Navigation
Accessibility Buy tickets Search
Buy tickets

Law 10

Covering the pitch

Setting up the game Back to laws

10.1 Before the match

The use of covers before the match is the responsibility of the Ground Authority and may include full covering if required.

However, the Ground Authority shall grant suitable facility to the captains to inspect the pitch before the nomination of their players and to the umpires to discharge their duties as laid down in Laws 2 (The umpires), 6 (The pitch), 7 (The creases), 8 (The wickets), and 9 (Preparation and maintenance of the playing area).

10.2 During the match

Unless determined otherwise before the toss, on each night of the match and in inclement weather at any time during the match

10.2.1 the whole pitch and a minimum of 4 ft/1.22 m beyond it at each end shall be covered.

10.2.2 the bowlers’ run-ups, where possible, shall be covered.

10.3 Removal of covers

10.3.1 If after the toss the pitch is covered overnight, the covers shall be removed as soon as practicable on each day that play is expected to take place.

10.3.2 If covers are used during the day as protection from inclement weather, or if inclement weather delays the removal of overnight covers, they shall be removed promptly as soon as conditions allow.

© Marylebone Cricket Club 2017

Want to learn more? Why not take a look into MCC’s eLearning programme on the Laws of Cricket. Concentrating on the teaching of Laws knowledge, the programme is split into two parts. Firstly, the interactive module details the Laws in practice using photos, videos and animations to help explain what can be a complicated subject. Secondly, you can test yourself using a multiple-choice exam-based assessment, which can be taken as many times as you wish. 
You’ll need to be online using a tablet or desktop computer to access the system.

Learn more
Preparation and maintenance of the playing area
Intervals