1. DURATION OF MATCHES AND COMPOSITION OF TEAM
1.1 Mercantile Mutual Cup Matches shall be of one day's scheduled duration. The matches will consist of one innings per side and each innings will be limited to 50 six-ball overs. A minimum of 15 overs per team shall constitute a match. (Finals a mi nimum of 25 overs per team).
1.2 A team shall consist of twelve players.
Eleven fieldsmen only shall be on the field of play at any one time.
One player in each side shall not be permitted to bat.
Interchange of fieldsmen without restriction is permitted, provided no playing time is wasted.

2. HOURS OF PLAY AND INTERVALS
2.1 Hours of Play
2.1.1 Preliminary Matches
DAY MATCHES
NSW, TAS, VIC, ACT
10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
1.30pm - 2.15pm Lunch
2.15pm - 5.45pm Afternoon Session

QLD
9.00am - 12.30pm Morning Session
12.30pm - 1.15pm Lunch
1.15pm - 4.45pm Afternoon Session

SA
10.00am - 1.30pm Morning Session
1.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch
2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session

DAY/NIGHT MATCHES
QLD,WA
2.30am - 6.00pm Afternoon Session
6.00pm - 6.45pm Tea
6.45pm - 10.15pm Evening Session

SA
2.00pm - 5.30pm Afternoon Session
5.30pm - 6.15pm Tea
6.15pm - 9.45pm Evening Session

2.1.2 Semi Finals and Final
Times and venues to be determined by ACB.
2.1.3 Venues
If it is necessary for ACB to transfer a match, the hours of play applying to the new venue shall be determined by ACB.

There will be two sessions of 3 hours each, separated by a break as per 2.1(a) and 2.1(b).

2.2 Interval Between Innings:
The innings of the team batting second shall not commence before the scheduled time for commencement of the second session unless the team batting first has completed its innings at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interval, in which case a ten minute break will occur and the team batting second will commence its innings and the interval will occur as scheduled.
Where play is delayed or interrupted the Umpires will reduce the length of the interval as follows:-
Time Lost Interval
Up to 60 minutes 30 Minutes
Between 60 and 120 Minutes 20 Minutes
More than 120 Minutes 10 Minutes
Note: Refer also to the provisions of Clause 4.2

2.3 Intervals for Drinks
Two drinks breaks per session shall be permitted, each 1 hour 10 minutes apart. The provisions of Law 16.6 shall be strictly observed except that under conditions of extreme heat the Umpires may permit extra intervals for drinks.
An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the Umpires. Any pla yer taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire.

2.4 Extra Time
Provision has been made for up to 15 minutes of extra official playing time - refer 4.2.1 (a) and 4.2.3.

3. APPOINTMENT OF UMPIRES
The Home State shall appoint all Umpires from its own panel of first-class Umpires except for the Finals. The Umpires for all finals shall be appointed by the ACB and must be members of the National Panel. The home State shall also appoint a third Umpir e from the State first class panel who shall act as the emergency Umpire and officiatein regard to TV replays at all televised Mercantile Mutual Cup matches where the technology is available. The third umpire will officiate in regard to TV replays only w hen the umpires on the field have referred a decision to him in regard to hit wicket, run out, caught and stumping appeals. Either the on-field or third Umpire shall be entitled to call for a TV replay to assist him in making a decision about whether the fieldsman had any part of his person in contact with the ball when he touched or crossed the boundary line or whether a four or six had been scored (refer to Regulation of ICC Full Members, Clause 2).

4. LENGTH OF INNINGS
4.1 Uninterrupted Matches
(a) Each team shall bat for 50 (six ball) overs unless all out earlier. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.
(b) If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for cessation of the first session, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled.
Unless otherwise determined by the Referee, the innings of the team batting second shall be limited to the same number of overs bowled by it, at the scheduled time for cessation of the first session. The over in progress at the scheduled cessation time shall count as a completed over.
The interval shall not be extended and the second session shall commence at the scheduled time.
The Referee may increase the number of overs to be bowled by the team bowling second if, after consultation with the Umpires, he is of the opinion that events beyond the control of the bowling team prevented that team from bowling the requ ired number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the innings of the team batting first.
(c) If the team batting first is all out and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the interval, the innings of the team batting second shall be limited to the same number of overs bowled to the team batting first at the sch eduled time for the interval (the over in which the last wicket falls to count as a complete over).
(d) If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 50 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 50 overs except as provided in (c) above.
(e) If the team fielding second fails to bowl 50 overs or the number of overs as provided in 4.1 (b), (c) or (d) by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a resul t achieved.

4.2 Delayed Or Interrupted Matches
4.2.1 General
(a) The object shall always be to rearrange the number of overs so that both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs. (Minimum 15 overs each team. Finals 25 overs each team), subject to the provisions of Clause 4.1 (b)
The calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on an average rate of 14.28 overs per hour in the total time available for play. If a reduction of the number of overs is required, any recalculation must not cause the ma tch to be rescheduled to finish earlier than the original cessation time. This time may be extended to allow for one extra over for both teams to be added if required.
(b) If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required numbers of overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result achieved.
(c) The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the first team unless the latter has been all out in less than the agreed number of overs.
(d) Under all circumstances, the field restrictions for the innings of the team batting second shall be the same as for the team batting first.
(e) A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.
(f) Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re number of overs.

4.2.2 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting First
(a) If the number of overs of the team batting first is reduced, a fixed time will be specified for the completion of the first session, as calculated by applying the provisions of Clauses 2.2 and 4.2.1 (a).
(b) If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for cessation of the first session, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled, and 4.1 (b) shall apply.
(c) If the team batting first is all out and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the interval, 4.1 (c) shall apply.

4.2.3 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting Second
If it is not possible for the team batting second to have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs as the team batting first, the overs to be bowled shall be reduced at the rate of 14.28 overs per hour, for time lost.
The hours of play shall be extended by the amount of time lost up to a maximum of 15 minutes in day matches and up to 45 minutes in day/night matches. Calculations because of any time lost thereafter shall be as per 4.2.1 (a).
Under all circumstances, the field restrictions for the team batting second shall be the same as for the team batting first. Calculations of target score - refer clause 10.4.

5. RESTRICTIONS ON THE PLACEMENT OF FIELDSMEN
Two semi circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi circles have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi circles is 30 yards (27.5m). The ends of each semi circle are joined to the other by a straight line drawn on the field on the same side of the pitch.
The field restriction area should be marked by continuous painted white lines or 'dots' at five yard (4.5m) intervals, each 'dot' to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches (18 cm) in diameter.
At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fieldsmen on the leg side.
For the first 15 overs only two fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery. For overs 16 to 30 only three fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of de livery. For the remaining overs only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery.
In the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within 15 (14m) yards of the striker at the instant of delivery.
Two inner circles shall be drawn on the field of play.
The circles have as their centres the centre point of the popping crease at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the circles is 15 yards (13.72 metres). The field restriction area should be marked by ‘dots’. The segment of the circles reserved for the slip positions shall not be demarcated. (Refer attached Appendix F).

In the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within the 15 yards field restriction of the striker at the instant of delivery. The two stationary fieldsmen may be permitted to stand deeper than 15 yards (in the undemar cated area) provided only that they are standing in slip, leg slip and gully positions. Where play is delayed or interrupted affecting the innings of the team batting first and the total number of overs available is reduced, the number of overs in regard to field restrictions shall be reduced proportionately. Fractions are to be ignored.
In the event of an infringement, the square leg umpire shall call and signal no ball.
Where play is delayed or interrupted affecting the innings of the team batting first and the total number of overs available is reduced, the number of overs in regard to field restrictions shall be reduced proportionately. Fractions are to be ign ored.
In the event of an infringement, the square leg Umpire shall call and signal no ball.

6. NUMBER OF OVERS PER BOWLER
No bowler shall bowl more than 10 (six ball) overs in an innings.
In a delayed or interrupted match where the overs are reduced for both teams or for the team bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed. This restriction shall not apply to the team fielding second where the provisions of Clause 4.1(b) have been applied.
Where the total overs is not divisible by 5, one additional over shall be allowed to the maximum number per bowler necessary to make up the balance.
In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler's limit is concerned.
The scoreboard shall show the total number of overs bowled and the number of overs bowled by each bowler.

7. NO BALL
A bowler shall be allowed to bowl one short pitched delivery per over (not being a wide).
A fast short pitched delivery is defined as a ball which passes or would have passed above shoulder height of the batsman standing upright at the crease.
In the event of the bowler bowling more than one fast short pitched delivery in an over, either umpire shall call and signal no ball.
The above regulation is not a substitute for Law 42.8 which umpires may apply at any time.
NOTE the provision of one allowable fast short pitched delivery per over shall be superseded by the provisions of Clause 8 - wide bowling.
A penalty of one run for a no ball shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.

8. WIDE BOWLING - JUDGING A WIDE
Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket.
Any off side or leg side delivery which in the opinion of the Umpire does not give the batsman a reasonable opportunity to score shall be called a wide. As a guide, on the leg side a ball landing clearly outside the leg stump going further away s hall be called a wide.
The above provisions do not apply if the striker makes contact with the ball.
A penalty of one (1) run for a Wide shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.
All runs which are run or result from a wide ball which is not a No-Ball shall be scored as Wides.

9. THE BALL
Kookaburra "Turf" (white) brand balls as approved by the Australian Cricket Board will be used in all matches.
Where day/night matches are scheduled, white balls will be used in all matches (including day matches) in a series.
Each fielding team shall have one new ball for its innings.
In the event of a ball becoming wet and soggy as a result of play continuing in inclement weather or it being affected by dew, or a white ball becoming significantly discoloured and in the opinion of the Umpires being unfit for play, the ball may be replaced for a ball that has had a similar amount of wear, even though it has not gone out of shape.
Either bowler or batsman may raise the matter with the Umpires and the Umpires' decision as to replacement or otherwise will be final.
Also Umpires shall inspect the ball at the second drinks interval and if in their opinion the ball has become significantly discoloured and unfit for play, the ball may be replaced with a ball that has had a similar amount of wear and improved col our.

10 THE RESULT
10.1 A result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 15 overs (preliminary matches), subject to the provisions of Clause 4.1(b) and 4.2.2(b), unless one team has been all out in less than 15 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 15 overs.
All matches in which both teams have not had an opportunity of batting for a minimum of 15 overs, shall be declared no result.
The game concludes when the target is reached, or when the nominated number of overs is completed, or when the team batting second is dismissed within the nominated number of overs.

10.2 Tie
In matches in which both teams have had the opportunity of batting for the agreed number of overs, subject to the provisions of Clauses 4.1(b) and 4.2.2(b) the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, t he result shall be a tie and no account shall be taken of the number of wickets which have fallen.

10.3 Delayed or Interrupted Matches
If the team batting second has not had the opportunity to complete the agreed number of overs subject to the provisions of Clause 4.1(b) and 4.2.2(b), and has neither been dismissed, nor passed its opponent's score, the result shall be decided as follows:
The runs scored by the team batting second shall be compared with the runs scored by the team batting first from the equivalent number of highest scoring overs discounted at a rate of 0.5% per over lost.

10.4 Calculation of Target Score
Where the number of overs in the innings of the team batting
second has to be revised, the target score shall be calculated as follows:
(i) from the table of runs scored per over by the team batting first, the scorers shall calculate the total runs scored by the team from the equivalent number of highest scoring overs;
(ii) this total is then discounted at a rate of 0.5% per over lost;
(iii) the target score is the discounted total runs (ignore fractions), plus one.

11. POINTS
11.1 Preliminary Matches
Win 2
Tie or No Result 1
Loss 0
In the event of the teams finishing on equal points, the right to play in the final match or series will be decided by the most wins in the preliminary matches or, when teams have both equal wins and equal points, the team which was the winner fro m the preliminary match(es) (played between them) will be placed in the higher position or, if still equal, the higher net run rate in the preliminary matches. In a match declared no result, run rate is not applicable.
A team's net run rate is calculated by deducting from the average runs per over scored by that team throughout the competition, the average runs per over scored against that team throughout the competition, that is, calculation of net run rate = T eam run rate per over less Opponent run rate per over.
In the event of a team being all out in less than its full quota of overs, the calculation of its net run rate shall be based on the full quota of overs to which it would have been entitled and not on the number of overs in which the team was dism issed.
In matches where play is delayed or interrupted, and the match becomes less than a 50 over per team match, the Team Run Rates will be calculated as follows:
(a) The Team Run Rate for the team batting second will be the rate achieved in its innings, with such rate being based on the number of overs as set in Clause 10.4.
(b) The Team Run Rate for the team batting first will be that which was achieved from the same number of highest scoring overs as set in Clause 10.4 to be bowled to the team batting second.

11.2 Qualifying for Finals
At the conclusion of the preliminary matches, the four highest placed teams shall qualify to play in the semi finals. The draw of matches shall be:
1st v 4th
2nd v 3rd

11.3 Semi Finals
(i) Venues
The States whose team finishes first and second at the conclusion of the preliminary matches calculated as per clause 11.1 shall have the right to host the semi finals.
(ii) No Result
If no result is achieved in either of the semi finals on the scheduled day of play the match shall be replayed on the reserve date as scheduled. If there is no result or a tie in either semi final the highest placed team at the conclusion of the preliminary matches shall proceed to the final.
(iii) Reserve Dates
Sunday February 21, 1999
Monday February 22, 1999

12. FINAL
12.1 Venue
The Final shall be played at a venue to be determined by ACB.

12.2 Tie
If there is a tie in the Final, the teams competing in the Final shall be declared "joint winners".

12.3 No Result
If no result is achieved in the Final on the scheduled day of play, the match shall be replayed on the reserve date as scheduled.
In the event of a no result in the Final (including the Reserve Day), the team finishing on top of the points table at the end of the preliminary matches shall be declared the winner.

12.4 Reserve Date
Monday 1 March, 1999.

13. USE OF LIGHTS
If in the opinion of the Umpires, natural light is deteriorating to an unfit level, they may authorise the ground authorities to use the available artificial lighting so that the match can continue in acceptable conditions.
In the event of power failure or lights malfunction the existing provisions for “Delayed or Interrupted Matches” shall apply.

14. CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT & FOOTWEAR
Only approved logos and identification, as authorised by ICC policy and/or ACB/State Associations are permitted to be worn in matches.
In all matches, the competing teams will wear approved coloured clothing and equipment.
The use of non-spiked footwear by players is not permitted.

15. SIGHT SCREENS
Sight screens will be black.

16. BOUNDARIES
Any competition or advertising sign attached or near to the sight screen shall be deemed to be separate from the sight screen, ie if the ball hits such a sign on the full, 6 runs shall be scored.

17. PLAYER'S CONDUCT
All players shall be bound by the terms of the ACB Code of Conduct.


18. REFEREE
Each preliminary match will be under the control of a Match Referee appointed by the local State Association who will meet with the Umpires and Captains prior to the commencement of the match to secure uniform interpretation of these playing condi tions and to adjudicate, if necessary, should there by any dispute.
Match Referees for the Semi Finals and Final shall be appointed by ACB.
If, in the opinion of the Referee, a result has been contrived and he so reports to the Australian Cricket Board, then the Australian Cricket Board may amend points obtained in the match by either team.

© Copyright Australian Cricket Board.

Date-stamped : 11 Jan1999 - 11:39