Crossing while the ball is in the air does not normally decide who faces the next delivery after a catch. The new batter usually takes the striker’s end.
When a catch is taken
Picture two batters running as a shot goes high into the air. They cross before the fielder holds the catch. That crossing does not send the surviving batter to face the next ball. The new batter takes the striker’s end, except where the end-of-over rule changes the outcome.
Sorting out the ends
The umpire gives the caught decision on appeal and makes sure the batters go to the correct ends. The scorer records the wicket as caught and credits the bowler. Runs from the delivery do not count merely because the batters crossed.
The last ball is different
Always check whether the catch came on the last valid ball of an over. Avoid telling new players that crossing never matters without explaining this exception.
These examples explain the general MCC Laws. International matches and local competitions can use different playing conditions. For an official decision, check the full law and the rules for your match.
Check the official law
MCC reference: Law 18, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026). Read the official MCC Laws of Cricket.
Open the interactive Cricket Laws Centre →Cricstars independent learning resource · Source edition: MCC 2026 · Prepared 21 October 2026. Not an official MCC or ICC ruling.