Can I give a batter out without an appeal, and how long does an appeal last?

Under Law 31 of the MCC Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th Edition 2026):

• Appeal needed: neither umpire may give a batter out, even if the batter is out under the Laws, unless a fielder appeals (31.1). A batter who is out may still leave the wicket without an appeal.
• Timing: an appeal is valid only if made before the bowler begins their run up (or action, if there is no run up) for the next ball, and before Time has been called. The call of Over does not invalidate an appeal made before the start of the next over, provided Time has not been called (31.3).
• "How's That?": covers all ways of being out (31.4).
• Who answers: the striker's end umpire answers appeals for Hit wicket, Stumped and Run out at the wicket-keeper's end. The bowler's end umpire answers all other appeals (31.5).
• Doubt: if you are unsure about something the other umpire may have seen better, consult them, then give the decision. If doubt remains after consultation, the decision is Not out (31.6).
• Wrongly leaving: if a batter who has not been given out leaves the wicket under a reasonable misapprehension of being out, either umpire calls and signals Dead ball and recalls the batter (31.7).
• Withdrawal: the fielding captain may withdraw an appeal only with the consent of the umpire in whose jurisdiction it falls, and before the ball comes into play for the next delivery (31.8).
• Changing a decision: an umpire may alter a decision if the change is made promptly and does not contradict Law 20.6 (Dead ball not to be revoked). Otherwise, once made, a decision is final (2.12).