How do I count balls faced and know when a batter retires?

Question

Accepted Answer

Every ball a batter faces counts, including wides and no-balls. Each batter retires immediately after facing their set number of balls, which depends on how many players are in the batting team:

5 players: 24 balls
6 players: 20 balls
7 players: six batters at 17 balls, one at 18
8 players: 15 balls
9 players: six batters at 13 balls, three at 14

Watch each batter's ball count, and tell the batting coach when a batter has three balls left. When they reach their limit, add up their score and balls faced, record them as Retired Not Out, and write in the next batter.

A batter who retires hurt (injury or illness) can come back in when another batter retires. If they don't come back, they're Retired Not Out. A player who isn't there to bat is recorded as Did Not Bat.