Law 13 – The Innings

13.1 Number of Innings

13.1.1 Before the match begins, both teams must agree on whether it will be a one-innings or two-inning match.

13.1.2 It’s possible to set limitations on innings by specifying the number of overs or a time period. If such an agreement is in place:

13.1.2.1 In a one-inning match, the same limitations apply to both innings.

13.1.2.2 In a two-inning match, similar agreements can apply to either the first or second inning of each side or both innings of each side.

For both one-inning and two-inning matches, the agreement must also include criteria for determining the result when neither of Laws 16.1 (A Win – two-innings match) nor 16.2 (A Win – one-inning match) is applicable.

13.2 Taking Turns

In a two-innings match, each side takes its alternately, except in situations covered by Law 14 (The Follow-On) or Law 15.2 (Forfeiture of an Innings).

13.3 Completion of an Inning

The following circumstances complete a side’s inning:

13.3.1 When the side is all out.

13.3.2 When a wicket falls or a batter retires, no further batter is available to come in, but deliveries are still left to be bowled.

13.3.3 When the captain declares the inning closed.

13.3.4 When the captain forfeits the inning.

13.3.5 In cases covered by an agreement under 13.1.2,

Either the specified number of overs has been bowled

or the designated time has elapsed as appropriate.

13.4 The Coin Toss

The captains shall toss a coin to decide the choice of inning on the field of play and in the presence of one or both umpires. This must occur no earlier than 30 minutes and no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled or rescheduled start of play. Note that Law 1.3 (Captain) contains additional provisions.

13.5 Decision Notification

Immediately after the toss, the winning captain must determine whether their team will bat or field and communicate this decision to the opposing captain and the umpires. Once the captain notifies, they cannot alter this decision.