Former Australia pace legend Glenn McGrath has said that Mitchell Starc's crucial catch being disallowed in the second Test at Lord's was a disgraceful decision.
England opener Ben Duckett appeared to have been dismissed for 50 when he mistimed a shot off Cameron Green. Starc, positioned at fine leg, managed to hold onto a low catch but unintentionally grounded the ball while sliding on the grass.
As per the MCC Laws of cricket, a catch is only deemed complete when the fielder has "full control over the ball and their own movement," and if the ball touches the ground before this, a dismissal cannot be awarded.
Hence the on-field umpires referred the decision to TV umpire Marias Erasmus, who after watching the replays, ruled in favor of Duckett.
"I'm sorry, that is the biggest load of rubbish I have ever seen. He (Starc) has got that ball under control. That ball is under control. I've seen everything this game has to offer. If that is not out, then every other catch that's ever been taken should not be out. That is a disgrace,” McGrath said on commentary on BBC Test Match Special.
Marylebone Cricket Club, the owners of Lord's and cricket's law-makers, insisted Erasmus had made the correct decision.
“Law 33.3 clearly states that a catch is only completed when the fielder has 'complete control over the ball and his/her own movement'.
The ball cannot touch the ground before then. In this particular incident, Mitchell Starc was still sliding as the ball rubbed the ground, therefore he was not in control of his movement," the MCC said on their Twitter account.
England finished at 114-4, with Duckett unbeaten on 50 on day four and they need 257 runs more to achieve the record target of 371 runs at Lord’s on day five.
