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Men's Test Match Clause 9: Preparation and Maintenance of the Playing Area

9. Preparation and Maintenance of the Playing Area

  • 9.1. RollingThe pitch shall not be rolled during the match except as permitted in clauses 9.1.1 and 9.1.2.

    • 9.1.1. Frequency and duration of rolling

      During the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the batting side, for a period of not more than 7 minutes, before the start of each innings, other than the first innings of the match, and before the start of each subsequent day’s play. See clause 9.1.4.

    • 9.1.2. Rolling after a delayed start

      In addition to the rolling permitted above, if, after the toss and before the first innings of the match, the start is delayed, the captain of the batting side may request that the pitch be rolled for not more than 7 minutes. However, if the umpires together agree that the delay has had no significant effect on the state of the pitch, they shall refuse such request for rolling of the pitch.

    • 9.1.3. Choice of rollers

If there is more than one roller available the captain of the batting side shall choose which one is to be used. - 9.1.4. Timing of permitted rolling

    The rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes) before play begins on any day shall be started not more than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin. The captain of the batting side may, however, delay the start of such rolling until not less than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin.

The following shall apply in addition to clause 9.1: - 9.1.5. Prior to the scheduled time for the toss, the artificial drying of the pitch and outfield shall be at the discretion of the Ground Authority. Thereafter and throughout the match the drying of the outfield may be undertaken at any time by the Ground Authority, but the drying of the affected area of the pitch shall be carried out only on the instructions and under the supervision of the umpires.The umpires shall be empowered to have the pitch dried without reference to the captains at any time they are of the opinion that it is unfit for play. - 9.1.6 The umpires may instruct the Ground Authority to use any available equipment, including any roller for the purpose of drying the pitch and making it fit for play. - An absorbent roller may be used to remove water from the covers including the cover on the match pitch.

  • 9.2. Clearing debris from the pitch

    • 9.2.1. The pitch shall be cleared of any debris

      • 9.2.1.1. before the start of each day’s play. This shall be after the completion of mowing and before any rolling, not earlier than 30 minutes nor later than 10 minutes before the time or any rescheduled time for start of play.
      • 9.2.1.2. between innings. This shall precede rolling if any is to take place.
      • 9.2.1.3. at all intervals for meals.

    • 9.2.2. The clearance of debris in clause 9.2.1 shall be done by sweeping, except where the umpires consider that this may be detrimental to the surface of the pitch. In this case the debris must be cleared from that area by hand, without sweeping.

    • 9.2.3. In addition to clause 9.2.1, debris may be cleared from the pitch by hand, without sweeping, before mowing and whenever either umpire considers it necessary.

  • 9.3. Mowing

    • 9.3.1. Responsibility for mowing

      • 9.3.1.1. All mowings which are carried out before the match shall be the sole responsibility of the Ground Authority.
      • 9.3.1.2. All subsequent mowings shall be carried out under the supervision of the umpires.

    • 9.3.2. The pitch and outfield

      In order that throughout the match the ground conditions should be as nearly the same for both sides as possible, both the pitch and the outfield shall be mown on each day of the match on which play is expected to take place, if ground and weather conditions permit.

      If, for reasons other than conditions of ground or weather, complete mowing of the outfield is not possible, the Ground Authority shall notify the captains and umpires of the procedure to be adopted for such mowing during the match.

    • 9.3.3. Timing of mowing

      • 9.3.3.1. Mowing of the pitch on any day shall be completed not later than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day, before any sweeping prior to rolling. If necessary, debris may be removed from the pitch before mowing, by hand, without sweeping. See clause 9.2.3
      • 9.3.3.2. Mowing of the outfield on any day shall be completed not later than 15 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin on that day.
  • 9.4. Watering the pitchThe pitch shall not be watered during the match.
  • 9.5. Re-marking creasesCreases shall be re-marked whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
  • 9.6. Maintenance of footholesThe umpires shall ensure that the holes made by the bowlers and batsmen are cleaned out and dried whenever necessary to facilitate play.

The umpires shall allow, if necessary, the returfing of footholes made by the bowlers in their delivery strides, or the use of quick-setting fillings for the same purpose.

In addition, the umpires shall see that wherever possible and whenever it is considered necessary, action is taken during all intervals in play to do whatever is practicable to improve the bowler’s footholes. As soon as possible after the conclusion of each day’s play, bowler’s footholes will be repaired.

  • 9.7. Securing of footholds and maintenance of pitchDuring play, umpires shall allow the players to secure their footholds by the use of sawdust provided that no damage to the pitch is caused and that clause 41 (Unfair play) is not contravened.

  • 9.8. Watering the outfieldThe watering of the outfield will be permitted during the match subject to the following:

    • 9.8.1. Such watering shall only be possible if the “watering plan” is requested by the Ground Authority and approved by the umpires before the match has started. Once the match has started, any such request will not be considered.
    • 9.8.2. The consent of the captains is not required, but the umpires shall advise both captains and the ICC Match Referee before the start of the match on what has been agreed
    • 9.8.3. The watering shall occur as soon as possible after the conclusion of the day’s play. 1
    • 9.8.4. The watering shall only be carried out to the extent that it is necessary to retain the good condition of the outfield
    • 9.8.5. The square and bowlers’ run ups will be adequately covered prior to any watering taking place
    • 9.8.6. All ongoing matters of interpretation and implementation of watering requirements and regulations shall be resolved between the umpires and Ground Authority, but with the umpires retaining ultimate discretion over whether to approve any watering.

  • 9.9. Protection and preparation of adjacent pitches during matchesThe protection (by way of an appropriate cover) and preparation of pitches which are adjacent to the match pitch will be permitted during the match subject to the following:

    • 9.9.1. Such measures will only be possible if requested by the Ground Authority and approved by the umpires before the start of the match.
    • 9.9.2. Approval should only be granted where such measures are unavoidable and will not compromise the safety of the players or their ability to execute their actions with complete freedom.
    • 9.9.3. The preparation work shall be carried out under the supervision of the fourth umpire.
    • 9.9.4. Any necessary watering shall be carried out only to the extent necessary for such preparations and shall not be permitted in circumstances which may in any way affect the match pitch.
    • 9.9.5. The consent of the captains is not required but the umpires shall advise both captains and the ICC Match Referee before the start of the match on what has been agreed.