Mitchell Starc’s Catch Sparked Controversy in Ashes 2023
The cricket world has been buzzing with the controversy surrounding Mitchell Starc’s incredible catch during the fourth day of the second Ashes 2023 Test between England and Australia. As the day’s play unfolded, Ben Duckett unleashed a powerful shot in response to Cameron Green’s short ball.
Starc, positioned at fine leg, made a breathtaking dive to his left and secured the catch. Starc managed to grab the catch mid-air, but as he slid to the ground, the ball made contact with the ground, causing quite a stir. Now, let’s find out the whole controversy.
3rd umpire gives Not Out on Mitchell Starc's catch. pic.twitter.com/d39LhaTTI4
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 1, 2023
Mitchell Starc’s Catch Controversy
During the exciting fourth day of the second Test match between England and Australia at Lord’s, an intriguing controversy unfolded surrounding a catch. It all happened in the 29th of England’s innings when Ben Duckett struck a powerful shot, met by Mitchell Starc’s agile leap to the left at fine leg, where he managed to snag the catch in mid-air.
There was cheering in the Aussies camp after the stunning catch, and Duckett promptly left the crease after assuming his dismissal. However, 3rd umpire reviewed the replays and confirmed that Starc had made contact with the ground after securing the catch. As a result, despite the on-field umpire ruling Duckett out, the third umpire overturned the decision, rendering him not out.
Marylebone Cricket Club’s Clarification
Following the controversial catch involving Mitchell Starc, the Marylebone Cricket Club has provided clarification based on Rule 33.3. According to this rule, a catch is considered complete only when the fielder maintains full control over the ball throughout the catch without making contact with the ground.
In Starc’s case, it is evident that he lacked complete control as he slid, and the ball also made contact with the ground. As per the rules, if a fielder fails to maintain full contact with the ball while it touches the ground, the batsman is given the benefit of the doubt and believed not out in such instances.
Ashes 2023
The heated Ashes series is currently taking place in England, tempting English cricket fans. This wild, historic 5-match test series began with Australia securing a victory in the first test by two wickets. As the second Ashes Test unfolds, the stakes are high for the Aussies.
England faces the challenge of chasing down 257 runs to secure a crucial win, while Australia requires just five wickets to emerge victorious. A win in the second test holds immense significance for England, as a loss would mean they must secure three consecutive wins to clinch the series, whereas Australia would only need one more victory. Despite the match being far from over, the chances of a draw remain possible, but a win for England does not.
