Fielding restrictions (cricket)

From ArticleWorld

Fielding Restrictions are a relatively new introduction to cricket, however the strict application of these rules currently only applies to the shortened one-day version of the sport. The rule was introduced to allow the batting team to score runs more freely and to temporarily hinder the fielding team, leading to more runs being scored and subsequently more excitement for spectators. The fielding team may only have nine fielders at any one time, with a wicket keeper and bowler being mandatory positions.

Standard Rules

The standard cricket pitch an invisible circle with the radius of 30 yards or 27 metres stretches from the centre of the pitch, and it is this line that divides the infield from the outfield. A second metaphorical circle with a radius of 15 yards, roughly 13.7 metres surrounds the batsman, thus marking the close infield. Test cricket has only basic fielding restrictions to adhere to the laws of the game and to uphold safety. These rules are also shared with one-day internationals and all other forms of the expanding sport. One restriction stipulates that only two fielders are allowed in the space between square leg and long stop. This rule was enforced to prevent the use of the outlawed bodyline bowling tactic, in which bowlers would deliberately bounce the ball into the unprotected areas of a batsman. The second universal fielding restriction states that a maximum of 5 players may be employed in the outfield and a minimum of 2 to guard the off side throughout the match.

One-day Restrictions

The one-day fielding restrictions are a more complex than those of the standard rules, but unlike these rules the one-day restrictions are employed to keep games flowing and to increase the run rate. The first rule prevents more than two fielders from being present in the outfield during the first ten overs of the 50 over match, and a minimum of 2 fielders must be deployed in the close infield area. The only instance in which the 10 over fielding restrictions are not employed is in the case of a shortened match, ordinarily due to bad weather or light, in which case 30% of the overall overs will be subject to these restrictions. Following the 10 over restriction the captain must employ two further fielding restrictions, which are referred to as power plays. During these shortened periods the same restrictions apply as in the 10 over opening power play 1, the only difference being that captains are able to choose the overs in which they are applied. This relatively new rule was first used in the England – Australia one day international on July 7th 2005.