Cricket Innings Start Rules: toss, call of play and the first ball
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TL;DR: An innings begins when the umpire calls Play, after the toss and the required preparation. MCC Laws distinguish the toss, the call of play, the batter’s innings and the start of each over.
This guide explains the Law in plain language, then points readers to the competition document that controls a live decision.
What is the short answer on an innings start?
The innings does not begin simply because the teams enter the field. The toss determines the choice of innings, and the umpire’s call of Play starts the session under the match conditions.
What happens at the toss?
The toss gives the winning captain the choice of innings. The decision is notified under the applicable Law and recorded by the scorers.
When does the batter’s innings start?
MCC Law 25 sets the commencement of a batter’s innings, while Law 12 controls the call of Play. Those are related events but not the same definition.
How does the first over begin?
The bowler starts the over from the correct end after the umpire calls Play. Law 12 also governs how an over starts and ends.
Which source controls the start?
The MCC Laws provide the framework, while Law 12 and the competition playing conditions control the live schedule.
Why can the scheduled time move?
Weather, ground conditions, light and formal intervals can change the call of Play. The scorer should record the official time rather than a broadcast estimate.
What does the comparison table show?
| Topic | Current answer | Source or rule | Editorial caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toss | Choice of innings | Law 13.4 | Captains make the decision before play |
| Call of Play | Umpire starts play | Law 12.1 | Players must be ready under the conditions |
| New over | Bowler starts from the correct end | Law 12.4 | The over has its own completion rules |
The table keeps the definition, decision point and source together. That is safer than relying on a short broadcast phrase or a social-media graphic.
What should readers check next?
Open the named MCC, ICC or board document before applying the explanation to a match. Format-specific playing conditions can add detail to the general Law.
Frequently asked questions
What starts an innings?
The umpire’s call of Play under the applicable match conditions.
What does the toss decide?
The winning captain chooses which side bats or fields first.
Is the scheduled start time enough?
No. The official call of Play controls.
Who records the start?
The scorers record the official match events and times.
When should this page be reviewed?
After an MCC or competition playing-condition change.
Does every format use the same ceremony?
The basic Laws apply, but competitions can add operational details.
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Frequently asked questions
What starts an innings?+
The umpire’s call of Play under the applicable match conditions.
What does the toss decide?+
The winning captain chooses which side bats or fields first.
Is the scheduled start time enough?+
No. The official call of Play controls.
Who records the start?+
The scorers record the official match events and times.
When should this page be reviewed?+
After an MCC or competition playing-condition change.
Does every format use the same ceremony?+
The basic Laws apply, but competitions can add operational details.
Sources
Related rules & terms guides
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Cricket Captain Toss Rules: who calls, chooses and records
Before a match, the captains meet for the toss and the winner chooses whether to bat or field, subject to the competition's playing conditions and local procedure.
Cricket Dead Ball Rules: when play stops and runs count
The ball becomes dead when the Laws or umpire determine that it is no longer in play. Whether runs count depends on the incident and playing conditions.
Cricket Ball Change Rules: lost, damaged and comparable-wear balls
When a cricket ball is lost or becomes unfit through normal use, the umpires replace it with a ball of comparable wear. The replacement process is different from a captain demanding a new ball under Law 4.
Cricket Interval Rules: innings, lunch, tea and drinks breaks
MCC Law 11 defines scheduled cricket intervals. The general interval between innings is 10 minutes, drinks intervals should be as short as possible and no longer than five minutes, while match playing conditions set other breaks and adjustments.
Cricket New Ball Rules: when captains can take a new ball
Under MCC Law 4, either captain may demand a new ball at the start of an innings, and in a match lasting more than one day the fielding captain may demand one after at least 80 overs with the old ball, unless the match agreement says otherwise.
Cricket Lost-Ball Rules: replacement and scoring
When a ball is lost or cannot be recovered, the umpires control replacement and scoring under the applicable Laws and playing conditions. A private replacement ball is not automatically legal.