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

Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 7: The Creases

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

Law 7 covers the creases marked at each end of the pitch: the bowling crease (8 ft 8 in, the back edge of its marking and the end of the pitch), the popping crease (4 ft in front of it, parallel, marked at least 6 ft either side of the line joining the middle stumps and unlimited in length) and the two return creases (the inside edges of their markings, at right angles to the popping crease, 4 ft 4 in either side of that line, marked at least 8 ft behind the popping crease and unlimited in length).

7.71The Creases: Bowling, Popping and Return

The four creases at each end and how they are marked, the bowling crease (8 ft 8 in), the popping crease (4 ft in front of it, marked 6 ft either side, unlimited), the return creases (4 ft 4 in either side, at right angles, marked 8 ft behind), and how they fit together.

Test 1The creases at each endTake a test

  1. Law 7.1 names a bowling crease, a popping crease and return creases.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  2. One of each named kind, plus a second return crease, at each end.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  3. The positions are marked by white lines.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  4. Law 7.2 is headed The bowling crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  5. Law 7.3 is headed The popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  6. Law 7.4 is headed The return creases.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  7. Law 7.1 refers to Appendix C.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  8. Four at each end makes eight.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · applied

  9. Law 7.1 says at each end of the pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  10. There are two return creases at each end.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

Test 2The bowling creaseTake a test

  1. The bowling crease is 8 ft 8 in / 2.64 m long.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  2. 8 ft 8 in is 2.64 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  3. The bowling crease is the back edge of the marking.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  4. It is the line that marks the end of the pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  5. It marks the end of the pitch as in Law 6.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  6. 8 ft 8 in is 104 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  7. The length is 8 ft 8 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  8. The length is 8 ft 8 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  9. Only the popping and return creases are unlimited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  10. It is the line that marks the end of the pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

Test 3The popping creaseTake a test

  1. It is 4 ft / 1.22 m from the bowling crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  2. 4 feet is 1.22 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  3. It is in front of and parallel to the bowling crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  4. The popping crease is the back edge of the marking.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  5. The minimum marking is 6 ft / 1.83 m each side.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  6. It is considered unlimited in length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  7. 6 feet each side makes 12 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  8. 6 ft each side is the minimum marking.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  9. The marking is a minimum; the crease is unlimited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  10. Law 7.3 deals with it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

Test 4The return creasesTake a test

  1. They are at right angles.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  2. It is 4 ft 4 in / 1.32 m either side.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  3. The return creases are the inside edges of the markings.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  4. The minimum is 8 ft / 2.44 m behind the popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  5. They are considered unlimited in length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  6. 4 ft 4 in is 1.32 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  7. 8 feet is 2.44 m.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  8. Eight feet is the minimum marking.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  9. They are measured from the popping crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  10. Twice 4 ft 4 in is 8 ft 8 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

Test 5How the creases fit togetherTake a test

  1. Both are 8 ft 8 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2 and 7.4 · applied

  2. They reach 8 ft behind the popping crease, which is 4 ft in front of the bowling crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.3 and 7.4 · applied

  3. 66 ft less two lots of 4 ft is 58 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.3 · applied

  4. Return creases are inside edges.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 · recall

  5. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  6. The bowling crease is 8 ft 8 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.3 and 7.4 · recall

  7. The bowling crease is 8 ft 8 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  8. 58 ft is both the popping crease gap and the non-turf minimum length.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.5 and 7.3 · applied

  9. The distance is 4 ft 4 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  10. Twice 4 ft 4 in is 8 ft 8 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2 and 7.4 · applied

7.72The Creases: Reading the Law - Statements, Figures, Clauses and Errors

True statements about each clause, working out figures from the crease measurements, finding which clause says what, spotting errors in notes about the creases, and cases from the ground.

Test 1Which statement is correct?Take a test

  1. Law 7.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  2. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  3. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  4. Law 7.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  5. Laws 7.2 to 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 · recall

  6. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  7. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  8. Popping and return creases are unlimited.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2 to 7.4 · recall

  9. Laws 7.3 and 7.4 measure from it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.3 and 7.4 · recall

  10. Law 7.1 is an introduction.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

Test 2Working out figures from the LawTake a test

  1. 4 feet is 48 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  2. 4 ft 4 in is 52 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  3. 12 feet is 4 yards.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  4. 8 feet is 96 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  5. 8 ft less 4 ft is 4 ft, which is 48 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.3 and 7.4 · applied

  6. 120 in less 104 in is 16 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.2 · applied

  7. 2.64 m is 264 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  8. 58 feet is 19 yards and 1 foot.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.3 · applied

  9. 66 ft less 4 ft is 62 ft.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.3 · applied

  10. 8 feet is 2 yards and 2 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

Test 3Finding the clauseTake a test

  1. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  2. Law 7.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  3. Law 7.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  4. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  5. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

  6. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  7. Law 7.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · recall

  8. Law 7.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · recall

  9. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

  10. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · recall

Test 4Spot the errorTake a test

  1. Law 7.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  2. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  3. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  4. Law 7.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  5. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  6. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  7. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  8. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  9. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  10. Law 7.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.1 · applied

Test 5Cases from the groundTake a test

  1. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  2. Law 7.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  3. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  4. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  5. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  6. Law 2.4.1 requires the umpires to be satisfied the creases are correctly marked.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.4 and 7.1 · applied

  7. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · applied

  8. Law 7.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.4 · applied

  9. 8 ft 8 in less 8 ft 6 in is 2 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.2 · applied

  10. Law 7.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.3 · recall

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 7 with Laws 2.4, 6.1 and 6.5 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 7.428
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.325
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.220
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 7.112
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.3 and 7.44
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.33
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2 and 7.42
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2, 7.3 and 7.42
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.5 and 7.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 7.2 to 7.41
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 7.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.4 and 7.11