The first new Code of the Laws of Cricket since 2000 took effect around the world from 1 October 2017.
The significant changes to the 42 Laws are as follows:
- Now written in language applying to all persons, regardless of gender.
- The Handled the ball Law has been deleted, with its contents merged into Obstructing the field.
- The Lost ball Law has been deleted and is now covered under Dead ball.
- Limits placed on the thickness of the edges and the overall depth of the bat.
- Injuries hoped to be prevented in a new Law which allow mechanisms tethering the bails to the stumps.
- Bowling of deliberate front foot No balls to be treated in same way as deliberate full-tosses.
- A new Law of the game, Players’ conduct, is introduced, giving an in-match consequence for poor on-field behaviour.
- The Law regarding running out the non-striker has been altered.
- 'Bouncing bat’ Law changed, substitutes now allowed to keep wicket and concept of penalty time amended.
A full section on the Laws of Cricket can be found on the Lord's website by clicking here.
A full summary of the changes can be viewed by clicking here