MCC announces intended changes to Law 41.7
MCC today (14 November 2018) announced that it has amended Law 41.7,
the Law which concerns the bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries (beamers).
“The Law was published just over twelve months ago which imposed stricter penalties on a bowler who delivers a full toss over the batsman’s waist.
Since its introduction, feedback has been received which suggests strongly that the new sanctions were overly severe (especially to younger bowlers). I have to agree here.
In many cases, Governing Bodies introduced their own playing conditions that rendered the new Law irrelevant.
In response to this feedback, the Laws sub-committee has reviewed Law 41.7 and – with the support of the Cricket committee, World Cricket committee and MCC Committee – agreed that it should be adjusted, with effect from 1st April 2019, to allow umpires to make a more subjective decision over which deliveries are dangerous.
Common sense – and fairer to all Junior Fast Bowlers who in my opinion never bowl a beamer deliberately. You could also argue Adults don’t either.
I do acknowledge the reasons e.g to avoid injury or life threatening injury, regardless of the pace of the ball “slow” of “fast”
I also agree with the change just over 12 months ago – which made it an immediate offence e.g. bowl a second one and that bowler will be removed from the bowling attack for the rest of the innings. The games I play that would be they can no longer bowl in the match,
Common Sense should prevail, I think it will with effect from 1 April 2019 Umpires can make more subjective decisions over which deliveries are dangerous.
A non pitching delivery that is miles over or wide of the striker – I would probably call wide – although should be a no ball – but in my view not dangerous therefore a wide.
The debate will continue during and after every cricket match, history tells me that. Depending on your level of cricket will be complicated perhaps my Player Umpires(s) not knowing or mis interpreting the Laws of Cricket differently around this issue.
More information:
MCC announcement :
https://www.lords.org/news/2018/november/mcc-announces-intended-changes-to-law-41-7/
MCC Proposed Law Change PDF file :
https://www.lords.org/assets/Uploads/Law-Change-41.7-v6.pdf
The Laws of Cricket :
https://www.lords.org/mcc/laws-of-cricket/
My Local Officials Association, The Surrey Association of Cricket Officials :
https://www.surreycricketofficials.org.uk/
A Brilliant App in your hands on your Smart Mobile phone :
https://www.lords.org/mcc/laws-of-cricket/the-laws-of-cricket-app/
Cricket Helmet Information :
www.paulgriffiths.info/helmets
this page was last updated and reviewed 18 November 2018
