a test

  1. A six needs a bat strike and a first ground contact beyond the boundary.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.1 · recall

  2. The six stands even if the ball has previously touched a fielder.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.1 · applied

  3. A ball not struck by the bat that is grounded beyond the boundary scores four.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.2 · applied

  4. Even off the bat, a ball that pitched inside before crossing the rope scores four.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.2 · recall

  5. The batting side is awarded the greater of the allowance and the runs run.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.3 · applied

  6. The scoring of Penalty runs by either side is not affected by a boundary.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.5 · recall

  7. Under Law 18.8 penalty runs awarded to either side stand on any dismissal; completed runs are added only for Obstructing the field or Run out, so on a catch no other runs are credited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.8 · recall

  8. Runs completed before the wicket was fairly broken are scored on a run out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.8.2 · applied

  9. On a dismissal such as caught, no runs other than penalties are credited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.8 · applied

  10. Completed runs and a run in progress that had already been crossed are credited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.9 · recall

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 3 with Laws 2.13, 2.15, 4.4, 11.10, 12.6, 16.8, 16.10, 18.4.5, 18.8-18.10, 19.7, 21.15-21.17, 22.6-22.8, 23 and 41.17 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 3.111
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.210
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 3.37
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.37
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.105
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.165
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.14
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.154
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.10.23
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.73
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.82
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 4.42
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 12.62
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 11.102
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.4.52
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 41.17.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.22
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.82
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.13.2 and 3.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 3.1 and 3.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 2.13.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 3.1 and 16.81
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.15 and 16.81
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.1 and 21.161
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.2 and 23.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.61
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.3 and 22.71
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 18.10.2 and 18.10.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 21.171
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.61
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.2.2.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 22.81
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.2.11
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 23.2.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 19.7.51
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.8.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 18.91