Make the decision

Choose one answer for each scenario, then read the explanation and check its numbered Law in the MCC 2026 rulebook. Treat each question as a separate incident.

This quiz uses the fourth edition, effective 1 October 2026, as confirmed by MCC’s edition announcement. Assume recreational matches without amendments. International, domestic and junior competitions may impose different playing conditions; this is not a DRS or age-group regulations assessment. See MCC’s explanation of Laws and playing conditions.

Review a topic

Explore appeals and umpire decisions, Byes and Leg byes, or run outs and stumpings. For classroom activities, use the separate lesson plan and printable worksheet. Check each resource’s stated edition and scope.

Authoritative sources

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. A front-foot No ball is correctly called. Ellis edges the delivery to slip, who catches it cleanly. The fielders appeal for Caught. What is the decision?
Answer and explanation

Not out

Law 21.17 excludes Caught from No-ball dismissals; a clean catch cannot overcome that restriction.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

2. With 40 runs still needed, Rowan advances to play a delivery and misses. A Wide is correctly called, with no No ball. Rowan remains outside the ground, attempting no run and not avoiding injury. The correctly positioned keeper alone fairly breaks the wicket. On appeal, what follows?
Answer and explanation

Out Stumped; one Wide

Laws 39.1 and 39.4 permit this stumping and retain the Wide penalty; dismissal does not erase it.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

3. A No ball passes Morgan without touching bat or body. The batters complete two runs before the ball is returned. There are no other incidents. How are the three runs recorded?
Answer and explanation

One No ball and two Byes

Laws 21.15 and 23.1 separate the No-ball penalty from untouched running extras; they are not all No balls.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

4. One umpire calls Wide while the other correctly calls No ball for the same delivery. Nobody runs and nothing else happens. Which extra should be recorded?
Answer and explanation

One No ball only

Law 21.12 gives No ball priority over Wide; the two delivery penalties are not added together.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

5. Alex deliberately lets a legal delivery hit the pad, attempting neither a stroke nor evasive action. The batters complete a run without a dismissal or other incident. What should happen?
Answer and explanation

Disallow the run and restore the ends

Laws 23.2.1 and 23.3 deny Leg byes here; pad contact alone does not qualify.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

6. The umpire calls Over. Before the next bowler begins the run-up, a fielder appeals about the previous delivery. Time has not been called. Is the appeal too late merely because Over was called?
Answer and explanation

No; the appeal is still timely

Law 31.3 preserves this appeal window; Over alone does not close it.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

7. After a run-out appeal, the responsible umpire consults the colleague who had a better view. Doubt about whether the batter made the ground remains. What decision follows?
Answer and explanation

Not out

Law 31.6 requires Not out when doubt remains after consultation; replaying the delivery is not the remedy.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

8. The umpire believes Casey edged a legal delivery into the keeper's gloves. Casey stays at the wicket, and no fielder appeals. May the umpire give Casey out Caught without an appeal?
Answer and explanation

No, a fielder must appeal

Law 31.1 requires a fielder's appeal; the umpire's certainty cannot replace it.

Rule basis: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed.

Rule editions and sources

  • Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) · Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026) · Hypothetical recreational matches applying the MCC Laws without competition-specific amendments. No ICC playing conditions, DRS protocols or junior adaptations are assumed. — MCC Laws of Cricket — 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026)