Innings and the toss
MCC · 2017 Code · 4th edition · 2026Choosing who bats first, the permitted match structure and when an innings is complete.
Law 13 — Agreeing the format
A match has one or two innings per side, as agreed beforehand. An innings may be limited by overs or time. Equivalent limits must apply to both innings of a one-innings match, or to corresponding innings in a two-innings match. Such an agreement must also specify how to determine the result when the ordinary win provisions do not settle it.
In a two-innings match, teams normally alternate innings. The follow-on and forfeiture provisions are exceptions. These Laws do not by themselves make every cricket match a particular T20, ODI or Test competition format.
Law 13 — Completion and the toss
An innings ends when the side is all out; when a wicket or retirement leaves no further batter available despite balls remaining; when it is validly declared or forfeited; or when its agreed overs or time limit is reached.
The captains toss on the field with at least one umpire present, between 30 and 15 minutes before the scheduled or rescheduled start. The winner immediately chooses to bat or field and informs the opposition and umpires. That choice cannot then be changed.
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