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Josh Lalor’s catch in Big Bash League game causes debate over cricket laws

The catch took place during the game between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder.

Josh Lalor dismissed Melbourne Stars skipper Cameron White off the bowling of Nathan Hauritz © Getty Images
Josh Lalor dismissed Melbourne Stars skipper Cameron White off the bowling of Nathan Hauritz © Getty Images (File Photo)

Jan 18, 2015

The Big Bash League (BBL) game between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars gave birth to a controversy, when Josh Lalor of Thunder took a contentious catch near the boundary line off the bowling of Nathan Hauritz to dismiss Stars skipper Cameron White on a score of 23 from 26 balls. The bone of contention in the catch was Lalor’s last point of contact before completing the catch, which was outside the boundary line, and is in contradiction to the cricketing laws.

White got down on one knee and swept the Hauritz delivery towards the midwicket boundary in an attempt to clear the ropes, which it would have had it not been for Lalor standing at the boundary. The fielder lunged for the ball going well over his head and collected it between his palms. He however, realised that he would not be able to prevent himself from crossing the ropes, resulting in Lalor throwing the ball inside the boundary line. With the ball still in the air, Lalor jumped back inside the boundary line, and completed the catch before his feet could touch the ground.

According to a report by cricket.com.au, many spectators at the Sydney Showground Stadium, the venue of the game, were heard screaming ‘Six!”, while the commentators Mark Waugh and Andrew Flintoff were in favour of the catch being awarded to the fielder. Cameron White, who was not convinced by the catch and stood his ground, was clearly unhappy when he was adjudged out by the third umpire.

Melbourne Stars however, emerged the winner of the contest as they overcame an easy 107-run target with eight wickets to spare. The chase was led by England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who struck a whirlwind 67 not out from 42 balls. It was the end of the road for the Sydney Thunders in the ongoing edition of the BBL as the Stars made their way to the semi-final stage.

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