Benefit of the doubt now with the fielder
The ICC clarified its rules regarding referrals to the third umpire of catches and run-outs effected as a result of fielders standing close to the boundary edge
Cricinfo staff
13-Jun-2006
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The ICC has clarified that the benefit of doubt will be granted to the fielder in cases of inconclusive evidence over contact with the boundary rope while completing a catch or effecting a run-out. The clarification follows controversy surrounding Mahendra Singh Dhoni's dismissal on the fourth day of the Antigua Test recently.
According to the protocol, if the on-field umpires are uncertain, they can refer the decision to the third umpire, whose sole responsibility is to decide whether the boundary was scored. However, if the replays are inconclusive, the benefit of the doubt will be given to the fielder, which means that no boundary will be awarded due to lack of evidence. As no boundary has been scored, the only decision left would be for the on-field umpire to give the batsman out caught.
The action was necessitated after Daren Ganga claimed Dhoni's catch at the edge of the mid-wicket boundary but the batsman stood his ground, as there was doubt whether the fielder was touching the boundary rope while taking the catch. However, the TV replays were inconclusive, leading to utter confusion among the players and on-field umpires. Ultimately, Dhoni walked off after Brian Lara told him to take the fielder's word that the dismissal was effected legitimately.
The same rule would apply to inconclusive run-outs, where it is uncertain if the fielder was touching the rope in the pick-and-throw process. Once the third umpire's decision is conveyed to the on-field umpires, they will have to decide whether to refer the run-out as well. In this case, the third umpire could be called to make two separate decisions.
Dave Richardson, the ICC's general manager, explained the reasons for issuing the protocol. "The confusion in Antigua arose over what the third umpire was required to adjudicate on - a boundary or a dismissal", he said. "That confusion created understandable frustration among players and spectators and the clarification of this protocol should ensure a similar situation does not arise in the future."