If an umpire determines a bowl to be a toucher, what must the players do next?

When an umpire determines a bowl to be a toucher, the correct procedure is to mark the bowl and allow it to remain in play. A bowl is considered a toucher if it has made contact with the jack (the small target ball) during its delivery and remains in the vicinity of the jack afterward. Marking the bowl serves to indicate its status, meaning that it can continue to influence the game by counting towards the score if it remains within the boundaries of the playing surface.

This marking is essential because it informs all players and umpires of the bowl's special status as a toucher, which can have implications for how play continues. Players must recognize and respect the umpire's ruling, and the marked toucher can play a strategic role in the end, potentially affecting the outcome of the match.

Other options do not align with the rules governing this situation. Simply leaving the bowl where it lies would disregard its status and could lead to confusion about its role in the game. Removing it from the playing surface would not be appropriate, as a toucher is meant to remain active in play. Acknowledging the decision but merely continuing without marking the bowl fails to adhere to the necessary procedural requirements that keep the game organized and fair.