 "David Bedingham in action as he picks up the ball from his pads. Image: Reuters")
The World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s has been a thrilling contest so far. While South Africa are fighting hard to become the new world champions, Australia are looking to defend their title and become the first team to do so since the start of the tournament.
Australia were shocked early by South Africa’s strong bowling on Day 1. Kagiso Rabada helped his team bowl out the Aussies for just 212 runs by picking up a five-wicket haul. However, Australian bowlers struck back and bowled South Africa out for just 138 runs. Pat Cummins picked up a six-wicket haul to hand the blow to the Proteas.
Did Bedingham break the rules?
Meanwhile, a controversy occurred on Day 2 during a brief partnership in South Africa’s innings. In the last over before lunch, Beau Webster bowled a ball that moved in after pitching and David Bedingham got an inside edge. The ball got stuck in his pad and he then picked it up with his hand and dropped it on the ground.
The Australian players immediately appealed for ‘handled the ball’. But after discussing for a while, the umpires gave Bedingham not out. This decision surprised a lot of people.
What does the rule say?
According to the MCC rules, a batter can be given out for ‘handling the ball’ only if they touch the ball on purpose with their hands.
However, if the ball gets stuck in the batter’s pad, like it did with Bedingham, and the batter just picks it up and drops it without trying to do anything else, it’s not considered out. It becomes a dead ball in that situation.
What’s happening in the match?
Australia are cautiously rebuilding in their second innings after a shaky start. They are 43 for 2 in 16.5 overs at the time of writing this story. Marnus Labuschagne is forging a partnership alongside Steve Smith. Usman Khawaja (6) and Cameron Green (0) were both dismissed cheaply by Kagiso Rabada. Australia lead by 117 runs.