The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sought to clarify the ruling relating to Law 41.8 that resulted in the dismissal of Pakistan batsman Fawad Alam, who was caught by Australia’s Steven Smith during the third One-Day International (ODI) in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
WATCH STEVE SMITH’S CONTROVERSIAL CATCH.
Given the recent trend of fielders moving in anticipation after a batsman had moved to play a shot, the ICC consulted with the MCC and advised the umpires to use the following interpretation:
“As long as the movement of a close catching fielder is in response to the striker’s actions (the shot he/she is about to play or shaping to play), then movement is permitted before the ball reaches the striker. On the day, if umpires believe any form of significant movement is unfair (in an attempt to deceive the batsman), then the Law still applies”.
This interpretation was discussed during the Match Officials’ Workshop in Dubai in late September.
By: ICC
