A new cricket rule will alter how fielders can catch boundaries. The world-renowned catches taken by Michael Neser and Tom Banton (assisted by Matt Renshaw) in the Big Bash League (BBL) will no longer be considered as legal under this new rule.
Under the new rule, a fielder who is airborne beyond the boundary can touch the ball only once. Then they have to return to the field to make the catch. So, the "bunny hop" action Neser employed, wherein he touched the ball twice or more while airborne beyond the boundary, will be against the law.
This regulation will initially be included in ICC's playing conditions later this month, beginning with the WTC cycle on June 17 in Sri Lanka. MCC will turn it into an official law in October 2026.
In BBL 2023, Neser pulled off an incredible catch for Brisbane Heat. He caught the ball airborne, jumped over the boundary, threw it up in the air again while still in flight, and leaped back into the field to finish the catch. It was permissible under the previous rule, but it raised eyebrows among fans and critics.
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Michael Neser's catch:
Neser explained that he took inspiration from Matt Renshaw, who did the same thing in BBL 2020. Renshaw threw the ball in the air as he fell over the boundary, and Tom Banton pulled off the catch within the field.
Tom Banton's (assisted by Matt Renshaw) catch:
Most felt such catches appeared unsportsmanlike, even though they were within the rules. The ICC and MCC therefore decided to modify the rule to prevent such plays.
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What Does the New Rule States?
The new rule maintains some spectacular catches within the law, such as those taken by and Alex Hales, but now states:
- A fielder is allowed to touch the ball just once if he or she is in the air and over the boundary.
- Once they touch it, they have to return completely within the field.
- If they cross out again on that play, it will be a boundary.
- This is true even if they are passing the ball to a teammate.
This adjustment will prevent fielders from being airborne beyond the boundary line for more than one touch. The boundary line will now be an absolute cut-off, as soon as you make contact with the ball beyond it, you have to complete the rest of the play within.
