The 25th match of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) was a high-scoring contest where over 400 runs were scored at the Gabba on Sunday. The match was played between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers, where the Heat managed to end the Sixers’ four-match winning streak, defeating them by 15 runs.
Despite the massive run-fest in the thrilling game, the major talking point was Michael Neser‘s boundary catch which stirred up debate on social media. The controversial incident occurred during the penultimate over of the Sixers’ chase when Jordan Silk smacked a wide delivery bowled by Mark Steketee to the long-off region.
Neser came running and plucked a sensational catch, but he threw the ball in the air as his body was going over the boundary line because of the momentum. The fielder then crossed the boundary rope, juggled the ball in the air once again while making no contact with the ground, and came inside the play area to complete the catch.
Here is the video:
Michael Neser's juggling act ends Silk's stay!
Cue the debate about the Laws of Cricket… #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/5Vco84erpj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 1, 2023
After some confusion, the on field umpire gave the decision in favour of Neser and Silk was declared out for 41. However, the decision erupted in a massive debate as fans seemed divided by the rule. Even the commentators felt it was a six, but the replays showed that Neser was not grounded when he touched the ball outside the rope.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) also stepped in to give clarification regarding the rules, and explained why the catch was completely within the rules.
“The key points are: 1) The FIRST contact must be inside the boundary, and 2) the fielder can’t be touching the ball and the ground beyond the boundary at the same time,” tweeted MCC.
The key points are:
1) The FIRST contact must be inside the boundary, and
2) the fielder can’t be touching the ball and the ground beyond the boundary at the same time.#MCCLaws
— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) January 1, 2023
