CRICKET LAW with Q & A - Law #1 : THE PLAYERS

1. Number of players
A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be captain. By agreement a match may be played between sides of fewer than, or more than, eleven players, but not more than eleven players may field at any time.

2. Nomination of players
Each captain shall nominate his players in writing to one of the umpires before the toss. No player may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.

3. Captain
If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy shall act for him.
(a) If a captain is not available during the period in which the toss is to take place, then the
deputy must be responsible for the nomination of the players, if this has not already been
done, and for the toss. See 2 above and Law 12.4 (The toss) - [The captains shall toss for the choice of innings, on the field of play and in the presence of one or both of the umpires, not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 15 minutes before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the match to start.]

(b) At any time after the nomination of the players, only a nominated player can act as deputy
in discharging the duties and responsibilities of the captain as stated in these Laws.

4. Responsibility of captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit
and traditions of the game as well as within the Laws. See The Preamble – The Spirit of
Cricket and Law 42.1 (Fair and unfair play – responsibility of captains).- [Fair and unfair play – responsibility of captains The responsibility lies with the captains for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit and traditions of the game, as described in The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket, as well as within the Laws.]

QUESTIONS

1.1 Can a player who tossed before the commencement of the match remain as a reserve? 

YES 

1.2 When is a team nominated? 

A Team is Nominated before the TOSS

1.3 Can a nominated player be changed?  If so, under what conditions?

YES, a player shall be changed after NOMINATION with the CONSENT of OPPOSING CAPTAIN

1.3 Can a side take the field without a captain?

YES. A side can take the field without its captain.

1.3 If a captain is not available at the appropriate time, another person has to ensure that the list of nominated players is given to an umpire. There are no restrictions on who this other person is. However, once the nomination is completed, must it be someone on the list who actually tosses?

NO. Law 1.3 stipulates that after the toss only a nominated player can deputize for his
captain. While the toss is actually being made is not ‘after the toss’.
 

1.4 A match is played by agreement between two sides with 15 players each.  Can all the 15 players bat, bowl and field?  If not, how many of them can bat, bowl or field?

YES, 15 Players can BAT or BOWL but NOT more than 11 Players may FIELD at any point of time.

1.5 Can a side which has fielded only 10 players bat at full strength?

YES, a side which has fielded only 10 players can bat at full strength.