The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has recently given clarity that there are no changes in the law of short-pitched bowling. They have officially declared that bouncers can stay in the game and the ICC will allow two bouncers, up to head height, in an over. Here in this article, we have discussed MCC Bouncer Rule.

MCC has given an official statement – “MCC can confirm that after extensive research in the area, the outcome is that there will not be a change in the law,” the club said in a statement on Friday (March 4) promising to educate players on the risks of concussion, notably when remaining on the field after a head strike which could be concussive.”

The conclusion has been made based upon the existing law in order to protect the batsmen from severe damage.

One of the senior spokesmen for MCC said –  “The consultation reached out to many different stakeholders in the game. The data collected was then debated by various committees and sub-committees within the Club before the decision was reached,” 

MCC has also felt that there should be a fair amount of balance between both bat and ball and mainly there are a lot of aspects that should be under consideration – “namely the balance between bat and ball; whether or not concussion should be recognized as a different injury to any other sustained – changes which are specific to particular sectors of the game for e.g. junior cricket, and whether or not lower-order batters should be given further protection than the Laws currently allow.”

They have also added – “The results of the consultation suggest that whilst no Law change would be made, the Law as it currently exists – to offer protection to less-skilled batters if deemed necessary – should be exercised if the umpire believes that any batter is at risk of being injured”

Let’s see what the Laws of Short Pitched Deliveries state:

Law 41.6: Bowling of dangerous and unfair short-pitched deliveries

41.6.1: “The bowling of short-pitched deliveries is dangerous if the Bowler’s end umpire considers that, taking into consideration the skill of the striker, by their speed, length, height, and direction they are likely to inflict physical injury on him/her. The fact that the striker is wearing protective equipment shall be disregarded.”

41.6.2: “The bowler’s end umpire may consider that the bowling of short-pitched deliveries, although not dangerous under 41.6.1, is unfair if they repeatedly pass above head height of the striker standing upright at the crease.”

41.6.3: “As soon as the umpire decides that the bowling of short-pitched deliveries has become dangerous under 41.6.1, or unfair under 41.6.2, he/she shall call and signal No ball. When the ball is dead, the umpire shall caution the bowler, indicating that this is a first and final warning, and inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batters of what has occurred.”

MCC’s Asst. Secretary Mr. Jamie Cox said: “As with any potential change in the laws, the key aspect is to ensure that it is appropriate for all levels of the game. The results of the consultation show that short-pitched bowling, within the Laws, is an important part of the makeup of the sport and in fact, to change it would materially change the game.”

He has also added – “However, given that the laws allow for umpires to intervene should they believe that there is a safety consideration with the batter on strike, we encourage them to use their discretion and ensure that any risk of injury is minimized.”