MCC clarify rules around Michael Neser catch in BBL

The Brisbane Heat seamer caught Sydney Sixers' Jordan Silk by throwing the ball back mid-air and jumping over the boundary rope, a decision which has been approved by the lawmakers

Marylebone Cricket Club have confirmed the decision to approve Michael Neser's catch during the Big Bash League match between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers was correct.

Neser caught Jordan Silk's shot on the run by the boundary, released the ball upon jumping over the rope, threw it back into the field of play mid-air and collected the loose ball.

Replays were required to confirm that the Australia seamer had not touched the ground outside of the rope while in contact with the ball, but it was still a decision that left many bemused.

^{The dismissal of Silk was a key moment in a thrilling BBL encounter on New Year's Day (Russell Freeman/Getty Images)}

It occurred at a key juncture of the game. Sixers, chasing 225 at The Gabba, would have required 20 from 10 deliveries had the six been approved. Instead, it left them needing 26 and they would eventually be dismissed for 209.

In a post on Twitter, the MCC directed users to its rules clarifying the laws.

"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," the club, founded in 1787, said.

The clarification included footage from broadcaster Channel 7 in which Melbourne Stars captain and Australia allrounder Glenn Maxwell explained the decision.

Totally normal sport.#BBL12pic.twitter.com/tMKAGX78N7

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) January 1, 2023

"If he makes the first contact from where he jumped inside the rope, and then when the last contact is made, he back inside the rope it's out," said Maxwell.

"As long as when he threw it up a second time his feet were in the air, the last point of contact has to be back in.

"Effectively, he could throw it up 300 times as long as his feet are in the air."

^{Glenn Maxwell was immediately on hand to explain the decision (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)}

A similar incident occurred in 2020 when Heat's Matthew Renshaw palmed the ball to Tom Banton while stationed over the boundary but jumping in the air.

"I knew Renshaw did it a couple of years ago," Neser told Channel 7 on his catch.

"I didn't know if they changed the rules I thought I'd give it a crack and thankfully they didn't change the rule. 

"I did know it was a rule but I didn't know if they changed it. I thought I'd give it a try."

Related Topics

• Brisbane Heat prevail in thrilling Sydney Sixers clash