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Watch: In a Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match, Nat Sciver-Brunt showed exceptional game awareness when she asked for a no-ball after Katie George bowled the ball.
Opting to bat at during a Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy encounter at the Edgbaston Foundation Community Sports Ground, the Central Sparks were reduced to 66-4 against The Blaze.
Bethan Ellis (53) and Katie George (50) then added 83 before the Sparks were bowled out for 189. For The Blaze, Josie Groves claimed 3-39, Grace Ballinger 2-24, and Kathryn Bryce 2-27. Nat Sciver-Brunt did not bowl.
In response, Lizelle Lee (40 in 31 balls) and Tammy Beaumont (24) added 61 for the opening stand in 52 balls before Georgia Davis (2-28), Hannah Barker (2-37), and George (2-40) made inroads into The Blaze middle order.
At 91-6, the Sparks seemed favourites, but Lucy Higham helped put on 40. Captain Kirstie Gordon joined Sciver-Brunt at 131-7.
George was bowling the 33rd over of the innings. During the over, Sciver-Brunt observed that the Sparks had five, and not four, fielders outside the circle.
Immediately after George bowled the sixth ball of the over, Sciver-Brunt pointed out the same to the umpire at the bowler’s end, who duly signalled a no-ball. George, who had taken her cap from the umpire, now returned it and resumed. The moment was spotted by Jeet Vachharajani and posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Sciver-Brunt (66 not out) and Gordon (15 not out) stayed put, and The Blaze won with three wickets and 29 balls in hand.
Watch Nat Sciver-Brunt ask for no-ball after ball is bowled:
As soon as the ball is bowled, she's quick to notify the umpires & gets it ruled in her favor. Eve Jones realizes her error & Katie George has to re-bowl.
In tight games where each run counts, such moments could have a massive influence. Top play by the pro!👏 pic.twitter.com/HlhHTiZmU1
— Jeet Vachharajani (Women's Cricket) (@Jeetv27WC) September 5, 2023
