New ECB rules and regulations for domestic cricket in 2014

Super Over and coloured crease markings set for domestic cricket from 2014 and a new cut-off time for incoming T20 batsmen

ECB has announced a series of changes to its rules and regulations for First Class cricket from next season which will include the wider use of the Super Over concept, the advent of coloured crease markings and a new 60-second cut off time for incoming batsmen in NatWest T20 cricket.

The key changes, which were proposed by the ECB’s Cricket Committee and approved by the ECB Board yesterday, will also see ECB adopt a number of regulations which are currently used at international level into its three main domestic competitions.

Commenting on the changes, ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: “These changes are designed to make our domestic game even more spectator and viewer-friendly as well as bring the county game into line with rule changes which have been successfully implemented at international level by the ICC. They will come into force along with the new county schedule next season and are the product of extensive consultation and discussion with all our key stakeholders in the domestic game.”

The changes in summary:

‘Finning’

In relation to a bowler who breaks the wicket as they deliver the ball, ECB will adopt the Law change recently made by MCC stating that this is now a ‘No Ball’ and this will apply in all domestic cricket.

Super Over

The introduction of a Super Over in all tied NatWest T20 matches – including for the first time in group stages of the competition.

Over Rates

In the NatWest T20 competition, the time allowed for the incoming batsman to be ready at the wicket will be reduced from 90 seconds to 60 seconds.

Points system: LV=County Championship

An extra two points will be available for a draw in order to provide greater reward for hard-fought draws and matches where bad weather has affected the outcome. This will mean five points in total for a draw, 16 for a win. Bonus points remain unchanged.

Coloured Crease Markings

Alternative colours to white may be used as crease markings from next season – subject to successful trials. This change is designed to make crease markings easier to see for both spectators and TV viewers.

Royal London One-Day Cup

ODI playing conditions will be replicated in the Royal London One-Day Cup wherever possible and two new balls will be used.

Heavy Roller

A heavy roller, should it be made available, may only be used once by each per team per match for a maximum of seven minutes in LV= County Championship fixtures. However the decision on whether to make a heavy roller available or not will rest with the home team and this will also apply in the one-day competitions. A light roller must always be available.

TV Umpire and foot-fault No balls:ICC regulations will apply in domestic cricket. At the request of the on-field Umpire at the bowler’s end, the TV Umpire should check for a No Ball – for dismissals only.

TV Umpire and waist-high full tosses: Waist high full tosses will be reviewed by the Third Umpire at the request of the on-field Umpire at the bowler’s end for dismissals only. Any benefit of doubt should be with the batsman.