‘As long as the fielder’s first touch of the ball is inside the boundary line’: ICC on Neser’s controversial catch in BBL 12
The Big Bash League (BBL) game no. 25 played between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat on Sunday, witnessed an unusual scene at The Gabba that has left the fans and experts muddled.
It was Michael Neser’s juggling catch to dismiss Sixers’ Jordan Silk during the mammoth chase of 225 which has now become the biggest talking point of this year’s BBL edition. Given all the talks the ICC has officially spoken on Neser’s controversial catch.
It is noteworthy that the catch was declared legal because Neser ticked two crucial aspects (first point of contact with the ball inside the playing area and last point of contact with the ball after stepping on to the playing area) while claiming a catch of such nature.
Although the effort was hailed by many, some fans and experts questioned the legality of the catch and it has stirred up quite a debate. Hoping to put an end to the controversy, the ICC passed its verdict and stated that the ‘batter was correctly declared out.’
In ICC in its website said, Law 19.5.2 states: “A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be grounded beyond the boundary if his/her final contact with the ground, before his/her first contact with the ball after it has been delivered by the bowler, was not entirely within the boundary.”
ICC’s verdict on Neser’s controversial catch
“It is important to note that as long as the fielder’s first touch of the ball is inside the boundary line, they are allowed to finish the catch however they like, provided their feet are not grounded with the ball over the boundary.”
“Neser’s initial contact with the ball, the timing of his jump and the eventual catch were all within the laws of the game, the batter was correctly declared out”, the ICC further added.
Also read: WATCH: Michael Neser’s juggling catch in BBL to dismiss Jordan Silk
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