LAW 1 – DISMISSAL

1a – First Ball

No player can be dismissed first ball.The purpose of this law is to ensure your sports-averse cousin will at least feel compelled to field for a little bit after you get him out 2nd ball.

1b – Auto Wickie

The ‘auto wickie’ also known as ‘electric wickie’ vary from ground to ground. Some venues will use a physical structure, such as a wheelie bin or tool shed, and others may be blessed with gardens that can make for entire slips cordons.Should your venue lack these options, the general rule used will be ‘nick it and you’re gone’, as the auto-wickie never drops a catch. Its Adam Gilchrist!

1c – One Hand One Bounce

The law was developed for when the fielder has their other hand occupied with a beverage or an aussie taco (see ‘sausage in bread’).The One Hand, One Bounce law encourages fast play where shots into the ground are still at risk of being caught.  Fielders must take the catch with one hand cleanly without juggling off of a single bounce from the ground. 

1d – No LBW

The bowler can never be trusted to form an impartial view on the bona fides of any LBW appeal.Therefore, an appeal for LBW is automatically declined the moment the appeal begins.

1e – Six And Out

Selfishly hitting the ball over the fence shall lead to the following procedure being enacted:

  1. The batsman shall be awarded 6 runs; and
  2. The batsman will be deemed Out; and
  3. The batsman must recover the ball. In the event that the ball is unrecoverable, the following procedure shall be enacted:

1) A new ball shall be found; and

2) Should a new ball be found, the batsman who lost the previous ball will no longer be allowed to bat; and

3) Should no new balls be available, all players shall gather in front of the BBQ and remind the batsman what a terrible human being they are.

1f – DRS

Any child under the age of 14 may ask for a review from an adult once per innings. Tears are known to be an effective way to sway the review in your favour.  A person of any age may ask for a review by the cooker of the BBQ.

1g – Run Out

A player will be deemed Run Out if the fielding team throws down either wicket with the batsman out of his ground. If no umpire is present, the fielding team shall determine whether the batsman has made his ground. If there are no stumps at the bowler’s end, the ‘magic wickets’ rule shall come into effect, with all throws to be considered direct hits.

LAW 2 – BOWLING

2a – Standard Over

The bowler will continue to bowl until either:

  1. The batsman asks how many balls left. The bowler is to reply “two” and finish out the over; or
  2. Another fielder asks how many balls left. The bowler is to reply “two” and finish the over.

 

 

2b – Legal Delivery

Underarm bowling is acceptable only for those under 15 years of age.

The bowling crease shall be loosely marked, either by a crack in the driveway concrete or an imaginary mark on the grass.

LAW 3 – BATTING

3a – Tip and Run

When the batsman touches the ball with the bat, regardless of the strike of the ball, the batsman is obligated to run.

3b – Runners

Batsman can utilise a runner when:

  1. Batsman is a father;
  2. Batsman weighs over 100 kilograms
  3. Batsman has a legitimate injury preventing running between wickets.When engaging a runner they must be under the age of 14.

LAW 4 – EQUIPMENT

4a – Esky

The esky shall be placed at either end.The esky shall be filled with ice and beer.The esky can act as the wicket.

4b – Balls

Only tennis balls shall be allowed.Taped tennis balls may be used where the pitch is rated dead

4c. Dog

Any ball caught by the dog is Out. Any slobber on the ball is bad luck and must be taken care of by the bowler.Should the dog take off with the ball for an extended period, the batsman is permitted to take a maximum of four runs.

4d – Bat

Only bats with well worn grips, a fake signature or a Gray Nicolls moniker may be used.Visiting players may bring their own equipment.Double scoops are prohibited.

LAW 5 – THE SPIRIT OF BACKYARD CRICKET

5a – End of Match

The game shall be deemed over when:

  1. The sausages are ready; or
  2. All the balls have been lost; or
  3. An Aussie century beckons on the TV; or
  4. Bad light stopped play

5b – Property Damage:

All flower damage shall be deemed to have occurred prior to the start of play. Depending on the host, the same excuse will apply to dents in the shed and/or car.