MCC Laws Amended to Allow Last Over in Test Matches to Continue Despite Late Wicket

The MCC announced a new amendment to the law which will allow bowling teams in test matches to complete the last over of the day after getting a wicket. This is a significant change, as batting teams will now be required to send in a new player until the final over of the day is fully completed.

"The final over of a day's play will not end if there is a wicket. This is a significant change that will impact multi-day cricket. It was felt unfair that, if a fielding side takes a wicket in the final over of the day, the batting side does not have to send out a new batter.” said the MCC statement.

The MCC believes that the change will keep the “drama” out of the game, as batting teams often take undue advantage after losing a wicket in the final over.

"This doesn't save time (which is the case at lunch and tea) as the remaining balls need to be made up the next day, and it takes the drama out of the game, while letting the incoming batter off the hook - at a time when the conditions are often more favorable to bowling. The new change means that the final over of the day will be bowled fully, even if a wicket falls during it (assuming conditions remain fit)." said the MCC statement.

Besides that, the MCC also changed the Hit Wicket Law, which now states that the batter will be given out if he falls onto the stumps after playing the ball.

"Receiving the ball lasts until the batter has gained control of their balance after playing the ball. If the batter is off balance because of the shot they played, hops around for a few steps, and falls onto their stumps, that is as a result of the action they took to receive the ball. The ball may be long gone, but the striker is still out Hit wicket". said the MCC statement