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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 40: Timed Out

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

Law 40 sets out that after the fall of a wicket or a batter's retirement the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to be ready within three minutes, or be out Timed out; the procedure of Law 16.3 in an extended delay in which no batter comes to the wicket; and that the bowler gets no credit.

40.401Timed Out

The incoming batter's three minutes after a wicket falls or a batter retires, being ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to be ready, the exception when Time has been called, and the appeal.

Test 1The three minutesTake a test

  1. Law 40.1.1 sets 3 minutes from the dismissal or retirement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  2. After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  3. The delay leads to the dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  4. The incoming batter must be ready.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  5. Law 40.1.1 allows three minutes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  6. Law 40.1.1 gives the batting side three minutes, unless Time has been called, for either the new batter or his partner to be ready to face the next delivery; if neither is, the incoming batter is out Timed out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  7. The incoming batter will be out, Timed out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  8. Laws 40.1 then 40.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40 · applied

  9. The first clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1 · recall

  10. Law 40 follows Stumped.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40 · recall

Test 2Unless Time has been calledTake a test

  1. The requirement applies unless Time has been called.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  2. Law 40.1.1 excepts the case where Time has been called.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  3. Time stops the clock.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  4. Call of Time is Law 12.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 12.2 · recall

  5. Only a call of Time excepts the requirement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  6. Once Time has been called the exception removes the dismissal rule.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  7. The single word that opens the exception is the word unless.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  8. Being ready in time keeps him in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  9. Law 40.1.1 applies unless Time has been called, so a retirement during an interval starts no three-minute count; the new batter's innings begins at the call of Play, when play resumes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  10. The delay must not be covered by a call of Time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

Test 3Being ready to receive the ballTake a test

  1. Being ready to receive the ball is the requirement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  2. The Law accepts the other batter's readiness.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  3. Lateness leads to the dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  4. Not ready within three minutes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  5. Only not being ready within three minutes is out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  6. Ready within three minutes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  7. The Law says within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  8. Being ready keeps him in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  9. The Law is fixed at 3 minutes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  10. After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

Test 4Appeal and answer in Timed outTake a test

  1. Law 31.1 requires an appeal by a fielder for any dismissal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · recall

  2. It is not one of the three listed for the keeper's end.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall

  3. The appeal follows the delay.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  4. A dismissal needs a fielder's appeal, as in the opening clause of Law 31.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.1 · applied

  5. It is answered by the bowler's end umpire.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · applied

  6. Law 31.8 allows withdrawal with the umpire's consent.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied

  7. Withdrawal of an appeal.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · recall

  8. Consent comes before the recall.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.8 · applied

  9. Law 31.3 requires an appeal, Timed out included, to be made before the bowler starts his run-up (or bowling action) for the next ball and before Time has been called.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall

  10. Not ready within three minutes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

Test 5Timed out in casesTake a test

  1. The Law makes no exception for injury.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  2. Law 40.1.1 sets the same three minutes whatever the stage of the over; the fall of a wicket late in an over gives neither more nor less time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  3. The appeal follows the delay.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  4. Clauses 40.1 and 40.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40 · recall

  5. Both conditions of Law 40.1.1 hold.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

  6. Law 41.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 41 · recall

  7. Law 39.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 39 · recall

  8. Laws 39, 40, 41 and 42.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 39 to 42 · applied

  9. The Law speaks of the incoming batter.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  10. Law 40.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

40.402Timed Out: Extended Delay and Credit

The extended delay in which no batter comes to the wicket (the umpires adopt Law 16.3 from the expiry of the three minutes), that the bowler gets no credit for a Timed out wicket, and the cross-references of the Law.

Test 1An extended delayTake a test

  1. Law 40.1.2 refers to Umpires awarding a match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  2. Umpires awarding a match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  3. The expiry starts the procedure.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · applied

  4. The start is taken as the expiry of the three minutes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  5. Law 40.1.2 cites Law 16.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · applied

  6. The start of the action is the expiry of 3 minutes.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  7. The second sub-clause of 40.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  8. Laws 40.1.1 then 40.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1 · applied

  9. No batter comes to the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  10. The umpires do not wait indefinitely: once the three minutes run out with no batter coming in, Law 40.1.2 has them start the Law 16.3 procedure for awarding the match, counting from that expiry.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · applied

Test 2The bowler does not get creditTake a test

  1. Law 40.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · recall

  2. The clause on credit leaves the wicket out of every bowler's figures.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · applied

  3. The credit question follows.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · applied

  4. The second clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · recall

  5. Law 40.2 gives the bowler no credit.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · applied

  6. The heading states the rule.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · recall

  7. Those Laws say the bowler does not get credit.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · recall

  8. Laws 34, 37, 38 and 40.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 34 to 40 · applied

  9. The clause is about the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · recall

  10. Law 40.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · applied

Test 3Extended delay and Law 16.3 in casesTake a test

  1. Law 40.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · applied

  2. Law 40.1.2 treats the end of the three minutes as the moment the Law 16.3 action begins, so the umpires' procedure for awarding the match runs from that expiry.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  3. The dismissal leads to a new batter.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1 · applied

  4. As cited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.3 · recall

  5. Law 40.1.2 fixes it at the expiry.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · applied

  6. They adopt the procedure.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · applied

  7. The second sub-clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  8. The expiry begins Law 16.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · applied

  9. No batter comes to the wicket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  10. He is out, so another batter comes in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · applied

Test 4Cross-references in Law 40Take a test

  1. Time is called under Law 12.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 12.2 · recall

  2. Umpires awarding a match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.2 · recall

  3. Laws 12.2, 16.3 and 31.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40 · applied

  4. Timing of appeals.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.3 · recall

  5. Law 12.2 is Call of Time.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 12.2 · applied

  6. Answering appeals.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall

  7. Law 37.6 says the bowler gets no credit for an Obstructing the field dismissal, the same rule that Law 40.2 applies to Timed out (and Laws 34.5 and 38.6 to their dismissals).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 37.6 · recall

  8. The Law 31 steps.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31 · applied

  9. Batter's innings, including retirement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 25 · recall

  10. Retirement is covered in Law 25.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 25.4 · recall

Test 5Law 40 as a wholeTake a test

  1. 40.1.1 and 40.1.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1 · recall

  2. The first sub-clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  3. Laws 40.1.1, 40.1.2 and 40.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40 · applied

  4. The last clause.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · recall

  5. Law 40.2 is headed Bowler does not get credit.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.2 · applied

  6. Laws 37.6, 38.6 and 40.2 each say it; Law 39 does not.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 37 to 40 · recall

  7. Law 40.1.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.1 · recall

  8. The credit question follows.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40 · applied

  9. Law 31.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.5 · recall

  10. Laws 37.6, 38.6 and 40.2 each deny the bowler credit for the wicket; Law 39 has no such clause, so a stumping is credited to the bowler.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law s 37.6, 38.6 and 40.2 · recall

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 40 with Laws 12.2, 16.3, 25.4, 31 and 37.6 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 40.1.137
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.1.217
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.211
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 406
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 40.14
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.54
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 12.23
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.83
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 31.32
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 411
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 391
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 39 to 421
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 34 to 401
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 16.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 37.61
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 311
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 251
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 25.41
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 37 to 401
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law s 37.6, 38.6 and 40.21