MCC explains why Mitchell Starc’s catch of Ben Duckett ruled not out. On Day 5, England needs 257 runs to win the second Test, while Australia needs six wickets.
MCC confirmed third umpire Marais Erasmus’ decision to rule Ben Duckett not-out. Following Mitchell Starc’s sensational catch at fine leg near the end of Day 4 of the second Ashes Test on Saturday. Notably, the Australian fast felt confident of his chances. Replays reveal that the ball made contact with the turf as Starc slid around the boundary. As a result, Erasmus turned on the green lights, which confused Australia’s cricketers as skipper Pat Cummins argued with the on-field umpires.
Former cricketers Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting also spoke out from the commentary box, criticizing Erasmus’ decision. As word spread on social media, MCC published a statement explaining the rationale for the call. The custodians of cricketing laws stated on Twitter that the ball touched the surface while Starc was not fully in control, and so the third umpire’s decision was correct.
“Law 33.3 states unequivocally that a catch is only complete. When the fielder has ‘complete control over the ball and his/her movement.'” Before that, the ball cannot contact the ground. Mitchell Starc still sliding as the ball scraped the ground in this occasion. So he was not in control of his progress.” MCC stated.
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Don’t think I understand the rules properly to really tell you whether it’s right or wrong: Marcus Trescothick
In response to the event, England batting coach Marcus Trescothick remark that he is unfamiliar with the regulations and hence will find it difficult to explain. However, he claimed that Starc was not fully in possession of the ball, therefore the umpires deemed it a no-out.
“When I first saw it from a distance, I thought it looked good. Obviously, the ball then slides along the ground. But I don’t think we really understood the rules at the time. I don’t think I understand the regulations well enough to tell you whether it’s correct or incorrect.
“But, from what I’ve heard from umpires and other people, you have to have control of the ball and your body until the motion is finish.” “And obviously, that would be the most difficult part of the catch,” Trescothick said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
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