Law 28           THE WICKET IS DOWN

1. A bail must be completely removed from the top of the stumps for the wicket to be put down. If a bail lodges between two stumps, it has been completely removed from the top of the stumps.

2. The wicket will be broken when one or both bails are removed from the top of the stumps or a stump is struck out of the ground by :-
(a) the ball
(b) the strikers bat, whether holding it or having let go of it
(c) the strikers person or by any part of his clothing or equipment become detached from him.
(d) a fielder, with his hand or arm, providing the ball is held in the hand so used.

3. An umpire should only remake the wicket when the ball is "Dead". However, a fielder may remake the wicket at any time by replacing a bail or putting back one or more stumps where the wicket originally stood.

4. The law makes it clear that it is for the umpires to decide when the bails are to be dispensed with e.g. high wind etc. Having agreed to dispense with the bails, it is for the umpire concerned to decide whether the wicket has been broken or not.

Return to INDEX