9.0 LIGHT
Umpires are called upon
to make a judgement as to
whether the light is suitable
for play to start, continue or
resume. The test is the same
as that for ground conditions
caused by weather: is it
dangerous, ie is there an
actual and foreseeable risk
to the safety of any player
or umpire? The same degree
of care is needed to reach
the decision. With light, as
with ground conditions,
the umpires should err on
the side of caution. Before
play can start, continue or
resume, both umpires must
agree the light is sufficient
that conditions are not
dangerous or unreasonable.
Once it becomes clear
that the players and/or the
umpires are/will be unable
to pick up the flight of the
ball (taking into account
its pace) soon and clearly
enough, the conditions
should be regarded as
dangerous and play should
be suspended or should not
start or resume. For example,
if the bowler’s end umpire
begins to have difficulty in
following the path of the
ball as it reaches the striker,
that should trigger a careful
consideration and discussion
of light conditions with his
colleague.
To come to a conclusion
about the suitability of
the light conditions, both
umpires should be mindful
of their own ability to view
the ball from their normal
positions. They should
also watch the reactions of
the batsmen and fielders
carefully, taking into account
the pace of the bowling.
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