Players, captains and replacements

Law 1 — The team

Normally each side has 11 players, including a captain. A different team size may be agreed, but no more than 11 may field at once. If a team loses players during the match, play continues whenever the Laws and pre-toss agreements still allow it.

Each captain gives an umpire a written list of players before the toss. After nomination, a replacement needs the opposing captain’s consent; the replacing team must notify umpires and scorers.

Law 1 — A replacement inherits the player’s position

A replacement is treated as the original nominated player for these Laws. They cannot bat in an innings in which that player has already finished batting. Unserved penalty time, warnings and suspensions transfer to the replacement. This is distinct from permission for a substitute fielder under Law 24.

Law 1 — Leadership and fair play

Captains must uphold both the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket. A deputy acts when the captain is unavailable. Someone associated with the team may nominate players for an absent captain, but after nomination only a nominated player may perform the captain’s duties, including at the toss.