A spectacular piece of fielding in the Big Bash League has led to renewed debate over the laws regarding boundary catches, with some feeling a change is needed.
The incident occurred in the 15th over of Hobart Hurricanes’ first innings against Brisbane Heat. Matthew Wade hit Ben Cutting into the deep at long-on, where Matt Renshaw caught the ball, releasing it before stepping over the rope. He then jumped, from outside of the field of play, and palmed the ball to his team-mate Tom Banton, who completed the catch.
Both fielders looked confused initially, with Renshaw making a signal with his arms to indicate it wasn’t out, and the umpires were unsure at first too, with TV umpire Simon Lightbody heard saying it was “not out” on air, before reversing his judgement after another look.
This is dividing opinion. Out or not out, what do you think?#BBL09 pic.twitter.com/UlwkZ0yDod
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 9, 2020
By the letter of the law, the right decision was reached in the end.
“You’ve got to make sure your feet have landed inside the court and I think it should be the same in cricket. While we’re taking catches on our side it doesn’t really bother me, but I know if I was a batsman I’d be pretty upset if that was the dismissal.”
Brisbane Heat went onto secure victory by five wickets, but the debate rages on.