BBL12 Michael Neser catch: Do you give that out or six?

At BBL12, Michael Neser boundary catch has again opened the debate about fielders taking catches or juggling balls after taking a catch outside the boundary rope.

By
Naresh Kota
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Michael Neser boundary catch has become controversial
Michael Neser boundary catch has become controversial

Michael Neser took a splendid catch on boundary rope but it has become a point of debate – Is it six or out? It is hard to debate about cricket these days as MCC has been changing laws to include new age developments and athleticism as much as they can for new generation viewers. At BBL12, Michael Neser boundary catch has again opened the debate about fielders taking catches or juggling balls after taking a catch outside the boundary rope. Here is the Michael Neser catch for you to understand the context, what we are going to discuss further.

Michael Neser caught the ball hit to extra cover boundary by Jordan Silk in Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers match. Michael Neser took the catch within the boundary lines and then juggled the ball by jumping outside the rope for a good 5-6 yards. He never touched the ball and put his feet on the ground behind the rope. But many stated that they cannot give it out and it should be given a six. Umpires after due deliberation gave it as out. Michael Neser has been called names internationally for his efforts.

Michael Neser catch against Jordan Silk
Michael Neser catch against Jordan Silk

According to MCCLaw 19.5.2: “A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be grounded beyond the boundary if his/her final contact with the ground, before his/her first contact with the ball after it has been delivered by the bowler, was not entirely within the boundary.” So, Michael Neser has done exactly what law allows him to do to complete such a difficult catch. As he took the catch within the boundary line and then juggled the ball outside the boundary rope and never touched the ball while his feet are grounded outside the rope. Law wise, it is OUT but is it justice for a batsman who managed to clear boundary? Or is it just to ask a fielder to be not so athletic? Well, it is hard to decide, isn’t it? So, let’s just once again enjoy Michael Neser presence of mind!

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