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In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, where every run and wicket matters, a rare incident occurred during the Vitality T20 Blast match between Somerset and Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire wicket-keeper Lewis McManus found himself on the wrong side of the law when he claimed a stumping dismissal, unaware that his gloves had crossed the line of the stumps before collecting the ball.
The incident, which is governed by Law 27.3.1 and 27.3.2 set by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), states that the wicket-keeper must remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end until the ball either touches the bat or person of the striker, passes the wicket at the striker’s end, or the striker attempts a run. McManus’ premature movement of his gloves across the stumps triggered the umpire’s decision to call a no-ball, a rare occurrence in the sport.
Watch the full incident here:
The Costly No-Ball
The no-ball proved to be a turning point in the match, as it allowed Somerset’s Tom Kohler-Cadmore to take full advantage of the free-hit. Kohler-Cadmore, who was on strike at the time, seized the opportunity and smashed the delivery for a massive six, contributing to his impressive innings of 63 runs.
Somerset’s strong batting performance saw them post a formidable total of 215 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Despite Northamptonshire’s best efforts, they fell short by 17 runs, leaving them to ponder the impact of the rare no-ball decision.
What Do The Laws of Cricket State?
The umpire’s decision to call a no-ball was made in accordance with the laws of cricket. Even though McManus had collected the ball well behind the stumps, the fact that his gloves had crossed the line before the ball reached the batter was enough to trigger the no-ball call.
The third umpire, upon reviewing the replay, double-checked McManus’ glove movement to ensure the decision was correct. This attention to detail and strict adherence to the laws of the game highlight the importance of fair play and the role of officials in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
The specific law that governs the situation involving a wicket-keeper collecting the ball in front of the stumps is Law 27.3.1 from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) regulations.
According to this law: Law 27.3 – Position of Wicket-Keeper 27.3.1 The wicket-keeper 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:
a) touches the bat or person of the striker
b) passes the wicket at the striker’s end
c) the striker attempts a run. 27.3.2
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. This law clearly outlines the requirements for the wicket-keeper’s position and the consequences of not adhering to these rules, which was the basis for the no-ball decision during the Vitality T20 Blast match involving Northamptonshire’s Lewis McManus.
The Significance of the Incident
While rare, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the intricacies of cricket laws and the need for players and officials to be vigilant at all times. The no-ball call, though harsh on Northamptonshire, was the correct decision based on the rules of the game.
The match between Somerset and Northamptonshire showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where a single moment can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. As fans and players alike continue to enjoy the fast-paced action of the Vitality T20 Blast, they can appreciate the importance of understanding and adhering to the laws that govern the sport.
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