User:Iain Butler/draft articles/draft - crease (cricket)

In the sport of cricket, a crease is a line (usually marked in white paint) used to define whether or not a batsman is in his ground, of if a delivery is legal. There are two creases: the popping or batting crease, and the return or bowling crease.

These are used to judge:
 * The popping crease:
 * For batsmen:
 * Whether a batsman was in his ground in the event of a run out decision
 * Whether a batsman was in his ground in the event of a stumped decision
 * For bowlers:
 * Whether, during the act of delivery, a) his front foot had totally overstepped the crease, no part of it being in contact with the line, or b) if the heel was raised, would have been in front of the crease, where no part would have been touching the crease. If either a) or b) is justified, then the delivery will be called a no-ball and will not count in the over, and one penalty run (two in British county cricket) will be awarded to the batting side.
 * The return crease:
 * For bowlers:
 * Whether, during the act of delivery, his back foot is not inside this crease, then the ball will be called a no-ball and will not ount in the over, and one penalty run (two in British county cricket) will be awarded to the batting side.