A cricket match can either be played in limited or unlimited overs format. The former is referred as List A cricket whereas the latter is called first class cricket. List A cricket includes One Day International and T20 matches whereas first class matches are test matches are those that are played across three to five days depending on the tier of the competition.
Test cricket is the only format wherein each team bats twice. The eventual goal is to score more runs than the opposition team at the end of play of both innings of each side. However, not every time will a team be able to bat twice and not always will an alternate pattern of batting for both teams be followed. Thus, a test match may end in a draw wherein the scheduled days of play are over, but a result might have been possible should the match be continued.
One of the features of test cricket is declaration. The Marylebone Cricket Club’s Laws 15 of the Laws of Cricket states that the captain of the side can choose to end his team’s innings (despite having wickets in hand) if they feel that the team’s total is enough to fetch them a victory. A declaration marks the completion of the innings and is signaled by the batting side’s captain from the pavilion.
Declaration is one of the oldest laws in cricket. In 1890, Charles Wright declared the Nottinghamshire innings to set a target of 251 for Kent. Wright’s gamble nearly paid off as Kent were reduced to 98/9. However, the last wicket stand managed to hang on till the end of the last day’s play, thereby leading to the match ending in a draw.
The courageous decision to declare an innings must be tactically accurate. This is because there have been instances when the side declaring the innings has went on to lose the match.
Declaration and forfeiture must not be confused. A forfeit is when an entire innings is called off by both captains via mutual discussion. This is done to ensure a result in a match wherein the weather might play spoilsport. Eventually, one innings of each side is terminated.
Since there is no definitive number to suggest how long or for how many overs should a team bat in test cricket, declaration is a rule exclusive to this format. Declaration in limited overs cricket is not allowed as the innings lasts only for a fixed number of balls.
