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The second Test of the ongoing Ashes series is underway at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. With all possible results available going into the final day of the second Test, hosts England need 257 runs to win, whereas Australia needs six wickets to go up 2-0 in the series.
While the Day 4 ended with the hosts trailing by 257 runs, it saw some moments of cheer as well as that of controversy. While the spectators were swayed by the brilliant gesture of Nathan Lyon, who walked into bat despite a calf injury, Australian veteran Mitchell Starc hogged the limelight for a controversial catch.
Talking about Starc’s catch, the fielder grabbed the catch of Ben Duckett at the fine third man, but this catch did not go well after on-field umpire Erasmus called for a “not out”. Confident Starc looked all ecstatic after this catch and long before Duckett could cross the boundary rope, he was recalled by the third umpire, ruling out the dismissal.
Watch the catch here:
This decision not only got players and umpires into a debate, but the Australian side did look disappointed as it was stated that the catch wasn’t a clean one.
What does MCC rule book say for a fair catch?
According to the MCC Law 33.2.2.1, “the ball is held in the hand or hands of a fielder, even if the hand holding the ball is touching the ground, or is hugged to the body, or lodges in the external protective equipment worn by a fielder, or lodges accidentally in a fielder’s clothing” is a catch.
Meanwhile the Law 33.3 explains the making of a catch. It elaborates that “the act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement.”
