Big Bash League: Michael Neser’s controversial catch divides cricket world

The KFC Big Bash League is one of the top T20 leagues in the world.

The match between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers received a lot of unexpected attention yesterday.

This was due to an outrageous catch by Brisbane’s Michael Neser.

With the Sixers 7-199 in the 19th over — in pursuit of 225 for victory — Heat all-rounder Neser caught Jordan Silk off the bowling of Mark Steketee.

With the Sixers 7-199 in the 19th over — in pursuit of 225 for victory — Heat all-rounder Neser caught Jordan Silk off the bowling of Mark Steketee.

Having reached the ball just inside the boundary but been unable to complete the catch while inside the rope, Neser threw the ball in the air.

He went outside the field of play, jumped to toss the ball up once more while again airborne, then completed the catch inside the boundary rope.

There was an immediate outcry regarding the legality of the catch.

Many former Aussie cricketers like Marcus North criticised the catch and asked for a change in the rules.

However, cricket’s lawmakers, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), took to Twitter to explained why the catch was allowed to stand.

“The first contact must be inside the boundary, and … the fielder can’t be touching the ball and the ground beyond the boundary at the same time,” the MCC tweeted.

Neser’s catch to dismiss Sixers skipper Silk was the decisive moment in the run chase after the Heat quick took 3-41 with the ball.

We are sure, the debate isn’t ending anytime soon.