How does the toss work, and what can I check on the pitch beforehand?

Under the Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th Edition 2026):

• When and where: the captains toss a coin for the choice of innings on the field of play, in the presence of one or both umpires, not earlier than 30 minutes nor later than 15 minutes before the scheduled or any rescheduled start of play (Law 13.4).
• Who: after the players are nominated, only a nominated player can deputise for the captain, including at the toss (Law 1.3.3).
• The decision: as soon as the toss is completed, the winning captain decides whether to bat or field and notifies the opposing captain and the umpires. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed (Law 13.5).
• Before the toss the umpires meet both captains and determine the balls, hours of play and intervals, the timepiece, the boundary and boundary allowances (including any obstacle within the field), use of covers, and any special conditions (Law 2.3.1).
• Pitch inspection: the Ground Authority must grant suitable facility to the captains to inspect the pitch before the nomination of their players (Law 10.1).
• Fitness of the pitch is for the umpires alone to judge (Law 6.2), and the pitch may be changed during the match only if the umpires decide it is dangerous or unreasonable and both captains consent (Law 6.4).