Runs of the ricochet

The laws of cricket have been played with so often, always legitimately (in the recent past at least), sometimes with satisfactory reason and sometimes without. There now seems to be another need for an amendment in the laws. The issue in question is not one that is new, but one that has inexplicably left the laws unchanged for so many years.

The matter is whether runs should be awarded off a ricochet off the stumps in the form of overthrows. The situation is as follows. A fielder receives and collects the ball and throws it at the stumps in an effort to get a batsman run out, the ball hits the stumps and breaks the wicket (not literally but in terms of Law number 28 - the wicket is down) following which the ball ricochets off the wicket. The point being raised is that, following this ricochet, any runs taken should be disallowed by an amendment of the laws.

The primary point of argument is that a fielder cannot be penalised for good fielding. Overthrows after the ricochet means that if a fielder is good enough to hit the stumps, he faces the danger of conceding a few runs in the form of overthrows. This only discourages good fielding. The purpose of the fielder’s shy at the stumps is to hit it. If he succeeds, he deserves credit for it rather than penalisation.

There may be the argument that the fielders may start intentionally throwing the ball at the stumps just to prevent any further runs. In order to prevent this, the law must clearly state;

“In the event of the ball, when in play, being thrown towards the wicket by a fielder who the umpire at the end in question believes has the sole intent of achieving a run out, and breaking the wicket as defined in Law 28, the ball shall immediately be declared dead, with any runs that are taken subsequently being disallowed.”

Although an amendment is necessary, a lot of research is left to be done regarding the issue. The disadvantage of this law, if introduced as above, is that it will make the job difficult for the umpires.

Also, what should take place if the umpires believe that the intent is not to achieve a run out but only to save the runs? A lot to think about for the ICC.-BS