Watch: Marnus Labuschagne Becomes First Victim Of ICC's New Rule On Fake Fielding

Few days after the International Cricket Council introduced a plethora of changes in the laws of the game,  Marnus Labuschagne has become the first player to be penalised for one of the new regulations as the Queensland fielder paid the price for ‘fake fielding’ during the game against Cricket Australia’s XI in the JLT One-Day Cup.

The incident happened in the 27th over of the Cricket Australia XI’s innings in Brisbane when Labuschagne’s attempt to deceive the batsman cost his team five runs.  The 23-year old dived to stop a ball in the covers but failed. However, in an attempt to stop the batsmen from scampering for a run, he faked a throw.

As a result, batsman Param Uppal initially turned back from the run he had started before completing the run after realising the whole matter. Labuschagne was quick to raise his hand in apology but could not escape the punishment. The on-field umpires had a discussion before standing umpire Paul Wilson signalled to the scorers by repeatedly tapping his left shoulder with his right palm to indicate 5 penalty runs according to the new ICC rule of ‘intentionally deceiving or distracting a batsman’.

Here is a clip of that incident (Credits: Cricket Network):

https://twitter.com/PRINCE3758458/status/913795038894686208

The Marylebone Cricket Club’s new Law 41.5 states that: “It is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball”. The law has also given the umpires the right to award five penalty runs if they determine that such deception is wilful.

Meanwhile, the five penalty runs did not prove costly in the end as Queensland beat Cricket Australia’s XI by 4 wickets. Batting first, Cricket Australia XI scored 279 for 7 with Max Bryant (60) and Ben Pengelley (53) scoring half-centuries. In reply, Queensland chased down the total with nine balls remaining. Labuschagne scored 61 from 62 while Australia’s Test opener Matt Renshaw top-scored with 67.