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The England cricket team were awarded only five runs instead of six when the batters ran double before the four overthrow. England visited India for a five-match long Test series, which commenced on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. English skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first. The opening day of the highly-anticipated clash between the cricketing giants saw misunderstanding and confusion unfolding as English batter Rehan Ahmed saw a run's deduction to his tally.
Follow: IND vs ENG 1st Test Live Score
Ahmed, who came to bat at number eight for the visitors, saw a run deduction in his overall tally, despite running a double before the overthrow from an Indian fielder, was awarded only five runs instead of six. Rehan flicked a full toss bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, and after the fielder’s overthrow, the ball went for a boundary. The batter was awarded six runs for the same, but the decision was soon reversed to five runs.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah dismisses Ben Stokes in 1st Test
What does the MCC rule state?
Ahmed was awarded five runs instead of six due to the MCC rule 19.8, Overthrow or wilful act of fielder. The rule states,
- If the boundary results from an overthrow or the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored shall be
- any runs for penalties awarded to either side
- and the allowance for the boundary
- and the runs completed by the batters, together with the run in progress if they had
- already crossed at the instant of the throw or act.
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle commentating during Day 1 of the opening Test explained the rule on air to the viewers.
