Ashes 2023: Marylebone Cricket Club Issues A Clarification On Mitchell Starc's Catch Of Ben Duckett In Lord's Test

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has issued a clarification regarding the controversial catch taken by Mitchell Starc in England’s second innings during the second Test of the Ashes series. The decision made by the third umpire in the Lord’s Test has sparked discussions within the cricket community.

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc took a catch of England’s opener, Ben Duckett, during the third session of the fourth day’s play in the ongoing second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Saturday, July 1. However, the third umpire concluded that Starc was not in complete control of the catch and declared it not out.

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The incident occurred during the 29th over of England’s innings when opener Ben Duckett played a miscued shot off Cameron Green’s bowling. Mitchell Starc, who was positioned at fine leg, initially completed the catch but lost control of the ball while grounding it.

The third umpire Marais Erasmus reviewed the footage and overturned the on-field decision, as Starc was seen touching the ball to the ground. As a result, Duckett, who was already walking back to the pavilion, was recalled to the crease from the boundary ropes.

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He Was Not In Control Of His Movement – MCC

Marylebone Cricket Club clarified the decision through their official Twitter handle. Cricket’s law-making body mentioned that it was the right decision made by the umpire.

“Law 33.3 clearly states that a catch is only completed when the fielder has ‘complete control over the ball and his/her movement’.

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“The ball cannot touch the ground before then. In this particular incident, Mitchell Starc, was still sliding as the ball rubbed the ground, therefore he was not in control of his movement.”

What The MCC Rule Book States Regarding A Fair Catch:

According to Law 33.3 of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC): “The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement.”

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Law 33.2.2.1: “The ball is held in the hand or hands of a fielder, even if the hand holding the ball is touching the ground or is hugged to the body, or lodges in the external protective equipment worn by a fielder, or lodges accidentally in a fielder’s clothing.”

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc had a successful outing, taking two wickets each. England scored 114 runs, with Ben Duckett and captain Ben Stokes at the crease. England need 257 runs on the final day of the match to secure victory.

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