The court is divided into two
halves with the dividing line being the non-striker’s
running crease. No more than 4 fielders may field
in either half of the court from the moment the bowler
commences their run up until the ball leaves the bowler’s
hand. On the line is considered in the other half.
If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call
“No Ball”.
Fielders on Pitch
With the exception of the bowler, no fielder (including
a wicket keeper), can move on or extend over the pitch
from the commencement of the bowler’s run up
until the ball is played at by the batter or passes
the striker’s wickets. If this rule is contravened,
the umpire will call “No Ball”.
B.Exclusion Zone
An Exclusion Zone will be marked
in an arc extending at a radius of 3 metres from the
batting crease. No fielder can move on or extend over
the Exclusion Zone from the commencement of the bowler’s
run up until the ball is played at by the striker
or passes the striker’s wickets. A wicket keeper
may move into the Exclusion Zone after the ball has
been bowled, provided they are legitimately getting
in position to field the ball, and they do not pass
forward of the imaginary line through the stumps.
If this rule is contravened, the umpire will call
“No Ball”.
C. Wicket Keeper
1. A fielder is classified
as a wicket keeper if they take up position behind
the stumps at the striker’s end in the area
designated for the wicket keeper.
2. The area designated for
the wicket keeper is between the imaginary lines extending
along the extremities of the pitch to the back net
and the line running at right angles through the stumps
at the striker’s end. (See diagram on court
layout.)
3. The wicket keeper must take
up a position with both feet wholly inside the designated
area and cannot move out of that area until the ball
leaves the bowler’s hand. If this rule is contravened,
the umpire will call “No Ball”.
4. A wicket keeper may move
into the Exclusion Zone after the ball has been bowled
provided they are legitimately getting into position
to field the ball, and they do not pass forward of
the imaginary line through the stumps. If this rule
is contravened, the umpire will call “No Ball”.
5. The wicket keeper cannot
take the ball either in front of or from the side
of the wickets, with the exception of when the ball
strikes the batter’s person or equipment. If
this rule is contravened, the umpire will call “No
Ball”.
6. The wearing of gloves by
the wicket keeper is optional. (See Rule 5C –
Playing Equipment).
