At a productive meeting last Tuesday with Umpires and Div 1, 2 and 3 captains, the feeling from both sides was that the current legside wide rule was ambiguous and could cause issues. Following a meeting with a couple of umpires and some 1st team skippers it was agreed and decided to adopt the wording below from all Division 1, 2 and 3 matches (where there are Panel Umpire(s) officiating) for the 2023 season starting this Saturday 15th April.
The feeling of the MSC is that we should change, even at this late stage, to make the life easier for players and officials. This simpified rule will also help in matches in Division 1, 2 and 3 where there are no Panel Umpires present and player/umpires are standing.
We have today also emailed Championship Reps and would ask that you spread the word. The website Rule 14i has been amended.
“Any ball that is bowled and passes down the leg side and behind the batter shall be interpreted as negative tactics and called wide; irrespective of where the batter starts from or moves to. That ball will then be re-bowled by that bowler. If a batter changes stance for a switch-hit, they lose all the benefit of a leg side wide.”