A no-ball was called for an unusual reason in the afternoon session of the third day’s play (August 23) during the Old Trafford Test after England reviewed an LBW decision against Sri Lanka. However, England ended up not losing that review.
The incident occurred in the 36th over of Sri Lanka's second innings of the Manchester Test. Shoaib Bashir deceived left-hand batter Kamindu Mendis in the air, hitting him on the front pad. The on-field umpire dismissed the appeal, but England decided to refer it to the third umpire.
As a customary first step, the legitimacy of the ball was checked, with third umpire Joel Wilson wanting to ensure whether wicketkeeper Jamie Smith’s gloves were “wholly behind the stumps” when the ball was delivered, as per Law 27 of the MCC Laws of Cricket. Replays revealed the tip of the gloves inched in front of the stumps as the ball was sent down, and a no-ball was called.
Mark Butcher has criticised Sri Lanka’s preparation and professionalism after they let slip a decent position on the third morning at Old Trafford.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 23, 2024
Read why ➡️ https://t.co/hNjpPLxMIX pic.twitter.com/5A3cFR0u04
Law 27 concerns the wicketkeeper, with clause 27.3 specifically dealing with what position the gloveman is allowed to take. "The wicketkeeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler touches the bat or person of the striker or passes the wicket at the striker’s end or the striker attempts a run," the law states.
"In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this Law, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal No ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball."
Here's why England didn't lose the review
Despite asking for a referral, England didn't lose the review. According to Article 3.6.6 of "DRS Regulations" on the England Cricket Board (ECB) website, "following a request for a Player Review, the original on-field decision of Not Out is unchanged on account of the delivery being a No Ball (for any reason), thereby not requiring any further evaluation, the Player Review shall not be counted as 'Unsuccessful' and accordingly shall not count towards the innings limit set out."
In the match, England stretched their first-innings lead to 122 after a terrific maiden hundred from Jamie Smith. Sri Lanka, 1-2, at the start of the second innings, recovered well, courtesy of a half-century from Angelo Mathews, who led the resistance, was dismissed on 65.
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