How do I handle dangerous and unfair bowling (short deliveries and high full tosses)?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under Law 41.6 and 41.7 of the MCC Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th Edition 2026):

Short deliveries that land (41.6)

Dangerous: the bowler's end umpire considers that, taking the striker's skill into account, the delivery's speed, length, height and direction are likely to inflict physical injury. Protective equipment worn by the striker is disregarded.
Unfair: short deliveries that repeatedly pass above the head height of the striker standing upright at the crease.
First time: call and signal No ball. When the ball is dead, caution the bowler (a first and final warning that applies throughout the innings) and inform the other umpire, the fielding captain and the batters.
Any further such delivery by that bowler in the innings: call and signal No ball, and when the ball is dead direct the fielding captain to suspend the bowler immediately. The bowler cannot bowl again in that innings. Another bowler completes the over (not one who bowled the previous over or may bowl the next).

Deliveries that pass above waist height without landing (41.7)

Any delivery that passes, or would have passed, without landing, above the waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease is unfair. Call and signal No ball every time.
It is also dangerous if you consider there is a risk of injury to the striker, judged on speed, height, direction, the striker's skill and how often it happens. Then, when the ball is dead, repeat the No ball signal to the scorers and caution the bowler (first and final warning for the innings). A further dangerous delivery means No ball and suspension from bowling for the rest of the innings.
If you consider the bowler deliberately bowled such a delivery, skip the caution: call No ball, direct the captain to suspend the bowler immediately, and the bowler cannot bowl again in the match.

The warning sequences in 41.6 and 41.7 are independent of each other. After a suspension, the umpires inform the batters and the batting captain and report the occurrence after the match to the offending side's Executive and any Governing Body responsible for the match.