Cricstars · Cricket learning library
16 cricket law questions, explained clearly
Find answers to common decisions from grassroots matches. Each guide has a match example, an umpire explanation and a scoring note.
These learning guides cover the 2026 MCC Laws. Always check your competition’s playing conditions before making an official match decision.
Can a batter be run out on a no-ball?Yes. A no-ball protects the batter from most dismissals, but not from a run out.Can a batter be stumped off a wide?Yes. A wide does not stop a stumping.Does a no-ball count as a ball in the over?No. The bowler has to bowl another ball.When is it a no-ball?Most often for the front foot, but there are other reasons too.What makes a ball a wide?If the batter can’t reach it with a normal shot, it is a wide.What is the difference between a bye and a leg bye?A bye misses the batter. A leg bye hits the batter’s body.What happens when the ball hits a helmet on the ground?The batting side gets 5 penalty runs.Can a fielder touch the boundary while catching the ball?No. If the fielder touches the boundary, or the ground beyond it, while touching the ball, it is not a catch.What happens when the batters cross during a catch?It does not matter. The new batter goes to the striker’s end.Can the bowler run out the non-striker before bowling?Yes. It is a normal run out under the Laws.Is a direct hit on the stumps always a run out?Only if the batter is out of their ground when the wicket is broken.How does the umpire decide LBW?The umpire asks a few simple questions, in order.Can an umpire change their decision?Yes, but only if they do it quickly.When does the ball become dead?When it is settled with the keeper or bowler, reaches the boundary, or a wicket falls.How are overthrows scored now?The 2026 Laws give a clearer meaning of an overthrow.What happens if a wicket falls in the last over of the day?In multi-day cricket, the over is now finished with a new batter.
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