GB2556943A

GB2556943A - Sport device

Info

Publication number: GB2556943A
Application number: GB1620101.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Damian John Kennedy Augustus; David Cox Harry; Christopher Norton Joseph
Original assignee: Oculus Sports Ltd
Current assignee: Oculus Sports Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-28
Filing date: 2016-11-28
Publication date: 2018-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-28
Also published as: GB2556943B; GB201620101D0

Abstract

The cricket bail comprises a long and short spigot 111, 112 and a flexible elongate member 115, wherein the flexible elongate member 115 connects one of the spigots 111, 112 to a mass 116. The flexible elongate member 115 may be a cord, string, twine, monofilament, wire or chain. The flexible elongate member 115 may have a length in the range of 50-500mm. The mass 116 may be less than 100g and have a length and/or width and/or diameter in the range of 2-20mm. Also provided is a wicket (100, figure 3) comprising the cricket bail and a stump (120, figure 3). The stump (120, figure 3) has the following features either directly or associated with a cap thereof: a groove (141, figure 5A) for seating a spigot with an opening (142, figure 5A) in the groove (141, figure 5A) and a void extending below the opening. Also disclosed is a cap for a cricket stump and a cricket stump.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Sport device

Abstract Title: A cricket bail and a wicket (57) The cricket bail comprises a long and short spigot 111,

112 and a flexible elongate member 115, wherein the flexible elongate member 115 connects one of the spigots 111, 112 to a mass 116. The flexible elongate member 115 may be a cord, string, twine, monofilament, wire or chain. The flexible elongate member 115 may have a length in the range of 50-500mm. The mass 116 may be less than 100g and have a length and/or width and/or diameter in the range of 2-20mm. Also provided is a wicket (100, figure 3) comprising the cricket bail and a stump (120, figure 3). The stump (120, figure 3) has the following features either directly or associated with a cap thereof: a groove (141, figure 5A) for seating a spigot with an opening (142, figure 5A) in the groove (141, figure 5A) and a void extending below the opening. Also disclosed is a cap for a cricket stump and a cricket stump.

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Sport device [0001] This invention relates to a cricket stump, cap and bail, and an assembly thereof.

BACKGROUND [0002] The game of cricket is played in a number of countries, at both an amateur and professional level. Cricket is a ‘bat-and-ball game’ in which a batsman attempts to defend a wicket using a bat, against a bowler who “bowls” a ball towards the wicket.

[0003] The game of cricket is typically played in accordance with the laws of cricket.

Since its formation in 1787, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been recognized as the sole authority for drawing up the governing rules of cricket, known as the Laws of Cricket. The current version of the Laws was drawn up on 1 October 2013. This edition is known as the 2000 Code 5th Edition - 2013.

[0004] The wicket’s shape, size and its behaviour when struck by a ball are of great significance to the game. The laws of cricket govern the circumstances under which the wicket is said to be “down” and the defending batsman, therefore, declared “out”, ending their “innings”.

[0005] A standard wicket is in accordance with the Laws of Cricket. The laws state that a wicket consists of three wooden stumps with bails on top. A traditional (standard) cricket wicket is 9 inches (22.86 cm) wide. The tops of the stumps shall be 28 inches (71.1 cm) above the playing surface and shall be dome-shaped apart from the bail grooves. The portion of the stump above the playing surface shall be cylindrical apart from the domed top, with circular section of diameter not less than 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) and not more than 1 ¹Λ inches (3.81 cm).

[0006] The bails when in position on top of the stumps, shall not project more than ¹Λ in (1.27 cm) above them. The bails shall fit between the stumps without forcing them out of the vertical. Each bail shall conform to the following specifications.

i. Overall length 45/16 in (10.95 cm) ii. Length of barrel 21/8 in (5.40 cm) iii. Longer spigot 1¾ in (3.49 cm) iv. Shorter spigot 13/16 in (2.06 cm) [0007] When three stumps are in an upright position, a pair of bails may be balanced on top of the stumps, each bail straddling one pair of stumps. The bails rest in shallow grooves on the top of the stumps. A batsman's wicket is said to be down when one of the bails is completely removed from the top of the stumps.

[0008] There is, however, room for improvement regarding certain aspects of the design of wickets. For example, WO 2011/044642 A1 comprises an electronic sensor built into the wicket to detect movement of the bails, and can indicate the movement with a flashing light.

[0009] There is therefore a need to provide improved wickets.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0010] In the game of cricket the removal of the bails from the stumps of a wicket is an important part of the gameplay. Removal of the bails from a wicket is of itself a cause of danger. For example, bails may be removed with enough force to propel them a considerable distance through the air, posing a particular danger to players eyes’. The invention therefore provides bails, stumps and wickets that reduce this cause of danger.

[0011] In a first aspect the invention provides a cricket bail. The cricket bail comprises a spigot and a flexible elongate member. A first portion of the flexible elongate member is attached to the spigot and a second portion is attached to a mass.

[0012] The bail typically has a long spigot and a short spigot. The spigot may be a long spigot. The spigot may be a short spigot.

[0013] The flexible elongate member may be selected from a cord, a string, a twine, a monofilament, a wire, or a chain. For example, the flexible elongate member may be a cord or a string.

[0014] The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of at least 50 mm. The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of at least 100 mm. The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of at least 150 mm.

[0015] The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of not more than 700 mm (e.g. of not more than 600 mm). The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of not more than 500 mm. The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of not more than 400 mm. The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of not more than 300 mm. The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of from 100 mm - 500 mm. For example, the flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of from 200 mm - 300 mm.

[0016] The mass may be of not more than 100 g, e.g. of not more than 70 g. For example, the mass may be of not more than 50 g. The mass may be of not more than 40 g or 30 g. The mass may be at least 5 g, for example at least 10 g (e.g. at least 20 g).

The mass may have a length and/or width and/or diameter of at least 2 mm, e.g. of at least 5 mm. For example, the mass may have a width or diameter of at least 5 mm. The mass may have a length and/or width and/or diameter of not more than 25 mm, e.g. of not more than 20 mm. The mass may have a length and/or width and/or diameter of from 2 to 25 mm. For example, the mass may have a length and/or width and/or diameter of from 5 to 15 mm (e.g. of from 7 to 13 mm).

[0017] In a second aspect the invention provides a cap for use as an upper portion of a cricket stump. The cap comprises a top part and a bottom part. The top part comprises a top surface and a side surface. The top surface comprising a groove for seating a spigot and an opening in the groove. The bottom part comprises a connector. The cap also comprises a void extending below the opening, wherein the void extends through the top part and the bottom part.

[0018] The connector may be adapted to connect the cap to a lower portion of a cricket stump.

[0019] The connector may comprise an outer surface adapted to provide an interference fit with a lower portion of a cricket stump. The connector may comprise a threaded outer surface adapted to provide a screw fit with a lower portion of a cricket stump.

[0020] The opening may have a width of not more than 10 mm, e.g. of not more than 8 mm, 7 mm or 6 mm. The opening may have a width of not more than 5 mm. The opening may have a width of not more than 4 mm. The opening may have a width of not more than 3 mm. The opening may have a width of at least 1 mm. The opening may have a width of at least 2 mm. The opening may have a width of from 1 mm to 10 mm. The opening may have a width of from 2 to 8 mm. Where the cap comprises a bail of the invention (e.g. a bail of the first aspect), the width of the opening is smaller (e.g. at least 1 mm smaller than) than the width of the mass of the bail.

[0021] The void may be wider than the opening. The void may have a width of at least 5 mm and not more than 30 mm. The void may have a width of at least 10 mm and not more than 20 mm. The void may have a width of about 12 mm (e.g. of at least 10 mm and not more than 15 mm).

[0022] The top part may comprise a slot in the side surface extending to the opening, wherein the width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening is smaller than the width of the opening. The width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening may not be more than 60% (e.g. not more than 50%) of the width of the opening. The width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening may be not more than 40% (e.g. not more than 30%) of the width of the opening. The width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening may be at least 0.5 mm, for example at least 0.75 mm (e.g. at least 1 mm). The portion of the slot in the side surface may be at least 10% wider (e.g. at least 20% or at least 30% wider) than the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening. The portion of the slot in the side surface may be at least 20% wider than the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening. The slot may comprise a curved region proximate to the opening.

[0023] The slot may be formed by at least one resilient member. For example, the slot may be formed by two resilient members, e.g. one on each side of the slot. Forming the slot from at least one resilient member may allow the slot to be configured such that the resilient members may be manually expanded to assist insertion of a bail of the invention through the slot (e.g. allowing the slot to be widened to permit passage of a flexible elongate member of the bail through the slot); and when the force used for manual expansion is removed then at least one resilient member may snap back, narrowing the slot to its resting position and retaining the bail and its flexible elongate member.

[0024] The side surface may comprise a side surface opening that has a larger width than the width of the opening, wherein the slot extends from the opening to the side surface opening. The side surface opening may have a width of not more than 26 mm.

The side surface opening may have a width of not more than 20 mm. The side surface opening may have a width of not more than 15 mm. For example, the side surface opening may have a width of not more than 10 mm. The side surface opening may have a width of from 2.5 to 26 mm. For example, the side surface opening may have a width of from 5.5 to 16 mm (e.g. of from 7.5 to 13.5 mm). Where the cap comprises a bail of the invention (e.g. a bail of the first aspect), the width of the side surface opening may be slightly larger (e.g. at least or about 0.5 mm or 1 mm larger than) than the width of the mass of the bail.

[0025] The top part of the cap may comprise a sheath seated on an inner portion. The sheath may comprise the top surface, the side surface, the groove, the opening, an outer side surface opening, and an outer slot. Alternatively, the sheath may not comprise the top surface. In this variant, the sheath comprises the groove, an outer side surface opening, an outer slot, and at least a portion of the side surface. The inner portion comprises the void, an inner side surface opening and an inner slot. Where the sheath does not comprise the top surface, the inner portion may comprise the top surface, the groove and the opening, in addition to comprising the void, an inner side surface opening and an inner slot. The sheath may be rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the inner portion such that: when the sheath is in the first positon, the outer side surface opening and the inner side surface opening align to form the side surface opening, and the outer slot and the inner slot align to form the slot; and when the sheath is in the second position, the side surface opening and slot are not present.

[0026] The sheath may comprise at least one protrusion and the inner portion may comprise at least one track. The sheath may comprise at least one track and the inner portion may comprise at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion and the at least one track may be configured such that, when the sheath is assembled with the inner portion to form the top part of the cap, the at least one protrusion is located in the at least one track. Rotation of the sheath from the first position to the second position may comprise sliding the protrusion from a first position in the track to a second position in the track.

[0027] The sheath may comprise at least one thread and the inner portion may comprise at least one matching thread, such that the sheath and inner portion are adapted to provide a screw fit. Rotation of the sheath from the first position to the second position may comprise (at least partially) screwing the sheath onto the inner portion.

[0028] Rotation of the sheath from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 20°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 30°, e.g. of at least 40°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprises rotation of at least 180° (for example where the sheath comprises at least one thread and the inner portion may comprise at least one matching thread). Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprises rotation of not more than 180°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprises rotation of not more than 120°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of not more than 90°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 25° and of not more than 90°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 30° and of not more than 60°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise a rotation of about 45° (e.g. rotation of at least 40° and of not more than 50°; or rotation of at least 42° and of not more than 48°).

[0029] The cap may be formed from any suitable material, e.g. wood, a composite, or plastic, or a combination thereof. The cap may be formed from plastic (e.g. a plastic that may be deposited by 3D printing).

[0030] A cap of the second aspect may comprise a bail of the first aspect, where the flexible elongate member of the bail passes through the opening in the groove. When such a cap is oriented in a vertical position, e.g. when the cap forms part of a cricket stump, the spigot may be seated in the groove with the flexible elongate member extending through the opening and into the void. The mass may have a width greater than the width of the opening, preventing the mass passing through the opening, e.g. retaining the bail in proximity to the cap when the bail is removed from the cap during normal use (such as during a stumping). Retaining the bail in proximity to the cap, e.g. where the cap forms part of a stump, may improve safety, for example by keeping the bail away from the face of a person who is playing cricket (such as a wicket keeper).

[0031] When the cap has a side surface opening, the side surface opening may have a width larger than the width of the mass, permitting manual removal of the bail from the proximity of the cap, e.g. by manually passing the mass through the side surface opening and the flexible elongate member through the slot. This also permits manual insertion of an elongated member and mass of a bail into a cap that does not comprise a bail. Where a bail becomes damaged, this arrangement may permit a damaged bail to be removed from the cap and replaced with an undamaged bail.

[0032] A third aspect of the invention provides a cricket stump comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is a cap of the second aspect. The lower portion may comprise in its upper part a receiver adapted to mate with the connector of the cap. For example, the connector and receiver may provide an interference fit, or a screw fit. For example, adhesive may be used between the connector and receiver. The upper portion and the lower potion may be formed from the same material (e.g. monolithic construction) in which case the upper portion may have the features of a cap of the second aspect, other than the connector.

[0033] The lower portion may comprise a void in its upper part. The lower portion void may be contiguous with the void of the cap. The lower portion void may have a length of at least 200 mm (e.g. of at least 300 mm). The lower portion void may have a length of at least 400 mm. The lower portion void may have a length of at least 500 mm. The lower portion void may have a width of at least 5 mm and not more than 30 mm. The lower portion void may have a width of at least 10 mm and not more than 20 mm. The lower portion void may have a width of at least 10 mm and not more than 14 mm. For example, the lower portion void may have a width of about 12 mm. The combined length of the void and the lower portion void may be of at least 200 mm, for example of at least 300 mm (e.g. of at least 400 mm).

[0034] Where the stump also comprises a bail of the invention (e.g. a bail of the first aspect), the combined length of the void and lower portion void may be less that the length of the flexible elongate member. For example, the combined length of the void of the cap and lower portion void may be at least 5 mm (e.g. at least 10 mm or at least 20 mm) less than the length of the flexible elongate member. This is believed to ensure that the mass has a minimal or zero effect on the amount of force required for the spigot of the bail to leave the groove.

[0035] .The lower portion may have a lower part comprising a spike, e.g. a spike configured for insertion into the ground.

[0036] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a cricket stump comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion comprises a groove for seating a spigot, an opening in the groove and a void extending below the opening. The void extends through the upper portion and into an upper part of the lower portion.

[0037] The upper portion may have the features of a cap of the second aspect. The lower portion may have the features of the lower portion of the second aspect.

[0038] A fifth aspect provides a wicket comprising at least one bail of the first aspect and at least one stump of the third or fourth aspect. The flexible elongate member of the at least one bail may pass through the opening in the groove of the cap of the at least one stump. The mass of the at least one bail may be located in the void and I or lower portion void of the at least one stump. The at least one stump may be an outer stump of the wicket. The at least one stump may be a middle stump of the wicket.

[0039] The wicket may comprise two bails (e.g. a first and a second bail) of the first aspect and two stumps (e.g. a first and a second stump) of the third or fourth aspect. The flexible elongate member of the first bail may pass through the opening in the groove of the cap of the first stump. The flexible elongate member of the second bail may pass through the opening in the groove of the cap of the second stump. The mass of the first bail may be located in the void and I or lower portion void of the first stump. The mass of the second bail may be located in the void and I or lower portion void of the second stump. Each of the two stumps may be an outer stump of the wicket.

[0040] The wicket may comprise two bails (e.g. a first and a second bail) of the first aspect and one stump (e.g. a middle stump) of the third or fourth aspect. The flexible elongate member of each of the first bail and second bail may pass through the opening in the groove of the cap of the one stump. The mass of both bails may be located in the void and I or lower portion void of the one stump. The mass of the first bail may be the mass of the second bail (e.g. where the flexible elongate member of the first bail and the flexible elongate member of the second bail connect to the same mass).

[0041] A sixth aspect provides the use of a bail and/or a cap and/or a stump and/or a wicket of the invention in a game of cricket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0042] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 provides a diagram of standard cricket wicket, comprising three stumps topped with two bails.

Figure 2 illustrates the parts of a wicket of the invention, with figure 2A illustrating a centre stump, bails and stump caps for the leg side and off side stumps. Figure 2B illustrates the centre stump, leg side and off side stumps, where the leg side and off side stumps comprise stump caps.

Figure 3 provides a cross section diagram of a wicket of the invention. Voids are illustrated in the leg side and off side stumps.

Figure 4A illustrates a stump of the invention with exemplary dimensions with figure 4B showing section A - A of the stump of figure 4A.

Figure 5 illustrates a stump cap of the invention with 5A providing a top view, 5B providing a perspective view, and 5C providing a section A - A of the side view of 5D.

Figure 6 illustrates another stump cap of the invention with 6A providing a top view, 6B providing a perspective view, and 6C providing a section A - A of the side view of 6D.

Figure 7 illustrates a further stump cap of the invention with 7A providing a top view, 7B providing a perspective view, and 7C providing a section A - A of the side view of 7D.

Figure 8 illustrates a further stump cap of the invention with 8A providing a top view, 8B providing a perspective view, 8C a side view and 8D an magnified view of the detail within circle A - A of 8A.

Figure 9 illustrates a further stump cap of the invention with 9A providing a top view, 9B providing a perspective view, and 9C providing a section A - A of the side view of 9D.

Figure 10 illustrates a further stump cap of the invention with 10A providing a top view, 10B providing a perspective view, and 10C providing a section A - A of the side view of 10D.

Figure 11 illustrates the outer portion of the stump cap of figure 10; with 11A providing a top view of the outer portion, 11B providing a perspective view of the outer portion, and 11C providing a section A - A of the side view of 11D of the outer portion.

Figure 12 illustrates the inner portion of the stump cap of figure 10; with 12A providing a top view of the inner portion, 12B providing a perspective view of the inner portion, and 12C providing a section A - A of the side view of 12D of the inner portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0043] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0044] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0045] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

[0047] The present invention relates to novel cricket wickets. In particular, the applicant has appreciated that the complete removal of the bails from the stumps, for example when a batsman is bowled, run out or stumped, is of itself a cause of danger for all players, most notably wicket-keepers. This is the case because bails may be removed with enough force to propel them a considerable distance through the air, posing a particular danger to players eyes’.

[0048] Wicket-keepers often wear protective headgear and a grill to protect them from being struck by the ball. The grill of a helmet is not sufficient to prevent a bail from passing through it however and a number of high profile international players have been struck in the eye by a flying bail. In some cases this has resulted in severe injury and led to premature retirement from the game. It is therefore an aim of the invention to provide a wicket and parts thereof which will reduce the risk posed to players of flying bails.

[0049] “Stump”, means, unless the context requires otherwise, a post intended for vertical arrangement as part of a wicket. Each stump, when arranged in a wicket may be referred to as an off stump, a middle stump or a leg stump. The “off stump” is the stump that, when in play, is the same side as the batsman’s bat; the “middle stump” is the centre stump; and the leg stump is the stump that, when in play, is the same side as the batsman’s legs. An off stump for a right handed batsman becomes the leg stump for a left handed batsman. Therefore, it is convenient to refer to a stump that may be either a leg stump or off stump depending on the left- or right-handedness of the batsman as an “outer stump”.

[0050] “Wicket”, means, unless the context requires otherwise, an assembly comprising three stumps arranged approximately vertically which support two bails.

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a conventional wicket, with the bails which would typically be in accordance with the Laws of Cricket, 2000 Code 5th Edition - 2013 (“The Laws”), incorporated herein by reference in its entirely. Law 8 and Appendix A of the Laws of Cricket, govern the structure and nature of the wicket. Law 28 governs the circumstances under which the wicket is said to be “down”, and the defending batsman, therefore, declared “out”, ending their “innings”.

[0052] The Laws state, amongst other matters, that a wicket 10 consists of three wooden stumps 30 with bails on top, and that a traditional cricket wicket 10 is approximately 9 inches (22.86 cm) wide (indicated by “c” in Fig. 1). The tops of the stumps shall be (approximately) 28 inches (71.1 cm) above the playing surface (indicated by “a” in Fig. 1) and shall be dome shaped apart from the bail grooves. The portion of a stump above the playing surface shall be cylindrical apart from the domed top, with circular section of diameter (indicated by “b” in Fig. 1) not less than 1¾ in (3.49 cm) nor more than 1½ in (3.81 cm). The wicket 10 comprises three stumps 30, a middle stump 32 and two outer stumps 31. Each bail has overall length of about 45/16 in (10.95 cm). Each bail comprises a barrel 20 with a length of about of 21/8 in (5.40 cm), a short spigot 22 with a length of about 13/16 in (2.06 cm) and long spigot 21 with a length of about 1¾ in (3.49 cm). When assembled as a wicket 10 comprising two bails and three stumps, as indicated in exploded form in Fig. 1, the long spigot 21 of each bail will rest in the groove of an outer stump 31, while the short spigot 22 of each bail will rest in approximately half of the groove of the middle stump 32.

[0053] Each stump 30 of a traditional wicket 10 typically has a spike, of unregulated dimensions, rigidly attached to the base of the stump 30. This may assist in assembling a wicket. For example, a traditional cricket wicket may be set up by hammering the stump 30 so that the spike penetrates the playing surface, and maintains the stump 30 in an upright position until the stump 30 is struck sideways by a sufficient force, in which case it may lean over or be dislodged from the playing surface. When three stumps are in an upright position, a pair of bails may be balanced on top of the stumps, each bail straddling one pair of stumps. The bails rest in grooves on the top of the stumps. A batsman's wicket 10 is said to be down when one of the bails is completely removed from the top of the stumps.

[0054] In junior cricket, a wicket 10 has a similar form, but has smaller dimensions. The dimensions that may be used in junior cricket according to The Laws are as follows:

Width of wicket approximately 8 in (20.32 cm); stump 30 diameter not less than 1¼ in (3.18 cm) nor more than 1¾ in (3.49 cm); bail comprises a barrel 20 with a length of about of 113/16 in (4.60 cm), a short spigot 22 with a length of about % in (1.91 cm) and long spigot 21 with a length of about 1¼ in (3.18 cm).

[0055] Figs 2A to 12D illustrate wickets, bails, stump caps and/or stumps of the present invention. The dimensions of such wickets, bails and stumps may be in accordance with the dimensions for a wicket as per The Laws, for example the dimensions may be as set out hereinabove. The wickets, bails, stump caps and/or stumps of the present invention may also have different dimensions, for example, the dimensions may vary by up to 5%, up to 10%, or up to 20% compared to the dimensions set out hereinabove.

[0056] Referring to Figs 2 to 4, Fig. 2A illustrates a partially assembled wicket of the invention, comprising two bails, two caps 130 and a middle stump 122. Each bail comprises a barrel 110, long spigot 111, short spigot 112, flexible elongate member 115 and mass 116. As illustrated, the flexible elongate member 115 is attached to the long spigot 111 of each bail, however the flexible elongate member 115 may also be attached to the short spigot 112 of one of the bails. When oriented vertically, as in Fig. 2A with the relevant bail residing on the groove 141 of the cap 130 (as would also occur when the wicket is fully assembled, e.g. during a game of cricket) the flexible elongate member 115 passes through the opening 142 of the cap with the mass 116 at the lower end of the flexible elongate member. The flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of not more than 700 mm (for example of not more than 500 mm or of not more than 300 mm).

[0057] The mass 116 has a width greater than the width of the opening 142, e.g. retaining the bail in proximity to the cap 130 when the bail is removed from the cap during normal use. This means that, e.g. when a batsman is stumped or bowled, the distance that the bail may travel relative to the cap 130 is limited by the length of the flexible elongate member 115. When the cap is securely retained in a lower portion 200 of a stump, as illustrated in Fig. 2B, a suitable length of the flexible elongate member 115 may prevent the bail reaching the face of a player when the bails are removed from the stumps during play, preventing possible injury (such as injury to a wicket keeper’s eyes). For a typical stump (e.g. a stump having dimensions in accordance with the laws of cricket), a suitable length for the flexible elongate member 115 may be at least 50 mm and not more than 700 mm. For example, the flexible elongate member may have a length between the spigot and mass of from 100 mm - 500 mm (e.g. a length between the spigot and mass of from 200 mm - 300 mm). The flexible elongate member may be selected from a cord, a string, a twine, a monofilament, a wire, or a chain. For example, the flexible elongate member may be a cord or a string.

[0058] The mass may be of not more than 100 g (e.g. of not more than 70g, 50 g, 40 g, or 30 g). It may be advantageous to the mass that is relatively light (e.g. of not more than 30 g or of not more than 20 g), as a relatively light mass should ensure that once the bail is dislodged, the mass places a very limited force on the bail and will have little or no effect on gameplay. .

[0059] Fig. 2B illustrates a wicket of the invention with the bails removed, comprising two outer stumps 121 and a middle stump 122. Each outer stump 121 comprises a lower portion 200 and an upper portion. The upper portion comprises a cap 130. Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of the wicket 100 with the bails in place. Fig. 4A shows the lower portion of one of the illustrated outer cricket stumps, with Fig. 4B illustrating the cross section A - A through Fig. 4A. As indicated for Fig. 4B, the lower portion 200 comprises a void of the lower portion 210 and a receiver 215. The receiver 215 is adapted to mate with the connector 150 of the cap 130. The lower portion void 210 may have a length of at least 400 mm, and typically has a length that is at least slightly less than (e.g. from 5 mm to 100 mm less than) the length of the flexible resilient member 115. The flexible elongate member 115 may be between 5 mm and 100 mm longer than the combined length of lower portion void 210 and the void 155. When the wicket is assembled, this provides an arrangement where there should be slack (i.e. little or no tension) in the flexible elongate member.

[0060] This may be advantageous, as it will ensure that the only force acting on the bail when settled in the groove 141 is due to weight of the barrel 110, spigots 111, 112 and the flexible elongate member 115. The mass will be settled at the bottom of the lower portion void 210 and will not exert a force on the upper part of the bail (i.e. the bail’s barrel 110 and spigots 111, 112). The amount of force required to remove the bail from the top of the stumps 120, 121, 122 is therefore very similar to that for wicket 10 with a conventional bail. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is therefore considered that the conditions for the batsman’s wicket to be down should be essentially the same, whether a wicket of the invention 100 or conventional wicket 10 is used.

[0061] While the wicket 100 and stumps 121 are illustrated with a cap 130 of Fig. 5, the stumps 121 may also comprise any other cap of the disclosure (e.g. as illustrated in Figs. 6 - 10). In addition, a wicket of the invention may comprise one outer stump and one middle stump comprising a cap of the disclosure.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates a cap 130 of the invention with 5A providing a top view, 5B providing a perspective view, and 5C providing a section A - A of the side view of 5D. The cap is for use as an upper portion of a cricket stump. The cap 130 comprises a top part 131 and a bottom part 132. The top part 131 comprises a top surface 140 and a side surface 135. The top surface 140 comprises a groove 141 for seating a spigot 111, 112 of a bail and an opening 142 in the groove 141. The bottom part 132 comprises a connector 150. The cap 130 also comprises a void 155 extending below the opening 142, wherein the void 155 extends through the top part 131 and the bottom part 132. The connector 150 may be adapted to connect the cap 130 to a lower portion 200 of a cricket stump (e.g. an outer stump121).

[0063] The connector 150 comprises an outer surface 151. The outer surface 151 may be adapted to mate with the receiver 215 of a lower portion 200 of a cricket stump, e.g. retaining the cap 130 in the lower portion 200 of the stump via an interference fit between the outer surface 151 of the connector 150 and the receiver 215 of the lower portion 200 of the stump. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 6, the connector 150 may comprise a threaded outer surface 152. A threaded outer surface may be adapted to mate with a threaded receiver of a lower portion 200 of a cricket stump, e.g. retaining the cap 130 in the lower portion 200 of the stump via a screw fit between the threaded outer surface 152 and the threaded receiver. In addition (or alternatively) an adhesive may be used between the outer surface and receiver; or between the threaded outer surface and receiver. The use of an adhesive may be preferred where it is intended to permanently mate the cap 130 with the lower portion 200 of a cricket stump. It is noted that, while Figs. 7-12 illustrate caps with connectors 150 that have a (non-threaded) outer surface 151, the disclosure also includes equivalent caps that have a threaded outer surface 152.

[0064] Returning to Figs. 5 and 6, the opening 142 will typically have a width that is less than the width of the mass 116, but greater than the width of the flexible elongate member

115. This prevents the mass 116 from passing through the opening 142, but allows the flexible elongate member 115 to pass the opening 142. The opening 142 may have a width of not more than 10 mm, e.g. of not more than 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm.

[0065] The void 155 is typically wider than the opening 142 and wider than the mass

116. This permits the mass 116 to reside within the void 155. The void 155 may have a width of at least 5 mm and not more than 30 mm. The void 155 may have a width of at least 10 mm and not more than 20 mm. The void 155 may have a width of about 12 mm (e.g. of at least 10 mm and not more than 15 mm).

[0066] Fig. 7 illustrates another stump cap of the invention, with 7A providing a top view, 7B providing a perspective view, and 7C providing a section A - A of the side view of 7D. Compared to Fig. 5, the stump cap of Fig. 7 differs in that the top part 131 comprises a slot 160 in the side surface 135 extending to the opening 142, wherein the width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening 142 is smaller than the width of the opening 142. In addition, the cap 130 illustrated in Fig. 7 also comprises a side surface opening 165 that has a larger width than the width of the opening 142 in the groove 141, wherein the slot 160 extends from the opening 142 to the side surface opening 165.

[0067] The width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening may be not more than 60% (e.g. not more than 50%) of the width of the opening 142. The width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening 142 may not be more than 40% (e.g. not more than 30%) of the width of the opening 142. The portion of the slot in the side surface 135 may be at least 10% wider (e.g. at least 20% or at least 30% wider) than the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening 142. The portion of the slot in the side surface 135 may be at least 20% wider than the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening 142. Providing a slot 160 with such a design means that a flexible elongate member 115 of a bail may be readily inserted through the slot 160 into the opening 142, while it is more difficult for the flexible elongate member 115 to exit the opening 142, in view of the relatively narrow slot in the vicinity of the opening. Fig. 8 illustrates a variant of the cap 130 of Fig. 7 where the slot 160 also comprises a curved region 161 proximate to the opening 142. The presence of the curved region 161 makes it even more difficult for the flexible elongate member 115 to exit the opening 142. In normal use, the slot 160 (with or without a curved region 161) retains the flexible elongate member 115 in the opening 142, retaining the bail in the proximity of the cap 130.

[0068] The slot 160 may be formed by at least one resilient member 162. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the slot 160 may be formed by two resilient members 162, with one resilient member 162 on each side of the slot 160. Forming the slot 160 from at least one resilient member 162 may allow the slot 160 to be configured such that the resilient member or members 162 may be manually expanded to assist insertion of bail of the invention through the slot 160 (e.g. allowing the slot 160 to be widened to permit passage of a flexible elongate member 115 of the bail through the slot 160); and when the force used for manual expansion is removed the at least one resilient member 162 may snap back, narrowing the slot 160 to its resting position and retaining the bail and its flexible elongate member 115.

[0069] The presence of a slot 160 allows the user to change the bail connected to a cap 130, by passing the bail’s flexible elongate member 115 through the cap’s slot 160. The slot 160 alone does not, however, usually allow the removal or insertion of the bail when the cap 130 forms part of a stump 120, as the slot 160 is generally narrower than the width of the mass 116. The caps of Figs. 7-9 therefore have a side surface opening 165 in the side surface 135, and the side surface opening 165 e.g. has a larger width than the width of the intended mass 116. The side surface opening has a larger width than the width of the opening 142, wherein the slot 160 extends from the opening 142 to the side surface opening 165. The side surface opening 165 may have a width of not more than 26 mm (e.g. of not more than 20 mm). The side surface opening 165 may have a width of not more than 15 mm. For example, the side surface opening 165 may have a width of not more than 10 mm. The side surface opening 165 may have a width of between 2.5 and 26 mm, e.g. of between 5.5 mm and 16 mm. The side surface opening 165 typically has a larger width than the width of the mass 116. This allows the mass 116 to be passed through the side surface opening 165. Thus the combination of a slot 160 and side surface opening 165 typically allows a user to manually remove or insert a bail (comprising flexible elongate member 115 and mass 116) from or into a cap 130, even when the cap 130 forms part of a stump 120.

[0070] Figs. 10 - 12 relate to a further stump cap of the invention, where the cap 130 comprises a sheath 170 and inner portion 175. Fig. 10A provides a top view of the cap, 10B provides a perspective view of the stump, and 10C provides a section A - A of the side view of 10D. Fig. 11A - 11D illustrates the outer portion or sheath 170 and Fig. 12A 12D illustrates the inner portion 175.

[0071] In this and related stump caps, the top part 131 of the cap 130 comprises a sheath 170 seated on an inner portion 175. The sheath 170 comprises the top surface 140, the side surface 135, the groove 141, the opening 142, an outer side surface opening 171, and an outer slot 172. The inner portion 175 comprises the void 155, an inner side surface opening 176 and an inner slot 177. The sheath 170 is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the inner portion 175 such that: when the sheath 170 is in the first positon, the outer side surface opening 171 and the inner side surface opening 176 align to form the side surface opening165, and the outer slot 172 and the inner slot 177 align to form the slot 160; and when the sheath 170 is in the second position, the side surface opening 165 and slot 160 are not present. The reason that the side surface opening 165 and slot 160 are not present when the sheath 170 is in the second position are as follows: in the second position the outer side surface opening 171 and the inner side surface opening 176 are not aligned; and the outer slot 172 and the inner slot 177 are also not aligned.

[0072] The sheath 170 comprises two protrusions 173 and the inner portion 175 comprises two tracks 178. While not illustrated, the sheath may comprise a different number of protrusions (e.g. 1, 3, or 4) and the inner portion may comprise a different number of tracks (e.g. 1, 3, or 4), provided for each protrusion there is a matching track. In addition, the location of the protrusions and the tracks may be reversed, i.e. the protrusion(s) may be in the inner part and the track(s) may be in the sheath. The protrusions 173 and tracks 178 are configured such that, when the sheath 170 is assembled with the inner portion 175 to form the top part 131 of the cap 130, each protrusion 173 is located in a corresponding track 178. Rotation of the sheath from the first position to the second position may comprise sliding the protrusion from a first position in the track to a second position in the track. With reference to the track 178 illustrated in Fig. 12B, the first position corresponds to when the protrusion 173 is located at the right end of the portion of the track that is approximately parallel to the plane of the top of the inner portion; while the second position corresponds to when the protrusion 173 is located at the left end of the track 178. The second position may further comprise a locked position 179, where the shape of the track 178 will retain the protrusion 173 in the locked position 179 (and hence the sheath in the second position) in the absence of user manipulation to move the sheath to the first position.

[0073] Furthermore, while not illustrated, instead of the protrusions and tracks, the sheath may comprise at least one thread and the inner portion may comprise at least one matching thread, such that the sheath and inner portion are adapted to provide a screw fit.

Rotation of the sheath from the first position to the second position may comprise (at least partially) screwing the sheath onto the inner portion.

[0074] As illustrated, rotation of the sheath 170 from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 45° and of not more than 100°, although different levels of rotation are also contemplated. For example, rotation of the sheath 170 from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 20°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 30°, e.g. of at least 40°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprises rotation of not more than 180°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of not more than 120°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprises rotation of not more than 90°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 25° and of not more than 90°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise rotation of at least 30° and of not more than 60°. Rotation from the first position to the second position may comprise a rotation of about 45° (e.g. rotation of at least 40° and of not more than 50°; or rotation of at least 42° and of not more than 48°).

[0075] In all variants of the disclosure, the cap 130 may be formed from any suitable material, e.g. wood, a composite, or plastic, or a combination thereof. The cap may be formed from plastic, for example a plastic that may be deposited by 3D printing. The stump 120, 121, 122 (or lower portion 200 of the stump) may also be formed from any suitable material, e.g. wood, a composite, or plastic, or a combination thereof.

Claims

1. A cricket bail, comprising a spigot and a flexible elongate member, wherein a first portion of the flexible elongate member is attached to the spigot and a second portion is attached to a mass.

2. The bail of claim 1, wherein the spigot is a long spigot.

3. The bail of claim 1, wherein the spigot is a short spigot.

4. The bail of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible elongate member is selected from a cord, a string, a twine, a monofilament, a wire, or a chain.

5. The bail of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible elongate member has a length between the spigot and mass of at least 50 mm, optionally of at least 100 mm, further optionally of at least 150 mm.

6. The bail of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexible elongate member has a length between the spigot and mass of not more than 500 mm, optionally of not more than 400 mm, further optionally of not more than 300 mm.

7. The bail of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mass is of not more than 100g, optionally of not more than 50 g.

8. The bail of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mass has a length and/or width and/or diameter of at least 2 mm, optionally of at least 5 mm.

9. The bail of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mass has a length and/or width and/or diameter of not more than 20 mm.

10. A cap for use as an upper portion of a cricket stump, the cap comprising: a top part and a bottom part;

the top part comprising a top surface and a side surface, the top surface comprising a groove for seating a spigot and an opening in the groove;

the bottom part comprising a connector; and a void extending below the opening, wherein the void extends through the top part and the bottom part.

11. The cap of claim 10, wherein the connector is adapted to connect the cap to a lower portion of a cricket stump.

12. The cap of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the connector comprises an outer surface adapted to provide an interference fit with a lower portion of a cricket stump.

13. The cap of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the connector comprises a threaded outer surface adapted to provide a screw fit with a lower portion of a cricket stump.

14. The cap of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the opening has a width of not more than 10 mm, optionally of not more than 7 mm, further optionally of not more than 5 mm.

15. The cap of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the void is wider than the opening.

16. The cap of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the void has a width of at least 5 mm and not more than 30 mm, optionally of at least 10 mm and not more than 20 mm, further optionally of about 12 mm.

17. The cap of any of claims 10 to 16, wherein the top part comprises a slot in the side surface extending to the opening, wherein the width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening is smaller than the width of the opening.

18. The cap of claim 17 wherein the width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening is not more than 60% of the width of the opening, optionally wherein the width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening is not more than 40% of the width of the opening.

19. The cap of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the portion of the slot in the side surface is at least 20% wider than the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening.

20. The cap of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the slot comprises a curved region proximate to the opening.

21. The cap of any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the slot is formed by at least one resilient member.

22. The cap of any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the side surface comprises a side surface opening that has a larger width than the width of the opening, wherein the slot extends from the opening to the side surface opening.

23. The cap of claim 22, wherein the side surface opening has a width of not more than 20 mm, optionally of not more than 15 mm, further optionally of not more than 10 mm.

24. The cap of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the top part comprises a sheath seated on an inner portion, the sheath comprising the top surface, the side surface, the groove, the opening, an outer side surface opening, and an outer slot; and the inner potion comprising the void, an inner side surface opening and an inner slot;

wherein the sheath is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the inner portion such that:

when the sheath is in the first positon, the outer side surface opening and the inner side surface opening align to form the side surface opening, and the outer slot and the inner slot align to form the slot, and when the sheath is in the second position, the side surface opening and slot are not present.

25. The cap of claim 24, wherein rotation from the first position to the second position comprises rotation of at least 20°, optionally of at least 30°.

26. The cap of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein rotation from the first position to the second position comprises rotation of not more than 180°, optionally of not more than 90°.

27. The cap of any of claims 24 to 26, wherein rotation from the first position to the second position comprises rotation of at least 25° and of not more than 90°, optionally wherein the rotation from the first position to the second position comprises rotation of at least 30° and of not more than 60°, further optionally wherein the rotation comprises a rotation of about 45°.

28. The cap of any of claims 10 to 27, wherein the cap is formed from plastic.

29. The cap of any of claims 10 to 28, further comprising a bail of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flexible elongate member passes through the opening in the groove.

30. A cricket stump comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is a cap of any of claims 10 to 29.

31. The cricket stump of claim 30, wherein the lower portion comprises a lower portion void in its upper part, said lower portion void contiguous with the void of the cap.

32. The cricket stump of claim 31, wherein the lower portion void has a length of at least 300 mm, optionally of at least 400 mm, further optionally of not at least 500 mm.

33. The cricket stump of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the void of the lower portion has a width of at least 5 mm and not more than 30 mm, optionally of at least 10 mm and not more than 20 mm, further optionally of about 12 mm.

34. The cricket stump of any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the lower portion has a lower part comprising a spike.

35. A cricket stump comprising:

an upper portion and a lower portion;

the upper portion comprising a groove for seating a spigot;

an opening in the groove; and a void extending below the opening, wherein the void extends through the upper portion and into an upper part of the lower portion.

36. The cricket stump of claim 35, wherein the upper portion has the features of a cap of any of claims 10 to 29.

37. The cricket stump of claim 35, wherein the lower portion has the features of the lower portion of any of claims 31 to 34.

5 38. A wicket comprising at least one bail of any of claims 1 to 9 and at least one stump of any of claims 30 to 37.

39. The wicket of claim 38, wherein the flexible elongate member of the at least one bail passes through the opening in the groove of the cap of the at least one stump.

40. The wicket of claim 39, wherein the mass of the at least one bail is located in the 10 void and I or lower portion void of the at least one stump.

41. The wicket of any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the at least one stump is an outer stump of the wicket.

42. The wicket of any of claims 38 to 40, comprising two bails of any of claims 1 to 9 and two stumps of any of claims 30 to 37, optionally wherein the two stumps are outer

15 stumps of the wicket.

Amendments to the claims have been made as follows 22

1. A cricket bail, comprising a spigot and a flexible elongate member, wherein a first portion of the flexible elongate member is attached to the spigot and a second portion is

5 attached to a mass.

2. The bail of claim 1, wherein the spigot is a long spigot.

3. The bail of claim 1, wherein the spigot is a short spigot.

10 5. The bail of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible elongate member has a length between the spigot and mass of at least 50 mm, optionally of at least 100 mm, further optionally of at least 150 mm.

• · • · • · ··

20 9. The bail of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mass has a length and/or width and/or diameter of not more than 20 mm.

the top part comprising a top surface and a side surface, the top surface 25 comprising a groove for seating a spigot and an opening in the groove, wherein the opening is designed to allow passage of a flexible elongate member and to prevent passage of a mass, wherein the mass is attached to a portion of the flexible elongate member;

the bottom part comprising a connector; and

30 a void extending below the opening, wherein the void extends through the top part and the bottom part.

5 14. The cap of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the opening has a width of not more than 10 mm, optionally of not more than 7 mm, further optionally of not more than 5 mm.

16. The cap of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the void has a width of at least 5 mm and not more than 30 mm, optionally of at least 10 mm and not more than 20 mm, further

10 optionally of about 12 mm.

• · • · ”* 18. The cap of claim 17 wherein the width of the portion of the slot adjacent to the ······ • * 15 opening is not more than 60% of the width of the opening, optionally wherein the width of .····. the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening is not more than 40% of the width of the • · · ·

.....; opening.

• ·

19. The cap of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the portion of the slot in the side surface ’ · · ’ · is at least 20% wider than the portion of the slot adjacent to the opening.

······

20 20. The cap of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the slot comprises a curved region proximate to the opening.

22. The cap of any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the side surface comprises a side 25 surface opening that has a larger width than the width of the opening, wherein the slot extends from the opening to the side surface opening.

24. The cap of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the top part comprises a sheath seated on 30 an inner portion, the sheath comprising the top surface, the side surface, the groove, the opening, an outer side surface opening, and an outer slot; and the inner potion comprising the void, an inner side surface opening and an inner slot;

when the sheath is in the first positon, the outer side surface opening and the inner side surface opening align to form the side surface opening, and the outer slot and the

5 inner slot align to form the slot, and when the sheath is in the second position, the side surface opening and slot are not present.

10 26. The cap of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein rotation from the first position to the second position comprises rotation of not more than 180°, optionally of not more than 90°.

• · • · • ···

• • · · • • ·· • • • ·· · • · • · • •

28. The cap of any of claims 10 to 27, wherein the cap is formed from plastic.

32. The cricket stump of claim 31, wherein the lower portion void has a length of at 25 least 300 mm, optionally of at least 400 mm, further optionally of not at least 500 mm.

34. The cricket stump of any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the lower portion has a lower 30 part comprising a spike.

35. A cricket stump, comprising: an opening; and a void extending below the opening, wherein the void is designed to receive a mass, wherein the mass is attached to a portion of a flexible elongate member.

36. The cricket stump of claim 35, comprising: an upper portion and a lower portion; and the upper portion comprising a groove for seating a spigot; wherein, the opening is in the groove;

10 the opening is designed to allow passage of the flexible elongate member and to prevent passage of the mass; and the void extends through the upper portion and into an upper part of the lower portion.

• · • · • ···

37. The cricket stump of claim 36, wherein the upper portion has the features of a cap of any of claims 10 to 29.

38. The cricket stump of claim 36, wherein the lower portion has the features of the lower portion of any of claims 31 to 34.

39. A wicket comprising at least one bail of any of claims 1 to 9 and at least one stump of any of claims 30 to 38.

40. The wicket of claim 39, wherein the flexible elongate member of the at least one bail passes through the opening in the groove of the cap of the at least one stump.

41. The wicket of claim 40, wherein the mass of the at least one bail is located in the void and / or lower portion void of the at least one stump.

25

42. The wicket of any of claims 39 to 41, wherein the at least one stump is an outer stump of the wicket.

43. The wicket of any of claims 39 to 41, comprising two bails of any of claims 1 to 9 and two stumps of any of claims 30 to 38, optionally wherein the two stumps are outer stumps of the wicket.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1620101.4