Watch: A bizarre moment in Sheffield Shield leaves fans bemused
What's the story
The Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Queensland, held at the Junction Oval, saw a bizarre incident unfold, which left a lot of people bemused. Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, playing for Queensland, pitched a delivery outside the pitch area but the umpire sanctioned it to be a legal delivery. Both the commentators as well as the fans were shocked with this decision. Here is more.
Twitter Post
'That did not land on the pitch'
"That did not land on the pitch" 😳 #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/UaTBNugsWP
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 26, 2019
Rule
What happens when ball is pitched outside the pitch area?
When a ball is pitched outside the pitch area, it is generally considered a no-ball. As per the rule, a ball is considered a no-ball "if the ball bounces not wholly within the 10 foot width of a full pitch, or bounces wholly or partly on an artificial surface next to the pitch, or bounces not wholly on the artificial surface in use."
Reaction
How did the commentators react?
"That landed off the wicket. That's a no-ball. That did not land on the pitch. That landed outside the return crease, so that's a no-ball. That's not even a hard decision. You can't bowl it there. How has he let that go. It completely confused me. It was almost as if it's a practice ball," the two commentators said during a conversation on-air.
Twitter Post
Umpiring at its low
The standard of umpiring is getting worse...
— Cricket Australia Fan (@CricketAustFan) February 26, 2019
Twitter Post
Some strong words
The umpiring at all levels is the worst it has ever been. I don’t think you will see the two that officiated in this game EVER again!!! Had absolute stinkers.
— geoffbrian (@geoffbrian1) February 26, 2019
Twitter Post
Here's the law!
21.7 BALL PITCHING OFF THE PITCH
— S. Varun Athreya (@SVarunAthreya) February 26, 2019
The umpire shall call and signal No ball if a ball pitches wholly or partially off the pitch before it reaches the line of the striker’s wicket.
Result
Victoria beat Queensland after Marcus Harris shines
Meanwhile, Victoria beat Queensland after Marcus Harris stood out with the bat. The 26-year-old, who scored a fine 95 in the first innings, followed it up with a knock of 174. Victoria were asked to chase down a target of 300. They achieved the result with three wickets and 28 deliveries to spare.