The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have clarified the new rule regarding 'breaking the wicket for run-out', which came into effect in international cricket from October 1.
MCC issues clarification on run-out law
The latest update on the existing run-out law in ICC's playing conditions, which requires the fielder to be in complete control while breaking the wicket, has received special attention, with many fans misinterpreting what it really means.
As per the new law, part of Appendix 2.7 and 2.8, in order to fairly break the wicket, "the ball must be held with complete control in the fielder's palm or fingers, or in the palm or fingers of a wicketkeeper's glove."
This led to speculation that a run-out would not be given in instances of a bowler flicking the ball onto the stumps at non-striker's end, or the ball ricocheting off wicketkeeper's pads or being kicked onto stumps.
To put an end to further speculation, MCC issued a clarification on Thursday, October 8, stating the law only applies to the instances of a fielder breaking the wickets with hand or arm. The run-out would stand if the ball hits the stumps, irrespective of whether the fielder or wicketkeeper was in control of it.
"This Law applies to when a fielder is breaking the wicket with their hand or arm, while holding the ball," the statement read. "In that circumstance, they need to have the ball in their hand, and with complete control, to be able to break the wicket.
"The reason for the change is that improved TV coverage has highlighted that some batters were being given out when the fielder was in contact with the ball when breaking the wicket, but had little or no control of the ball. This is not the same as 'holding the ball', which is what the Law has always required."
"But a fielder can, of course, still break the wicket with the ball," the clarification further read. "If the ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, there is no question of control - the wicket is fairly broken. It is only if it's the fielder's person, not the ball, that makes contact with the wicket, that this new piece of Law becomes relevant."
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