Cricket · Laws of Cricket
Law 31: Appeals
3 parts · 15 tests · 150 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
Law 31 sets out that an umpire gives no batter out without an appeal by a fielder, how a batter is dismissed, the time limits of an appeal, the appeal How's That?, which umpire answers, consultation between umpires with Not out if doubt remains, a batter leaving under a misapprehension, and withdrawal of an appeal.
31.311Appeals: When and How
No out decision without an appeal by a fielder, how a batter is dismissed, the time limits on an appeal (before the next run-up or action and before Time) and the appeal How's That?
Test 1No decision without an appealTake a test
The umpire acts only when a fielder asks for the decision.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · recall
Law 31.1 bars an out decision without an appeal, even when the batter is out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · applied
The appeal comes between the event and the decision.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · applied
The Law expressly leaves a batter free to go if he is out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · applied
Only a fielder's appeal can lead the umpire to give a batter out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · applied
The note refers the reader to the batter leaving under a misapprehension.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · recall
Only a fielder's appeal can lead to a decision.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · recall
Law 31.1 lets a batter who is out under the Laws leave the wicket without an appeal, and Law 31.2 counts that departure as a dismissal just as if the umpire had given him out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · applied
The opening clause of the Law is headed with that rule.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · recall
The heading of Law 31.1 states the rule in words.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · recall
Test 2A batter dismissedTake a test
He is dismissed by an umpire on appeal, or by being out and leaving as in Law 31.1.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · recall
The second clause carries the definition.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · recall
Laws 31.1 to 31.4.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · applied
Being given out by an umpire on appeal is the first way.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · applied
A batter who is out but stays and draws no appeal is not dismissed.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · applied
Leaving after being out is the second way.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · applied
The Law offers one way or the other.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · recall
The decision follows the appeal and completes the dismissal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · applied
The umpire answers, and only after an appeal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · recall
The second clause bears that heading.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · recall
Test 3When an appeal must be madeTake a test
Law 31.3 sets the limit at the start of the next run-up.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall
Without a run-up the action stands in its place.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall
The appeal falls before the next run-up and before any answer.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
An appeal must come before Time has been called.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall
The appeal must be made before the run-up starts.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
Law 31.3 says Over does not invalidate it, provided Time has not been called.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall
The appeal must come before the run-up begins.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
The appeal must precede the run-up of the next over.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
The references are to the Call of Time and the Start of an over.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall
The Law preserves an appeal made before the following over begins.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
Test 4The appeal How's ThatTake a test
Law 31.4 gives the appeal its widest meaning.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · recall
The appeal is not tied to one mode of dismissal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · applied
The consideration follows the appeal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · applied
The appeal is complete without naming anything.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · recall
The appeal covers all ways of being out, not one.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · applied
The fourth clause is headed Appeal How's That?
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · recall
Law 31.4 says the appeal How's That? covers every way of being out, so it takes in a stumping as much as a catch or an lbw; no separate wording is needed.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · applied
Laws 31.4, 31.5, 31.6 and 31.7.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · applied
The Law quotes the words.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · recall
Clause 31.4 bears that heading.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · recall
Test 5Appeals in casesTake a test
Without an appeal the umpire cannot give him out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · applied
The appeal came after the next run-up had begun.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
The answer follows a timely appeal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · applied
Timing of appeals is the third clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall
Only the first is by a fielder and within both time limits.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
A decision of Out given after an appeal ends his innings by dismissal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · recall
Law 31.1 speaks of an appeal by a fielder.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · applied
Law 31.3 states the run-up, the action and then Time.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
The limit is the start of the next run-up.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · applied
Law 31.5 allows a further appeal on another matter.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
31.312Appeals: Answering and Consultation
Which umpire answers an appeal (the striker's end umpire for hit wicket, stumped and run out at the keeper's end, the bowler's end umpire for the rest), each umpire answering within his jurisdiction, a further appeal after Not out, and consultation on a point of fact with Not out if doubt remains.
Test 1Which umpire answersTake a test
Law 31.5 gives those three at the keeper's end to the striker's end umpire.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Hit wicket, Run out and Stumped are named.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Law 31.5 names Laws 35, 39 and 38 in that sequence.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
A run out at the keeper's end is on the list.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
Hit wicket falls to the striker's end umpire under Law 31.5.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
All appeals other than the three go to the bowler's end umpire.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
The keeper's end rule applies only to that end.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
The right umpire answers after the appeal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
Answering appeals is the fifth clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
The heading of the fifth clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Test 2Jurisdiction and further appealsTake a test
Law 31.5 splits the appeals: the striker's end umpire answers Hit wicket, Stumped and a Run out at the keeper's end, the bowler's end umpire everything else, and each answers whatever lies in his own jurisdiction.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Law 31.5 allows either umpire to answer a further matter in jurisdiction.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
The further appeal follows the first answer.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
The further appeal follows the usual time limits.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
After Not out the other matter may still be put, and either umpire takes it if it is his to answer.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
A different mode of dismissal is a further matter.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
Either may answer if it falls within his jurisdiction.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Each matter is answered by the umpire in jurisdiction in turn.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
Jurisdiction limits each umpire's answer.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Law 31.1 and 31.5 speak of appeals by fielders in general.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Test 3Consultation by umpiresTake a test
Law 31.6 requires consultation on the point of fact.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Consultation does not move the decision away.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
The decision follows the consultation.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
Remaining doubt is resolved in the batter's favour.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Law 31.6 resolves remaining doubt as Not out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
The consultation is about what happened.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Position is the test.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Doubt leads to consultation and then to the decision.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
The consultation changes who is asked but leaves the umpire concerned to announce the decision.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
The decision is Not out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Test 4Answering and consulting in casesTake a test
He is better placed on that fact, so he is consulted.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
Remaining doubt means Not out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
Consultation precedes the decision.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
Law 31.5 allows a further appeal in time.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
Leg before wicket falls to the bowler's end umpire.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
Law 31.6 speaks of a point the other may have been in a better position to see.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
Lbw is not one of the three listed, so it goes to the umpire at the bowler's end.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied
Doubt leads to Not out and the batter stays.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
Law 31.6 keeps the decision with the umpire concerned.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
The Law's rule is that remaining doubt gives the batter the benefit.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Test 5Answering appeals in wordsTake a test
Clauses 31.5 and 31.6.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · recall
The sixth clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Laws 31.3, 31.4, 31.5 and 31.6.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · applied
The Law names the wicket-keeper's end.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
Law 31.6 is headed Consultation by umpires.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
Caught goes to the bowler's end umpire.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall
The decision is expressly Not out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Consultation comes before the decision.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · applied
The seventh clause deals with a batter leaving under a misapprehension.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
The fourth clause is the appeal How's That?
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.4 · recall
31.313Appeals: Misapprehension and Withdrawal
A batter who leaves the wicket under a misapprehension of being out (the umpire calls Dead ball and recalls him, with its time limits) and the withdrawal of an appeal by the fielding captain with the umpire's consent.
Test 1A batter leaving under a misapprehensionTake a test
He intervenes because the batter was not given out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
Dead ball stops the fielding side from acting.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
Intervention follows the departure and precedes the recall.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
The call prevents the side acting on the batter's departure.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
Law 31.7 requires Dead ball to prevent further action.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
The limit is the ball coming into play for the next delivery.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
The final wicket has an extended limit.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
The final wicket gives the longer limit.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
He left under a misapprehension without being given out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
The seventh clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
Test 2Recalling a batterTake a test
The umpire who intervenes recalls him.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
He was not given out and left under a misapprehension.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
The call and the recall come before the return.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
The Law speaks of a batter who has not been given out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
Only a batter not given out who leaves under a misapprehension is recalled.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
The batter wrongly thinks he is out.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
Dead ball stops play and he returns to the wicket.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
The final wicket gives the longer limit.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
Only the ball coming into play for the following delivery shuts the door on the recall.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
The last wicket extends to the umpires leaving the field.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · recall
Test 3Withdrawing an appealTake a test
The Law gives the power to the fielding captain.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
Without consent no withdrawal is made.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
Consent comes before the recall.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
Once the umpire concerned has consented, Law 31.8 has him revoke the decision and recall the batter, if that is still applicable.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
Law 31.8 gives the withdrawal to the fielding captain with the umpire's consent.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
The limit is the next delivery.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
After the innings, the limit is the umpires leaving.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
The steps follow the Law's order.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
The captain withdraws, with the umpire's consent.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
The last clause of Law 31.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
Test 4Withdrawal and recall in casesTake a test
Law 31.8 revokes the decision and recalls him.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
The withdrawal must come before the ball comes into play for the next delivery.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
Consent comes before the revocation and recall.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
Without consent there is no withdrawal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
The withdrawal must precede the next delivery.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
Revocation means he is not dismissed.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
He was not given out; 31.7 deals with such a departure.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.7 · applied
Once the ball is in play it is too late.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
After a completed innings, Law 31.8 allows the withdrawal up to the instant the umpires leave the field; during an innings the limit is the ball coming into play for the next delivery.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
Law 31.8 requires the umpire's consent.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
Test 5Law 31 as a wholeTake a test
Clauses 31.1 to 31.8.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · recall
The third clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall
Laws 31.5 to 31.8.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · applied
The last clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall
Law 31.8 is headed Withdrawal of an appeal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied
Law 32 is Bowled.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 32 · recall
The sixth clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.6 · recall
Event, appeal, answer and dismissal.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · applied
The second clause.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.2 · recall
Misapprehension and withdrawal both lead to a recall.
Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · recall
Sources
MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 31 with Laws 12.2, 17.2, 35, 38 and 39 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 31.526
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.622
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.722
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.821
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.316
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.212
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.111
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.410
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 319
- MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 321