Probable XI vs Confirmed XI

Probable XI

Before the toss, any line-up is a best guess from team news and recent selections. Use it to draft, never to finalise.

Mark each player you pick:

• Certain: regular starter with a clear role.
• Likely: probably plays, role could shift.
• Doubtful: injury, rotation or conditions could leave him out.

Give every likely or doubtful pick a backup in the same role.

Confirmed XI

Captains name their playing XIs at the toss. That's the first moment you know who plays.

At the toss, go through your team three times:

1. Names: is each player in the XI? Swap in your backup if not.
2. Batting first: which side bats first changes who faces the new ball and who bowls in dew.
3. Roles: has anyone moved down the order or out of the attack?

Late Changes

Swap like for like: a bowler for a bowler, a batter for a batter. Then check your team still meets the contest's role rules.

If Entries Close Before the Toss

Then your team rests on probable XIs. Pick only certain starters, or choose a match whose toss you can see.