Some weird and uncommon cricket rules

Umpire Ian Howell awarding a leg-bye to the batting team

The Dead-Ball and Leg-Byes rule

Ever wondered why it is not out as caught when the ball sometimes finds a way to get stuck in the batsman’s pads? Well, Rule 23 of the MCC comes to the rescue in this case. The rule states that though the ball never came in contact with the ground, the ball is dead as soon as ‘it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.’

Another interesting rule related to the dead ball is that if the batsman does not offer a shot and the ball ricochets from any part of his body, he cannot take a run off that delivery unless:

“(i) attempted to play the ball with his bat

or (ii) tried to avoid being hit by the ball.”

This means that a batsman can take a run only if he was either attempting a shot or taking evasive action. If he was merely shouldering arms to the delivery, the runs will not be added to the scoring book.

However, this is only if the ball comes in contact with the body. If the batsman offers no shot and the keeper fumbles, a bye can be stolen even if evasive action weren’t being taken.

And you thought the rules were easy?