What are the captain's responsibilities under the Laws and the codes of behaviour?

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Accepted Answer

Fair play. The Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th Edition 2026) make captains responsible at all times for ensuring play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws (Laws 1.4 and 41.1). The Spirit of Cricket preamble says the major responsibility for fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, match officials and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents. Cricket Australia's Spirit of Cricket page says the same about captains. Respect. The preamble says to respect your captain, teammates, opponents and the authority of the umpires; play hard and play fair; accept the umpire's decision; show self-discipline even when things go against you; congratulate the opposition on their successes; and thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result. Match duties of the captain in the Laws: nominate the players in writing before the toss (Law 1.2) toss and notify the decision to bat or field (Laws 13.4 and 13.5) notify the opposing captain and umpires of any declaration, forfeiture or follow-on (Laws 14.2 and 15.3) be summoned by the umpires and act on conduct warnings and removals (Law 42) consent, or not, to replacing a nominated player and to a retired batter resuming (Laws 1.2.2 and 25.4.3) Players' code. Cricket Australia's Players Code of Behaviour asks every player to play by the rules, never argue with an umpire, control their temper, be a good sport, and respect every person regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion. It says verbal abuse of officials, sledging, and deliberately distracting or provoking opponents are not acceptable. Sources: https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws-of-cricket, https://www.cricket.com.au/our-values/ca-spirit-of-cricket and https://play.cricket.com.au/community/resources/codes-of-behaviour/players