 "Explained: How a rule change after Phil Hughes' death put Kerala on brink of Ranji Trophy final")
A recent rule change and an unexpected dismissal combined to help Kerala virtually qualify for the Ranji Trophy final on Friday. Kerala virtually qualified for the Ranji Trophy final by taking a two-run first-innings lead against Gujarat in semi-final 1, which is being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium A Ground in Ahmedabad.
While Kerala scored 457 in the first innings, Gujarat were bowled out for 455. On 455, Gujarat’s Arzan Nagwaswalla went for an attacking shot against Kerala spinner Aditya Sarwate in the hope of taking a lead but the ball hit silly point fielder Salman Nizar’s helmet before being caught by captain Sachin Baby at first slip.
Kerala benefits from rule change over use of helmets
Due to a rule change brought in after Philip Hughes’ death in 2014, the catch was considered legitimate, leading to Kerala taking a two-run lead.
1⃣ wicket in hand
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 21, 2025
2⃣ runs to equal scores
3⃣ runs to secure a crucial First-Innings Lead
Joy. Despair. Emotions. Absolute Drama! 😮
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kisimA9o9w#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #GUJvKER | #SF1 pic.twitter.com/LgTkVfRH7q
The rule change which was made in 2017 says that players can be caught, stumped or run-out off the helmet worn by a close-in fielder. The change in the rule was made after a review following the death of Phillip Hughes. The former Australian batter died after being hit on the neck by a ball while batting in the Sheffield Shield.
What is the rule change on use of helmets?
The review conducted after Hughes’ death recommended adhering to the highest safety standards when electing to wear helmets. In 2023, ICC made helmets mandatory for batters facing fast and medium-pace bowling, wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps and for fielders positioned close to the batter (except slips fielders).
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe MCC, meanwhile, has also permitted dismissals like catches and stumpings from balls that deflect from helmets worn by fielders.
“It is felt that balls rebounding off a fielder’s helmet could equally help or hinder the fielding side, and so the suggestion that rebounds off the helmet make catches easier should be disregarded,” the MCC said in a statement.
Besides the rule change, Kerala would also want to thank batter Mohammed Azharuddeen who scored 177 and helped them score 457 in the first innings. Jalaj Saxena and Sarwate later took four wickets each as Gujarat were bowled out for 455.
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