by Cricket is built on laws that balance tradition with modern excitement. At the heart of every match, whether it’s a five-day Test, a 50-over ODI, or a thrilling T20, lies batting.
And batting rules in cricket govern everything from how a player holds the bat to when they must walk onto the field after a dismissal.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) writes the Laws of Cricket, while the International Cricket Council (ICC) adapts them for international play.
These rules ensure fairness, safety, and consistency across formats. Understanding them helps players avoid penalties, coaches strategize better, and fans appreciate the game’s nuances.
Batting Rules in Cricket
This guide breaks down batting rules across formats, explains technical laws in simple language, includes real match examples, and shows you exactly how the rules differ between Test cricket, ODIs, and T20s.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the game or a passionate fan wanting deeper knowledge, this article covers everything you need to know about batting regulations.
Basic Batting Setup: Stance, Grip, and Fundamental Techniques
Before a batter faces their first ball, they must set up correctly. This involves stance, grip, guard, and footwork—all governed by cricket’s laws but also shaped by personal style.
Understanding Batting Stance
A batting stance is how a player positions their body before the bowler delivers. It affects balance, shot selection, and reaction time.
| Stance Type | Description | Advantages | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side-On | Chest faces toward square leg, head over front shoulder | Better for playing straight, classic technique | Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis |
| Open | Chest faces toward bowler/mid-off | Easier to play leg-side shots, good for T20s | Virender Sehwag, David Warner |
| Closed | Chest faces toward the point/gully | Helps play off-side, can restrict leg-side game | Many classical English batters |
| Neutral | Balanced position between open and closed | Versatile, adapts to all bowling | Steve Smith, Virat Kohli |
Guard Position (Law 36.3)
Before facing a delivery, batters ask the umpire for a “guard”—a marking to align their stance with the stumps:
- Leg Stump: Bat aligns with leg stump
- Middle Stump: Bat aligns with middle stump
- Off Stump: Bat aligns with off stump (rare)
- Middle and Leg: Between middle and leg (most common)
- Two Legs: Outside leg stump (very defensive)
Players like Steve Smith famously take multiple guards and adjust constantly—all legal as long as they don’t waste time.
5 Batting Techniques in Cricket Every Player Must Master
Regardless of format, these five fundamental techniques form the foundation of good batting:
1. Forward Defense
- Used against good-length balls
- Weight transfers to front foot
- Bat comes down straight, close to pad
- Dead-bats the ball to avoid edges
- Most common technique in Test cricket
2. Backfoot Defense
- Used against short-pitched or back-of-length deliveries
- Weight stays on back foot
- Bat perpendicular to ground
- Absorbs ball’s momentum
- Essential for surviving fast bowling
3. Cover Drive
- Classic attacking shot through covers
- Front foot moves toward pitch of ball
- Bat follows through elegantly
- High elbow, full face presentation
- Signature shot of players like Virat Kohli
4. Pull Shot
- Attacking shot against short balls
- Weight transfers to back foot
- Bat swings horizontally across body
- Hits between mid-wicket and square leg
- Risky but rewarding in all formats
5. Cut Shot
- Played to short, wide balls outside off
- Executed off back foot
- Bat cuts downward at angle
- Ball travels through backward point region
- Particularly effective in limited-overs cricket
These techniques must be executed within the popping crease, with proper bat dimensions, and without obstructing the field—all aspects covered by cricket’s laws.
Bat Dimensions and Legality: What Law 5 Says
Cricket bats aren’t just wooden clubs—they’re precision tools regulated by MCC Law 5 and ICC playing conditions. Every bat used in international cricket must meet specific measurements.
Official Bat Specifications
| Bat Component | Maximum Allowed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 38 inches (96.52 cm) | Ensures reach without unfair advantage |
| Overall Width | 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) | Controls hitting surface area |
| Edge Thickness | 40 mm | Prevents excessive power from edges |
| Spine/Depth | 67 mm | Limits bat thickness for balance |
| Handle Length | Maximum 52% of total length | Maintains bat proportion |
| Handle Material | Cane/rubber covered, round shape | Grip and safety |
Real-World Case Study: The Thick Edge Controversy
Before 2017, players like Chris Gayle and David Warner used bats with edges exceeding 50mm. These “baseball bat-style” weapons gave batsmen unfair power—mishits flew for six, and edges raced to boundaries.
During the 2016 season, Warner’s bat edges measured nearly 45mm, while some domestic players used even thicker edges. This raised concerns about bat-versus-ball balance. In response, the ICC and MCC introduced strict regulations in 2017:
- Edge thickness capped at 40mm
- Spine depth limited to 67mm
- Mandatory testing before international matches
These changes leveled the playing field, ensuring bowlers weren’t completely disadvantaged. The 2017 rule change is now standard worldwide, and all professional bats undergo measurement checks before series begin.
Entry Timing & Time-Out Rule: How Long Can You Take?
One of cricket’s lesser-known but strictly enforced rules is the time limit for a new batter to enter after a dismissal. This falls under Law 40.1.
Format-Specific Time Limits
Test Cricket and ODIs:
- The new batter must be ready to face within 3 minutes of dismissal
- Measured from when the previous batter is out
- If exceeded, the incoming batter is given out “timed out”
T20 Cricket:
- Time limit reduced to 90 seconds
- Faster format demands quicker turnarounds
- Umpires strictly monitor this in franchise leagues
Understanding batting rules in cricket t20 is crucial because the 90-second rule changes team dynamics. Teams must have the next batter padded up and ready, especially during power plays when dismissals can happen quickly.
International Case Study: Near Time-Out in T20 World Cup
During the 2022 T20 World Cup, a team faced equipment issues after a dismissal. The incoming batter’s gloves were inside-out, causing a 70-second delay. Umpires warned the team, and the batter rushed out at 85 seconds—just within the legal limit.
This incident highlighted how critical timing is in T20 cricket. Had the batter exceeded 90 seconds, they would have been given out without facing a ball—a dismissal that’s extremely rare but entirely legal.
In Test cricket, the 3-minute rule allows for more deliberate preparation, but teams still must respect it. Excessive delays can result in umpire intervention and potential penalties.
Retired Hurt vs Retired Out: Understanding Law 25.4
Not every time a batter leaves the field results in dismissal. Law 25.4 covers situations where batters exit mid-innings for various reasons.
Retired Hurt
When it applies:
- Batter suffers injury during play
- Illness prevents them from continuing
- A medical emergency requires immediate attention
- Umpire grants permission to leave
What happens:
- Batter marked as “retired hurt” on scorecard
- Can return later to resume innings
- Doesn’t count as dismissal
- Batting order can be adjusted upon return
Example: During India’s 1989 Test against Pakistan, Salim Malik retired hurt due to severe cramps while batting. After receiving treatment, he returned later in the innings and played a crucial knock that helped Pakistan avoid follow-on. This perfectly legal move showed how retired hurt protects players while preserving fairness.
Retired Out
When it applies:
- Batter leaves for non-injury reasons
- Tactical decision by the captain
- Personal reasons unrelated to fitness
- Batter chooses not to continue
What happens:
- Marked as “retired out” on the scorecard
- Counts as official dismissal
- Cannot return unless the opposition agrees
- Extremely rare in professional cricket
Key Difference: The critical distinction is reason for leaving. Injury/illness = retired hurt (can return). Personal choice/tactics = retired out (dismissed).
Striker and Non-Striker: Rules and Responsibilities
Every delivery involves two batters—the striker facing the ball and the non-striker at the bowler’s end. Both have specific rules governing their conduct.
Striker vs Non-Striker Comparison
| Aspect | Striker (Facing Ball) | Non-Striker (Bowler’s End) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Face delivery, score runs | Back up, be ready to run |
| Crease Rule | Must be inside when ball is delivered | Cannot leave crease before ball release |
| Dismissal Methods | Bowled, LBW, caught, stumped, etc. | Run out, Mankading (Law 41.16) |
| Movement | Can move anywhere after delivery | Must stay behind crease until release |
| Shot Selection | Full freedom within laws | No involvement in shot |
| Run Calling | Calls “yes/no/wait” for runs | Responds to striker’s call |
Mankading: The Controversial but Legal Dismissal
Under Law 41.16 (formerly 41.15), a bowler can run out the non-striker if they leave the crease before ball release. This is called “Mankading” after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad, who famously did it in 1947.
High-Profile Case: R. Ashwin vs Jos Buttler (IPL 2019)
During an IPL match, Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin ran out Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end. Buttler had repeatedly left his crease early, seeking unfair advantage.
The dismissal sparked massive debate:
- Critics called it “against spirit of cricket”
- Supporters said it was 100% within laws
- MCC later clarified it’s the non-striker’s responsibility to stay in
This incident led to MCC updating the law’s language in 2022, moving Mankading from “Unfair Play” to “Run Out” section—confirming its legitimacy.
Lesson for batters: Always ground your bat behind the crease until the bowler releases. Leaving early risks legitimate dismissal.
Shot Rules and Illegal Play: What Batters Cannot Do
While batters have freedom to play creative shots, certain actions violate cricket’s laws and can result in dismissal or penalties.
Obstructing the Field (Law 37)
What it means: Deliberately preventing fielders from completing a catch or affecting the ball.
Examples:
- Hitting ball with hand to prevent catch
- Changing running line to block throw
- Deliberately kicking ball away from fielders
Famous Case: In 2015, England’s Ben Stokes was given out for obstructing the field against Australia. He instinctively put his hand out to block a throw at the stumps, which umpires deemed deliberate obstruction. The dismissal was controversial but correct under Law 37.
Hitting Ball Twice (Law 34)
- What it means: Intentionally striking the ball twice with bat or body.
- Exception: Batters CAN hit ball twice to protect their wicket—for example, if ball bounces back toward stumps after initial contact.
- What’s illegal: Hitting ball twice to score runs or gain advantage beyond self-protection.
Deliberately Distracting Fielders (Law 41.5)
Batters cannot:
- Shout or gesture to distract fielders attempting catches
- Deliberately obstruct a fielder’s view
- Make sudden movements to confuse fielders
Umpires can penalize teams for such behavior, though it’s rarely invoked at professional levels.
Dangerous Play
While not causing dismissal, batters can be warned or penalized for:
- Consistently charging down the pitch dangerously
- Playing shots that endanger fielders unnecessarily
- Using bat/equipment in a threatening manner
Batting Order and Batting Position in Cricket: Understanding Roles
Batting position in cricket refers to the order in which players bat, numbered 1 through 11. Each position carries specific responsibilities and expectations.
Typical Batting Roles by Position
| Position | Role Name | Primary Responsibility | Key Skills Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Openers | Face the new ball, provide a solid start | Technique vs swing/seam, patience |
| 3 | First Drop | Consolidate if early wicket, or build on start | Versatility, strong technique |
| 4-5 | Middle Order | Build innings, accelerate when set | Shot-making, partnership building |
| 6-7 | Finishers (ODI/T20) or All-rounders | Finish innings strongly, hit boundaries | Power hitting, composure under pressure |
| 8-11 | Lower Order/Tail | Support the top order, contribute crucial runs | Basic defense, survival skills |
What Does “Low Number” Mean?
When people say a batter has a “low number,” they mean positions 9, 10, or 11—typically specialist bowlers who bat last. These players usually have weaker batting skills but can occasionally play match-changing innings (known as “wagging the tail”).
In batting rules in cricket India, the batting order is strategically crucial. Indian teams often promote all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel depending on match situations, showing how flexible batting positions can be within the laws.
Can Batting Order Change Mid-Innings?
Yes, but with conditions:
- Teams can send any remaining batter next (except after being retired hurt)
- Cannot send someone who’s already out (obviously)
- Strategic “promotion” or “demotion” is common in limited-overs cricket
- Nightwatchmen in Tests protect specialist batters from facing deliveries near day’s end
Follow-On and Declaration: Test Cricket’s Unique Rules
Test cricket includes two batting rules not found in limited-overs formats: follow-on and declaration.
Follow-On Rule (Law 14)
What it means: If the team batting second trails by a significant margin, the team batting first can ask them to bat again immediately (instead of taking their own second innings).
Required lead margins:
- 5-day Test: 200 runs
- 3-4 day Match: 150 runs
- 2-day Match: 100 runs
- 1-day Match: 75 runs
Strategic considerations:
- Enforcing follow-on gives no rest to bowlers
- Can backfire if conditions favor batting
- Psychological pressure on trailing team
Historical Case Study: India vs Australia, 2001 Kolkata Test
This match produced one of cricket’s greatest comebacks and showed follow-on’s double-edged nature.
Situation:
- Australia scored 445 in first innings
- India collapsed to 171, trailing by 274 runs
- Australia enforced follow-on (well above 200-run requirement)
What happened:
- India batted brilliantly in second innings
- VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) put on 376-run partnership
- India scored 657/7 declared in second innings
- Set Australia target of 384 runs
- India bowled Australia out for 212, winning by 171 runs
This legendary victory showed that enforcing follow-on can backfire spectacularly. Australia’s bowlers were exhausted, India gained momentum, and history was made.
Declaration Rule (Law 15)
What it means: A captain can voluntarily end their team’s innings at any time, declaring it closed.
Why declare:
- Set a target with enough time to bowl opposition out
- Avoid batting too long and running out of time
- Create result-driven match situations
Famous declarations:
- India’s aggressive declarations under MS Dhoni
- England’s “Bazball” era declarations to create exciting finishes
- Strategic declarations in drawn series to force results
Both follow-on and declaration rules exist only in Test cricket, adding strategic depth to the longest format.
Format-Wise Batting Rules: Test, ODI, and T20 Comparison
Batting rules in cricket vary significantly across formats. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
| Rule/Aspect | Test Cricket | ODI Cricket | T20 Cricket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Time Limit | 3 minutes | 3 minutes | 90 seconds |
| Innings per Team | 2 (usually) | 1 | 1 |
| Field Restrictions | None | Powerplay (1-10 overs), mid-overs restrictions | Powerplay (1-6 overs), stricter restrictions |
| Follow-On | Yes (200-run lead) | No | No |
| Declaration | Yes | No | No |
| Shot Risk Approach | Conservative, build innings | Balanced, accelerate after settling | Aggressive from start |
| Dot Ball Pressure | Minimal | Moderate | Extreme |
| Typical Strike Rate | 40-60 | 70-100 | 120-180 |
| Role of Tail | Can bat long periods | Expected quick runs | Slog or get out |
| DRS Reviews | 2-3 per innings | 1-2 per innings | 1 per innings |
Understanding Powerplay Impact on Batting
ODI Powerplay Rules:
- Overs 1-10: Maximum 2 fielders outside inner circle
- Overs 11-40: Maximum 4 fielders outside inner circle
- Overs 41-50: Maximum 5 fielders outside inner circle
T20 Powerplay Rules:
- Overs 1-6: Maximum 2 fielders outside inner circle
- Overs 7-20: Maximum 5 fielders outside inner circle
These restrictions force batters to adopt different strategies. In T20 powerplays, batters aggressively target boundaries knowing fielding is restricted. In Tests, no such restrictions exist, so batters focus purely on ball quality.
15 Rules of Cricket That Directly Affect Batting
While cricket has 42 laws total, these 15 rules of cricket have the most direct impact on batting:
- 1. Law 5 (The Bat): Specifies bat dimensions—length, width, edge thickness, spine depth. Ensures equipment fairness.
- 2. Law 6 (The Ball): Defines ball weight, circumference, and condition. Batters must adapt to new ball swing and old ball reverse swing.
- 3. Law 14 (Follow-On): Allows team batting first to enforce follow-on if leading by 200+ runs (Tests). Strategic pressure on batters.
- 4. Law 15 (Declaration): Captain can close innings anytime. Affects batting approach in final sessions.
- 5. Law 25 (Retired Batter): Covers retired hurt and retired out. Protects injured players while preventing tactical abuse.
- 6. Law 28 (Fielder Returning): Fielder who leaves field cannot bowl/bat immediately upon return without umpire permission. Affects batting order timing.
- 7. Law 29 (Wicketkeeper): Defines wicketkeeper positioning. Affects stumping danger and shot selection.
- 8. Law 30 (Batter Out of Ground): If any part of bat/body isn’t grounded behind crease, batter can be stumped or run out.
- 9. Law 34 (Hit Ball Twice): Cannot intentionally hit ball twice except to protect wicket. Rare but important rule.
- 10. Law 36 (LBW): Leg Before Wicket rules—ball must hit in line, must be hitting stumps, no edge. Most technical dismissal.
- 11. Law 37 (Obstructing Field): Cannot deliberately obstruct fielders. Results in dismissal.
- 12. Law 38 (Run Out): Occurs when batter is out of crease and stumps are broken. Affects running between wickets.
- 13. Law 39 (Stumped): Wicketkeeper breaks stumps when batter is out of crease while facing delivery. Primarily affects aggressive batters.
- 14. Law 40.1 (Timed Out): New batter must arrive within time limit (3 min Test/ODI, 90 sec T20). Ultra-rare dismissal.
- 15. Law 41.16 (Batsman Leaving Crease): Non-striker leaving crease early can be run out by bowler (Mankading). Controversial but legal.
These 15 laws form the framework within which all batting occurs. Understanding them helps batters avoid dismissals and maximize scoring opportunities.
Batting Rules in Cricket PDF: What Fans Search For?
Many cricket enthusiasts search for batting rules in cricket pdf because they want downloadable, comprehensive guides they can reference offline. While this article provides complete information, a PDF typically includes:
What a Complete Batting Rules PDF Contains:
- Official MCC Laws related to batting (Laws 5, 25, 34, 36-40)
- ICC playing conditions for international cricket
- Format-specific variations (Test, ODI, T20)
- Diagrams showing bat dimensions, crease measurements
- Flowcharts for dismissal types
- Examples of rare dismissals with case studies
- Umpire signal references
- Recent law amendments and updates
Where to Find Official PDFs:
- MCC Official Website: marylebonecricketclub.org (complete Laws of Cricket PDF)
- ICC Website: icc-cricket.com (playing conditions PDFs)
- National Cricket Boards: BCCI, ECB, Cricket Australia publish format-specific guides
Having a PDF reference is helpful for coaches, players, and serious fans who want quick access to official regulations without an internet connection.
The MCC updates its Laws of Cricket PDF regularly, with the latest major revision in 2017 (bat regulations) and updates in 2022 (Mankading clarification).
Frequently Asked Questions About Batting Rules
- Q1: How long does a new batsman have to reach the crease after a wicket falls?
In Test matches and ODIs, the incoming batter must be ready within 3 minutes. In T20 cricket, this reduces to 90 seconds. If they exceed this time, they can be given out “timed out”—though this is extremely rare.
- Q2: Can a batsman change their batting hand (left to right or vice versa) mid-innings?
Yes, batters can switch hands, but they must inform the umpire BEFORE the bowler starts their run-up. The umpire will signal to the fielders that a switch is happening. Some players like Glenn Maxwell occasionally switch hands for specific deliveries.
- Q3: What’s the maximum size allowed for a cricket bat?
Maximum length is 38 inches (96.52 cm), maximum width is 4.25 inches (10.8 cm), edge thickness cannot exceed 40mm, and spine depth is capped at 67mm. These regulations ensure a balance between bat and ball.
- Q4: What does “retired hurt” mean, and can that batter return?
Retired hurt means a batter left the field due to injury or illness. They can return later in the innings to resume batting (with the umpire’s permission). It doesn’t count as a dismissal. This is different from “retired out,” which is a dismissal and doesn’t allow return.
- Q5: Is Mankading (running out the non-striker) legal in all formats?
Yes, it’s completely legal in all formats under Law 41.16. The non-striker must not leave their crease before the bowler releases the ball. If they do, the bowler can run them out. While controversial, MCC moved this from “Unfair Play” to “Run Out” section in 2022, confirming it’s a legitimate dismissal.
- Q6: Can batting order change during an innings?
Yes, teams can send any remaining batter next (except those already dismissed). Strategic promotion or demotion is common—for example, sending a pinch-hitter in T20s or using a nightwatchman in Tests. The only exception is batters who retired hurt—they can return at any position.
- Q7: What happens if a batsman deliberately hits the ball twice?
Hitting the ball twice is only legal if done to protect the wicket (preventing ball from hitting stumps). If a batter intentionally hits the ball twice for any other reason—especially to score runs—they are given out under Law 34.
Conclusion: Mastering the Rules of Cricket from a Batter’s Perspective
Understanding batting rules in cricket transforms how you watch, play, and analyze the game.
From the technical specifications of bat dimensions to the split-second decisions about leaving the crease, every aspect of batting operates within a framework designed to balance tradition, fairness, and excitement.
The rules of cricket aren’t arbitrary—they evolved over centuries to create the sport we love today.
Whether you’re studying batting rules in cricket India for local tournaments, coaching youth players, or simply want to appreciate professional cricket more deeply, knowing these regulations reveals the game’s beautiful complexity.
Test cricket’s follow-on and declaration rules add strategic depth. ODI and T20 regulations accelerate scoring through powerplays and shorter entry times.
Across all formats, batters must balance aggression with discipline, creativity with legality, and individual brilliance with team needs—all while operating within cricket’s comprehensive laws.
The next time you watch a match, you’ll notice these rules in action: batters carefully staying behind the crease, umpires checking bat dimensions, teams managing time limits, and players making split-second decisions about legal versus illegal play.
This knowledge enriches your cricket experience, whether you’re playing, coaching, or enjoying from the stands.
Cricket remains the beautiful game it is because these rules ensure fair play, reward skill, and create moments of brilliance within a structured framework.
Understanding them makes you a better player, a smarter fan, and a deeper appreciator of cricket’s rich tradition.
