Index

Illegal fielding


A fielder may use only his person to field the ball. The Laws do not permit him to use his clothing or any equipment

For example, if a fielder were to put on a glove that had been discarded by his wicket-keeper, and then touch the ball with this gloved hand, with the ball still in play, he would be guilty of 'illegal fielding'. Should 'illegal fielding' occur, the ball is 'dead' and an immediate 5 run penalty is awarded to the batting side


If the ball lodges accidentally in a fielder`s clothing, this is not a breach of the Law. Indeed there are several recorded instances of a fair catch having been taken, when the ball has become entrapped inside a partly unbuttoned fielder`s shirt


The most common instance of 'illegal fielding' occurs when the fielding side has brought a protective helmet on to the field. When it is not being worn, it may be placed on the ground behind the wicket keeper in line with the stumps. If the ball, in play, then touches this helmet (or indeed any item deliberately discarded by a member of the fielding side), the ball becomes 'dead' and the 5 run penalty is awarded