Northants - Extraordinary Declaration?

[cantplaycantalk]

Not a comment in this case but a rule from the ECB's own rulebook pertaining to a declaration aimed at denying the bowling side the chance to gain additional bowling points without it benefiting the batting side by improving the chance to win or save the match.

Here I am referring to Northants vs Somerset today where Northants declared on 400 effectively to prevent Somerset gaining additional bowling points. Northant were then forced to follow on 241 runs behind. While this was unlikely to seriously risk Northants chances of saving the match it can be of no doubt that it did not enhance such chances and was aimed solely at preventing Somerset gaining the final bowling point.
To me a clear breach of the rule as laid out in the ECB's rulebook.
What do the rest of you think?

[pie_chucker]

If I've understood this right, then IMO they have breached the rules. Surely there can be no good reason to declare that far behind , other than to deny Somerset bowling point(s).

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by cantplaycantalk

While this was unlikely to seriously risk Northants chances of saving the match it can be of no doubt that it did not enhance such chances and was aimed solely at preventing Somerset gaining the final bowling point.[...]To me a clear breach of the rule as laid out in the ECB's rulebook.

Maybe not in the spirit, I can't see a breach of rules here, because it could be argued that with Northant denying Somerset the chance of the points - it could well come down to the difference between the two sides at the end of the season, for who gets the title.

[adamberry]

It isn't strictly speaking against the rules... but the impression I got from the following (straight out of the ECB Playing Regulations) is that is looked upon as a case of bringing the game into disrepute.

Originally Posted by ECB

42 Extraordinary Declarations
An Extraordinary Declaration for the purposes of this rule is a declaration aimed primarily at denying the bowling side the opportunity to acquire further bonus points in that innings, but without enhancing the batting side's prospects of winning or saving the match.

Such a declaration may, depending on the particular circumstances, be deemed as bringing the game into disrepute, penalties for which may include the deduction of points from the offending team.

A captain who is contemplating an Extraordinary Declaration may, if he wishes, first approach the Officiating Umpires, providing due notice of his intention, in order to request an indicative ruling as to whether or not such an Extraordinary Declaration is likely to be deemed as bringing the game into disrepute.

The Officiating Umpires may then request advice from the ECB Cricket Department who will (in liaison with the Discipline Standing Committee and time permitting) provide an indicative ruling to the captain.

ECB Cricket Department may appoint an official to such matches to facilitate good communication between all relevant parties.

From http://static.ecb.co.uk/files/2007-f...tches-1571.pdf

[Ernest]

I agree it is iffy - it would be good if Somerset were to test the rules here, it seems a very grey area.

[acker]

I'm getting very sick of bonus points. Teams can often be lucky get a belter pitch or an opposition decimated by injury or commitments.

[greg]

Strange one but not against any rules but a little bit cheeky.I doubt either side will be in the promotion shake up as they have poor pitches for getting results on but it must annoy Somerset a bit.Part of me hopes Northants lose their next few games as karma.

[cantplaycantalk]

Greg I suggest you read rule 42 if you think it isn't against the rules, Northants could be penalised for bringing the game into disrepute as a result of the declaration. So yep that would suggest that it is against the rules.

[adamberry]

Originally Posted by pie_chucker

Surely there can be no good reason to declare that far behind

Give their opening batsmen the chance of extra middle practice? It only took me a day to think that one up!

Originally Posted by cantplaycantalk

I suggest you read rule 42

The web address I posted above are the ECB's rules for the County Championship; which supercede the MCC's official laws. Which technically means that it isn't, strictly speaking, against the rules.

[cantplaycantalk]

So not against the laws of te game, just against the rules of the competition. A fine line and a matter of syntax, I still think the rule is fairly clear and has been clearly broken by Northants in this case.