Big Bash League 2025-26: Cricket’s lawmakers reached out to Cricket Australia to make example of divisive call

The lawmakers of cricket contacted Cricket Australia to fully endorse its decisive Big Bash League call on Wednesday and will use it as an example of an “absolutely right” decision.

Rising star Ollie Peake took the Melbourne Renegades to victory with a six off the final ball after the third umpire deemed Perth Scorcher Ashton Turner to have grounded a catch.

Turner comfortably caught the ball but, still in motion, made contact with the ground as he fell backwards.

The denied wicket upset the locals but the Marylebone Cricket Club – the home of Lord’s and custodians of match laws – have backed the third umpire’s call.

“The officials were absolutely right in their decision,” the MCC statement read.

“The Law states that for a catch to be completed, the fielder must be in complete control of the ball AND their own movement.

“In this example, while Turner maintains control of the ball throughout the incident, as he caught it he tumbled backwards, falling head over heels and, in the process, twice touching the ball on the ground.

“Given he was falling, it is clear that Turner was not in control of his own movement, and so the catch was not completed, and the ball touched the ground. Not out.”

Peake, to a 10-minute chorus of boos from the Perth Stadium crowd, was recalled and finished 42 not out from 30 deliveries.

The MCC statement went on to note how long this rule had been in place.

“This is not a new piece of Law but, with increased numbers of cameras in grounds capturing more footage from different angles, similar examples are being brought to light more often,” the MCC said.

“MCC once again urges all players to take extra care and ensure that they are in full control of their own movement before disposing of the ball or putting it on the ground.”

The catch was eerily similar to Mitchell Starc’s denied catch in the deep during the 2023 Ashes.

Australian champion Adam Gilchrist, a proud Perth local, disagreed with the call.

“It should be out,‘’ Gilchrist said.

“I think there should be a sense of understanding that the ball is well and truly under control and common sense should come into it.

“It’s another rule (in which) cricket almost spites itself.‘’