Fielders, Captains and Batsmen

[missingleg]

Folks,

I've been reading through the MCC Laws in preparation for the upcoming season and a few points struck me as not being thoroughly covered. Any help with the following would be much appreciated:

1) The laws state that a fielder must ask permission to return to the field, and that penalty runs should be administered if he comes into contact with the ball upon returning without permission.

However, does this just mean in the case of a fielder immediately returning as the ball reaches him, or does it apply through the innings until he informs the umpire? He could be standing in the field for an hour before fielding the ball, and the umpires would have noticed his return. Do we simply ignore him and wait for him to come into contact with the ball?


2) Can a captain over-ride any appeal from any or all of his players? For example, if a batsman picks up the ball without permission in order to return it to the fielding team and players genuinely appeal for a dismissal 'obstructed the field', can the captain alone revoke this appeal, despite being out-numbered? Does the responsibility of appeals lie solely with the captain?


3) A batsman can be out 'obstructed the field' if he wilfully intercepts a ball from a fielder. Can a 'wilful obstruction' be interpreted as a batsman deliberately running between wicket and wicket in line with the fielder with the ball and stumps, thus making it impossible for him to be run out? For example, a batsman may run diagonally with his back to the ball and then be hit by that ball, which would/could have hit the stumps.


Thank you in advance for any advice or information.

[blackbeard]

1) There is no time limit. However if you notice a player returning without permission it would be poor umpiring if you did nothing until he came in contact several overs later. If you genuinley did not know he returned then you would be justified. But check with the other umpire as he may have given the nod.

2) A captain can withdraw any appeal successful or not, but should this be to gain an unfair advantage the umpire will uphold the first appeal. Only the captain can withdraw an appeal,

3) Any wilful act will be given out obstructing the field. Running into line of the throw could well be wilful

Tom Smith's book has all the answers you will ever need,

[johnfgolding]

Hi,

1) Remember Law 43. Success is totally based on a common sense interpretation of the laws. Knowledge of the laws are the tools of the trade. Man management, common sense are the methods used.
There are documented quotes used in the GL6 Keep the game running (or at least in the GL6 course I took) by First Class Umpires that are very sound advice.

[Number 6]

missingleg said:

2) Can a captain over-ride any appeal from any or all of his players? For example, if a batsman picks up the ball without permission in order to return it to the fielding team and players genuinely appeal for a dismissal 'obstructed the field', can the captain alone revoke this appeal, despite being out-numbered? Does the responsibility of appeals lie solely with the captain?

Assuming the umpire has already raised the finger the captain can ask for the appeal to be rescinded. However, it's the umpires decision whether or not to accept the retraction. If the umpire decides, for whatever reason that the appeal should stand then that's it. Likewise if an appeal has been made and the umpire hasn't raised the finger it's still his decision whether to give the batsman out or not.

Also, if the out batsman has already left the field then he can't be recalled anyway.

Pete