Substitutes, absences, retirement and runners

Law 24 — Substitute fielders

Umpires may allow a substitute for an injury or illness arising during the match, or another wholly acceptable reason. A substitute cannot bowl or captain the side and may keep wicket only with umpire approval. A nominated player can return even after a substitute has fielded for them.

An absent fielder must explain the absence to an umpire and obtain permission to return during a session. Briefly crossing the boundary while fielding is not an absence, but all fielders must be inside when the ball is delivered. A returning player who touches the live ball without permission causes Dead ball, 5 Penalty runs and a replacement delivery; completed runs and a crossed run in progress also count.

Laws 24–25 — Penalty time

An absence normally creates an equal amount of playing-time debt before the player may bowl, with unserved Penalty time capped at 90 minutes and carried between days and innings. Further absences add to the remaining debt. An external blow during the match can exempt a justified absence; ordinary illness or internal injury does not qualify for that exemption.

Unscheduled stoppages can count once the player is able to participate and satisfies the notification and return conditions. Disciplinary suspensions have separate treatment. A player with time still to serve cannot begin batting or act as a runner, although batting is allowed once the side has lost 5 wickets. Batting-side playing time also serves the debt, subject to the suspension and stoppage rules.

Law 25 — Retirement

A batter may retire while the ball is dead after the umpire is told why. Illness, injury or another unavoidable cause permits resumption; otherwise the opposing captain’s consent is required. If the innings is not resumed, the record is Retired – not out for the first category and Retired – out for the other. Resumption is possible only at a wicket or another retirement.

Law 25 — Runners and their responsibilities

These MCC Laws permit a runner with umpire approval for a running-limiting injury sustained during the match or another wholly acceptable reason. The runner must be a nominated team member with no unserved Penalty time, carry a bat and wear equivalent external protection. Use someone whose innings is already completed where possible, changing to such a player when one becomes available.

The batter bears the consequences of the runner’s breaches, including Run out and Obstructing the field. When striking with a runner, the batter’s own ground always remains at the wicket-keeper’s end. The runner and non-striker have their own ground assignments. A striker out of that ground can be Run out or Stumped under the detailed conditions even if the runner is safe; the special dismissal can disallow the running runs.

The striker’s runner must stay grounded behind the popping crease until the ball reaches the striker or passes that crease, whichever occurs first. Leaving early prevents running runs: the umpire delays Dead ball to allow a first run, boundary or catch, then disallows runs while retaining applicable penalties except the unused-helmet penalty. A batter using a runner who is not on strike stands where directed and remains responsible for obstruction and unfair play.