On Sunday, Brisbane Heat recorded a 15-run victory over the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL 2022-23). After being executed to bat first, Brisbane put up 224/5 in 20 overs, with Nathan McSweeney adding 84 runs.
In reply, Sydney, too, put glorious efforts; however, were bowled out for 209, with Heat’s bowlers Michael Neser striking with a three-wicket haul. Heat’s victory also included contributions from two wickets apiece from Mark Steketee, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Ross Whiteley.
During the match, a controversial incident sparked up that raised questions about the rules of the game. During the 19th over of Sydney’s inning, Jordan Silk smashed a shot to long-off against Steketee.
Neser made a great effort not to miss the catch, throwing it before going over the boundary line. Nevertheless, the bowl was still outside the boundary rope, and the fielder jumped again, throwing the ball back into the playing area before rushing inside the rope and taking the catch.
The incident sparked debate about whether Neser’s actions were within the rules of the game. After some confusion, the umpire gave his decision favouring Neser as Silk was given catch out at 41. However, the decision is not well-received by the fans. While a small portion of the experts and fanatics agree with the conclusion, the rest argues that it was unfair to Silk.
Cricket Australia’s verdict on Silk vs Neser moment:
Cricket Australia (CA) later went on to explain why it was not a six but out. To clear the confusion, they penned out a law, which states:
Law 19.5.2 states: “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.”
