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Cricket · Laws of Cricket

Law 8: The Wickets

2 parts · 10 tests · 99 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Law 8 describes the wickets. Two sets are pitched opposite and parallel to each other, each in the centre of one of the bowling creases at the ends of the 22-yard pitch. Each set is 9 in (22.86 cm) wide and consists of three wooden stumps with two wooden bails on top, as illustrated in Appendix D. Law 2.4.2 requires the umpires to be satisfied that the wickets are properly pitched.

The tops of the stumps stand 28 in (71.12 cm) above the playing surface and are dome shaped except for the grooves. Each stump is cylindrical, with a diameter of not less than 1.38 in and not more than 1.5 in. The bails, when in position, may not project more than 0.5 in (1.27 cm) above the stumps and must not force the stumps out of the vertical. Each bail is 4.31 in (10.95 cm) long overall, with a barrel of 2.13 in (5.40 cm), a longer spigot of 1.38 in (3.50 cm) and a shorter spigot of 0.81 in (2.06 cm). Bail-limiting devices, aimed at protecting player safety, need the approval of both bodies named in Law 8.3.4.

Law 8.4 leaves wicket sizes in junior cricket to the Governing Body, and under Law 8.5 the umpires may agree, if necessary, to dispense with bails, in which case none are used at either end until conditions permit. The facts below cover each of these measurements and the clauses that hold them.

8.81The Wickets: Stumps, Bails and Setting Up

The two sets of wickets and how they stand, the stumps (28 inches, domed tops, 1.38 to 1.5 inches across), the bails (0.5 inches above the stumps, their dimensions and centre line, bail-limiting devices), junior cricket and dispensing with bails.

Test 1Setting up the wicketsTake a test

  1. Two sets of wickets shall be pitched.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  2. They are pitched opposite and parallel to each other.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  3. Each set is in the centre of a bowling crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  4. Each set is 9 in / 22.86 cm wide.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  5. Three stumps with two bails on top.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  6. Each set has three stumps.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  7. Each set has two bails.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  8. Both are wooden.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  9. The sets are in the centres of the bowling creases, which end a 22-yard pitch.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 8.1 · applied

  10. Law 8.1 refers to Appendix D.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

Test 2The stumpsTake a test

  1. The tops are 28 in / 71.12 cm above the surface.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  2. 28 inches is 71.12 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  3. The tops are dome shaped except for the grooves.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  4. It is cylindrical with a circular section.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  5. The diameter is not less than 1.38 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  6. The diameter is not more than 1.5 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  7. 1.45 in is between 1.38 and 1.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  8. The minimum is 1.38 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  9. The maximum is 1.5 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  10. The height is 28 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

Test 3The bails: position and fitTake a test

  1. Law 8.3.1 limits it to 0.5 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · recall

  2. 0.5 inches is 1.27 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · recall

  3. They must not force the stumps out of the vertical.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · recall

  4. Law 8.3.3 says they have the same centre line.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.3 · recall

  5. The maximum is 0.5 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · applied

  6. 0.4 in is under 0.5 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · applied

  7. Law 8.3.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.4 · recall

  8. Both bodies must approve.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.4 · recall

  9. Such devices are aimed at protecting player safety.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.4 · recall

  10. Approval of both bodies is required.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.4 · applied

Test 4Bail dimensionsTake a test

  1. Overall length 4.31 in / 10.95 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  2. Barrel 2.13 in / 5.40 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  3. Longer spigot 1.38 in / 3.50 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  4. Shorter spigot 0.81 in / 2.06 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  5. The barrel is 2.13 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  6. The longer spigot is 1.38 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  7. The shorter spigot is 0.81 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  8. 4.31 inches is 10.95 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  9. The barrel and two spigots.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · recall

  10. 1.38 less 0.81 is 0.57.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · applied

Test 5Junior cricket and dispensing with bailsTake a test

  1. Law 8.4 gives it to the Governing Body.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.4 · recall

  2. Law 8.4 leaves junior sizes to the Governing Body.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.4 · recall

  3. Law 8.4 is headed Junior cricket.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.4 · recall

  4. Law 8.5 lets the umpires agree if necessary.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  5. No bails shall be used at either end.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  6. Bails resume as soon as conditions permit.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  7. See Law 29.5 (Dispensing with bails).

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  8. Law 8.5 says the umpires may agree.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  9. No bails shall be used at either end.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · applied

8.82The Wickets: Reading the Law - Statements, Figures, Clauses and Errors

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

Test 1Which statement is correct?Take a test

  1. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  2. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  3. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  4. Law 8.3.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · recall

  5. Laws 8.3.2 and 8.3.3.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 · recall

  6. Law 8.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.4 · recall

  7. Law 8.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  8. Law 8.3.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.4 · recall

  9. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  10. Law 8.1 refers to Appendix D.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

Test 2Working out figures from the LawTake a test

  1. 28 inches is 2 ft 4 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  2. 28 in plus 0.5 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 8.2 and 8.3.1 · applied

  3. 71.12 cm plus 1.27 cm.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 8.2 and 8.3.1 · applied

  4. Half of 9 inches.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · applied

  5. 9 in out of 12 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · applied

  6. 1.5 less 1.38 is 0.12.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  7. 9 less 4.31 is 4.69.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 8.1 and 8.3.2 · applied

  8. 2.13 less 1.38 is 0.75.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.2 · applied

  9. 22 yards is 66 feet.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 8.1 · applied

  10. 3 multiplied by 1.5 in.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

Test 3Finding the clauseTake a test

  1. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  2. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  3. Law 8.3.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3 · recall

  4. Law 8.3.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3 · recall

  5. Law 8.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.4 · recall

  6. Law 8.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  7. Law 8.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · recall

  8. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · recall

  9. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · recall

  10. Law 8.3.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3 · recall

Test 4Spot the errorTake a test

  1. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · applied

  2. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  3. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  4. Law 8.3.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · applied

  5. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · applied

  6. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  7. Law 8.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · applied

  8. Law 8.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.4 · applied

  9. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · applied

  10. Law 8.3.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.4 · applied

Test 5Cases from the groundTake a test

  1. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  2. Law 8.2.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.2 · applied

  3. Law 8.3.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · applied

  4. Law 8.3.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.1 · applied

  5. Law 8.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · applied

  6. Law 8.3.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.4 · applied

  7. Law 8.4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.4 · applied

  8. Law 2.4.2 requires the umpires to be satisfied the wickets are properly pitched.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.4 and 8.1 · applied

  9. Law 8.1.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.1 · applied

  10. Law 8.5.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.5 · applied

Questions people ask

How tall are cricket stumps?
The tops of the stumps are 28 in (71.12 cm) above the playing surface.
How wide is a cricket wicket?
Each set of wickets is 9 in (22.86 cm) wide, made of three wooden stumps with two wooden bails on top.
How thick is a stump?
Each stump is cylindrical, with a diameter of not less than 1.38 in and not more than 1.5 in.
How big are the bails?
A bail is 4.31 in long overall: a 2.13 in barrel, a 1.38 in longer spigot and a 0.81 in shorter spigot. In position it may not stand more than 0.5 in above the stumps.
Can a match be played without bails?
Yes. Under Law 8.5 the umpires may agree to dispense with bails if necessary; then none are used at either end, and they go back on as soon as conditions permit.
What size are wickets in junior cricket?
Law 8.4 leaves junior wicket sizes to the Governing Body.

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 8 with Laws 2.4, 6.1 and 29.5 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 8.222
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.120
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.512
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.211
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.19
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.47
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.47
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.33
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 6.1 and 8.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 8.2 and 8.3.12
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 8.3.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 8.3.2 and 8.3.31
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 8.1 and 8.3.21
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Laws 2.4 and 8.11