Optional rules for backyard cricket

Use or ignore based on the number of players and their ages/abilities.

Automatic Wicky: If a nick from the batsman carries to a designated area directly behind the stumps, e.g. a garage door, they are considered to have been caught behind.

Can't Get Out First Ball: Self-explanatory.

Can't Go From Batting To Bowling: Ditto. (This one's for bigger groups, where you don't want dominant types hogging the fun positions.) 

Electric Wickets: Usually employed when there is a lone batsman, and especially when there aren't two proper sets of stumps. They can be run out at either end, regardless of which they're heading for.

"Interference!": An appeal against your dismissal on the grounds that you were hip-checked by a fielder or whatever.

"Lost Ball!": If the tenno's disappeared into a cactus and the batsmen have already run eight, it's reasonable to give this cry and halt play.

No LBW: Self-explanatory. (Often used in the absence of an umpire.)

One Hand On The Bounce: Makes catching easier for younger/less skilled cricketers. Variations include One Hand Off The Roof.

Six And Out: Rule designed to deter older brothers repeatedly slogging shots over logical boundaries into unfriendly neighbours' yards, onto a busy road or into dense bushland.

Tippy-Go-Run: If the ball touches your bat, you MUST run at least a single.