Format & Rules
Summary of Official Rules of the ACST
(MCC Laws of Cricket are followed, except where otherwise stipulated)
- Each team entering is asked before the start of their first game to submit to the organizers a list of their nominated players (maximum of eight for Sixes) from which six for each game will be drawn.
- A team needing a replacement because of a serious injury may nominate a player not named in the original squad.
- One player from each team will act as captain and will be responsible for nominating the players for each match as well as the time-keeping and conduct of their team.
- Each game is played between teams of six players and consists of a maximum of five six-ball overs bowled by each side. Each player apart from the wicket-keeper must bowl one over and the wicket-keeper cannot be changed during the match.
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Runs and extras are scored in accordance with the laws of cricket with the following exceptions:
- A wide counts as four extras and is not re-bowled unless it is the last ball of the fifth over in either innings. The innings must conclude with a legitimate ball. The ball is considered dead after the call of wide.
- A no ball shall count as two extras to the batting side and an extra ball shall be bowled.
- A batsman must retire not out on reaching a personal score of 30 runs but may return if one of the last pair of batsmen is out before the completion of the five overs. Retired batsmen must return in their original batting order.
- The last remaining not out batsman will continue batting and will be declared out if his partner is run out. The innings is concluded at the fall of the sixth wicket.
- Batsmen are not allowed to get out deliberately and substitution is only allowed for serious injury during the match.
- The match is won by the side scoring the most runs after the completion of the overs and if scores are level the side losing the fewer wickets will be declared the winners, and if wickets lost are the same, the team which has scored more runs from the bat are the winners.
- Points are awarded as follows: four points to the winning side; two points to each side in the event of a tie; one point to the losing side and no points to a side which forfeits the match.
- Bonus points are awarded for scoring 70 runs or taking four or more wickets. The winning team will gain a point for reaching their target in four overs or less; the losing team will gain a point for reaching 80 per cent of their opponents’ score or taking the match into the fifth over.
- If points are level the following criteria are used to determine final positions in any table: the team winning more matches; the team scoring highest number of runs per ball (excluding wides), the team losing fewer wickets.
- In the event of a tie in a play-off round when wickets lost are the same, teams will bowl alternate overs until a winner is decided.
- The competition is a club cricketers’ tournament in which each team is allowed to field one current first-class player or retired international player in any match.
Sevens Rules
Matches with seven players per team and five overs aside. Before the match the captain will nominate his five bowlers meaning that one player along with the wicket-keeper will not bowl.
The innings finishes at the fall of the sixth wicket but there will be no last man standing and retired players are not allowed to return to the crease.
Spirit of Cricket
Preamble to the Laws of Cricket:
Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket.
The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.
Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
Play hard and play fair.
Accept the umpire’s decision.
Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.