The following are the laws which govern the game everywhere. They have been recently revised by the Marylebone Club, usually considered the highest authority in the game.
1. The Ball must weigh not less than 51⁄2 ounces, nor more than 53⁄4 ounces. It must measure not less than 9 inches, nor more than 91⁄4 inches, in circumference. At the beginning of each innings either party may call for a new ball.
[It is, however, not customary to have a new ball at the beginning of each innings. One a match is usually considered sufficient.]
2. The Bat must not exceed 41⁄4 inches in the widest part; it must not be more than 38 inches in length.
3. The Stumps must be 3 in number, 27 inches out of the ground; the bails 8 inches in length; the stumps of equal and of sufficient thickness to prevent the ball from passing through.
4. The Bowling Crease must be in a line with the stumps; 6 feet 8 inches in length; the stumps in the centre; with a return crease at each end towards the bowler, at right angles.
5. The Popping Crease must be 4 feet from the wicket, and parallel to it, unlimited in length, but not shorter than the bowling crease; unlimited in length, so that the batsman may keep out of the way of the ball when it is thrown in.
6. The wickets must be pitched opposite to each other by the umpires, at the distance of 22 yards.
7. It shall not be lawful for either party during a match, without the consent of the other, to alter the ground by rolling, watering, covering, mowing, or beating, except at the commencement of each innings, when the ground shall be swept and rolled, unless the side next going in object to it. This rule is not meant to prevent the striker from beating the ground with his bat near to the spot where he stands during the innings, nor to prevent the bowler from filling up holes with sawdust, &c. when the ground is wet.