The new adjustment to the boundary catching law, aimed at closing loopholes, is set to come into effect this month, with integration into the ICC Playing Conditions and full incorporation into the MCC’s Laws of Cricket by October 2026. This new rule, in simple terms, means fielders airborne outside the boundary can only touch the ball once before returning to the field of play to complete a catch legally.
Michael Neser and Tom Banton’s memorable boundary catches in various Big Bash League (BBL) seasons will no longer be acceptable under these updated guidelines. Neser’s catch, which was previously lauded as a legal manoeuvre, involved him palming the ball while airborne outside the playing field before leaping back within the boundaries to catch it. These moves, colloquially known as “bunny hops,” will not meet the revised criteria.
Reflecting on a significant catch from the 2023 BBL season, Neser, representing Brisbane Heat, executed a two-handed reverse cup catch off Jordan Silk’s shot. As his momentum carried him over the boundary, Neser managed to toss the ball mid-air and skilfully complete the catch on his return to the field. “Inspired by Matt Renshaw’s similar effort,” Neser commented, referring to Renshaw’s impressive save in BBL 2020 involving a touchdown relay with Tom Banton.
The conversation around these dramatic catches sparked debates across the cricketing community, leading to calls for changes. According to the existing Law 19.5.2, a fielder must make their last ground contact inside the boundary before first touching the ball. This fundamental aspect remains within the updated regulation.
Earlier this year, the ICC Cricket Committee prompted the MCC to reevaluate the rule, motivated by captures like Neser’s where the visuals appeared somewhat “unfair” to the public, despite meeting the technical law. An MCC communiqué highlighted that while such catches had been “spectacular,” they also led to “unusual-looking” outcomes that didn’t feel right to many fans.
As the law evolves, the objective is to ensure an equitable balance between maintaining the sport’s excitement and preserving its essence. These amendments aspire to align the spirit of cricket with what many perceive to be fair play, handling both remarkable achievements and unexpected oversights with an even hand.
