5 runs?

[The Coon Dog]

Saw something in tonight's 20/20 clash.

Early in Australia's innings Johan Botha slid to field the ball. He's one of the new breed who wear sunglasses on the back of their head. Anyhow, as he slid, his sunnies fell off & came into contact with the ball.

Is that 5 runs to the batsman?

Also, why does Boucher wear #9 & Gibbs #09?

[hujsh]

Unless the players start throwing their sunnies at the ball or leaving them on the field as traps i can't see it as hindering the ball more than the fielder can. So no not five runs for me.

[EJ Smith]

Saw something in tonight's 20/20 clash.

Early in Australia's innings Johan Botha slid to field the ball. He's one of the new breed who wear sunglasses on the back of their head. Anyhow, as he slid, his sunnies fell off & came into contact with the ball.

Is that 5 runs to the batsman?

Also, why does Boucher wear #9 & Gibbs #09?

Technically yes but I wouldn't be calling it because there was a lack of intent in the act.

Did you notice anything else about Botha?

[ledge]

Technically yes but I wouldn't be calling it because there was a lack of intent in the act.

Did you notice anything else about Botha?

I noticed he was named as captain but Boucher was doing all the moves.

[EJ Smith]

I noticed he was named as captain but Boucher was doing all the moves.

The keeper often does that because he can best see the angles as opposed to the skipper standing at mid-off.

[ledge]

Well i know that but for the commentators to bring it up, it must have been excessive to the point of who is the real captain.

[Ozza]

Boucher does the field placements in tests also. Botha runs the team strategies and swings the bowling changes/batting order. Its not that unusual.

[ledge]

What i am saying is the commentators alluded to it being excessive and even questioned it.
Me personally I like the idea of a wicket keeper captaining and the vc being at mid on or mid off.
At my club we have our 1sts and 3rds wicket keepers as captain.
After 34 years in the game I am surprised it isnt more often the choice.
But in saying that I am not a keeper and have captained a few teams over the years.

[western monkey]

Anyhow back to the five runs.....i think Baz, that if the sunglasses did interfere with the natural course of the ball then yes it should of been five runs.

[ledge]

I agree, its an obstacle that shouldnt be there. 5 runs

[mighty_west]

I noticed it at the time as well, should have been 5 runs.

[EJ Smith]

The Law states that the penalty of 5 runs shall be awarded if the fielder wilfully fields the ball with anything other than his person ...or words to that effect.

The important word here is "wilful."

Botha's glasses fell from his head and the ball touched them before Botha stopped it. There is no wilful act here by Botha to field the ball with his glasses.

Play on.

[ledge]

The Law states that the penalty of 5 runs shall be awarded if the fielder wilfully fields the ball with anything other than his person ...or words to that effect.

The important word here is "wilful."

Botha's glasses fell from his head and the ball touched them before Botha stopped it. There is no wilful act here by Botha to field the ball with his glasses.

Play on.

Play on?

Aha but that also goes with the helmet getting hit behind the keeper in the old days, it certainly wasnt wilful but 5 runs if it was hit.

There is common sense in these things but sometimes with money being bet on games and so much at stake where is the line drawn?
Has to be black and white now.

[strebla]

The difference between helmets and sunglasses is that helmets are placed there . Sunnies are under law covered the same as hats therefore only if you throw your glasses at the ball is it 5 runs whereas by accident play on.

[EJ Smith]

The difference between helmets and sunglasses is that helmets are placed there . Sunnies are under law covered the same as hats therefore only if you throw your glasses at the ball is it 5 runs whereas by accident play on.

Correct

And the helmet issue is specifically provided for under another section of the Law