Before any match starts, it is needed to ascertain whether it is a one-innings-a-side match or two-innings-a-side. Also, if it is to be played on a limited overs' basis or within a particular time-frame. This shall apply to both sides.
 

Before deciding on the choice of innings, both captains are required to toss on the field of play, preferably near or on the pitch.

Many a shrewd captain has attempted to get away with the old punchline; " Heads I win, Tails you loose". However, in modern-day international cricket, the toss is supervised by the Match Referee. The visiting captain always gets the prerogative to call, while the home team skipper tosses the coin. The Referee picks up the win and confirms the outcome.

In the past, there were allegations on quite a few occasions had the two captains had already 'fixed' the toss. The mere flipping of the coin was a farce. Not anymore. The winner of the toss is supposed to inform his counterpart of his decision latest by ten minutes before the scheduled start.

In 1962-63, the MCC tourists played at Perth against Western Australia. Those were the days when an England team on tour would be referred to as the 'MCC' team in the first-class games that it would play besides the Tests. Ted Dexter (MCC) and Barry Shepherd (W.A.), the rival captains, returned to the pavilion after the toss. Moments later, confusion reigned as four batsmen were padded up, two from each sides! Similarly, two wicketkeepers were ready, one from each side. So also were most of the players. The umpires were also perplexed. They summoned both captains, and it transpired that there was a lack of communication between the captains. Both presumed that his respective team was to bat. The misunderstanding was cleared and the game got underway with the MCC fielding first.
 

Both captains should ideally be aware of the laws. Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman ever, not only learnt the laws after being appointed captain of New South Wales, but also appeared for the umpires' exam and passed!

On the other hand, Sir Garfield Sobers, the greatest cricketer (all-rounder) was found wanting in a Test Match against India at Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970-71. In reply to India's 387, the Windies batted a bit carelessly towards the end of their first innings and conceded a lead of 170. Sobers thought that the follow-on had been averted, as the deficit was less than 200. He got the shock of his life when Ajit Wadekar, his counterpart, asked him to bat again! Sobers could not believe his ears and thought was joking. He approached the umpires for a clarification, who explained to him that as the first day's play had been washed out completely due to rain, it had now become a four-day game, and in a four-day game, the team batting first could enforce the follow-on if the deficit was 150 or more! Fortunately, the Windies drew the match by battling out in the second innings.

Normally, it is observed that a weaker side on winning the toss prefers to put the opposition in to bat first in three or four-day matches. Thus, the onus of declaration and the scoring rate is not their headache! Further, while batting second, they are aware of the number of runs they need to score in order to avoid the follow on. This trend is generally observed in Ranji Trophy league matches, wherein the points system comes into play.

Now about the forfeiture of an innings. Before this law was introduced a few years back, there were some instances of the dominant side just failing to enforce the follow-on as their opponents managed to cross the mark by a whisker. The dominant side then came out to bat and declared after facing only one ball in the second innings! Although this was a positive move and underscored the team's desire to win at all costs, it robbed them of eleven precious minutes, which were wasted - ten for the innings changeover and a minute to face one delivery!

Hence, the authorities (MCC) introduced the 'forfeiture' law. Suppose a side had a lead of 148 or 149 in a three or four-day match, it could forfeit the right to bat again and give itself the opportunity of bowling out the opposition for the second time in the match. However, the flipside is that in such a situation, the struggling side will need only 148 or 149 to win the match, and it could well end up winning!

A peculiar situation took place in the final Test of the 1999-00 series between England and South Africa. This match was badly affected by rain and the rival captains, Hansie Cronje and Nasser Hussain forfeited their first innings and set a victory target for England in even time. England won by two wickets. This was, however, contrary to the laws as only the second innings could be forfeited. The 2000 Code now permits either innings to be forfeited.

Although many interesting or sporting declarations have taken place to achieve a result, one county match in 1961 stands out in memory. Hampshire were in the run to win the County Championship. Play was possible only on the third and final day. Colin Ingleby-Mckenzie (Hampshire) and Colin Milton (Gloucestershire), the rival captains, both declared their first innings after facing one delivery each. Both finished with identical scores - four - as their wicketkeepers were instructed to concede four byes. Then Gloucestershire set a target in even time and Hampshire went on to win the match and with it, the championship!

Now mind you, in those days, there wasn't any regulation for the number of overs to be bowled or over-rate penalties. But both sides still played in the most sporting manner, without wasting any time.
 

- By Piloo Reporter