By Karen Knott

Looking out the window first thing Saturday morning the hopes of the New West Lancashire league finally starting was not good as steady drizzle was falling. However the rain did stop and we had some sunshine but not enough to dry out some grounds. Most Matches were able to start even with reduced overs played.

The Executive and Clubs have worked very hard to get the league up and running with new MCC laws and local regulations to get their heads around especially for the old Bolton league sides, as well as the umpires, as the new playing conditions were based on the Ribblesdale league rules which I will deal with next week.

First, I will look at the new MCC laws. You may have seen TV coverage of matches round the world where these laws have been in operation in the southern hemisphere since October 2022. A striker who is caught is replaced by a new batter who faces the next ball from the same end as the previous striker. If they have crossed in running, the new batter still faces the next delivery unless the wicket falls at the end of the over. We saw this in the 100 competition last season.

Last season if there was significant movement of a fielder during a bowlers run up then dead ball was called. That will still happen but 5 penalty runs will be issued to the batting side. This includes significant movement of the wicket keeper as well.

In the case of running out the non-striker by the bowler, in other words “mankading,” then once the bowler’s arm has reached the highest point of delivery the batsman can move out of his crease as he expects the ball to be delivered and not be run out by the bowler throwing the ball and breaking the wickets

No saliva is to be used to shine the ball. This is treated as changing the condition of the ball and the umpires can ask the opposing captain if he wishes for the ball to be changed and will issue 5 penalty runs. A further instance could lead to the bowler being suspended.

If a batter’s helmet falls onto the wickets, then he is not out. It’s the same with the protective neck piece. If that falls onto the wickets then he is not out.

So, it has been a busy winter for many people with hard work for league officials, clubs, umpires and scorers to get the new league off to a good start which from all accounts it has.