‘Flat out wrong’: Big Bash controversy erupts over Moises Henriques catch call

A controversial umpiring decision in the Big Bash that seemingly contradicted the laws of cricket has left cricket pundits scratching their heads.

Cricket’s catching rules have reared their head with a controversial umpiring call in Tuesday’s Big Bash game between the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars.

Batting first at the SCG, the Sixers posted a total of 8/154 as the Stars chased their first win of the BBL13 campaign.

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In the fifth over, Stars opener Tom Rogers skied a ball from Jackson Bird to Moises Henriques at mid-on and the Sixers captain lunged backwards and caught the ball in his right hand.

But as Henriques landed on his shoulder, he appeared to ground the ball palm-down on the turf as he tried to balance himself.

The catch attempt was reviewed and third umpire Claire Polosak ruled it was out and a puzzled Rogers was sent on his way for 20 (19 balls).

“If the ball hits the ground at any point in that process, I think he’s not out,” Brendon Julian said in commentary on Fox Cricket.

“I would say that’s not out.”

Brett Lee added: “The ball’s definitely hit the deck … the ball clearly touched the surface.”

Moises Henriques’ grab was declared a catch. Photo: Fox Cricket.

Law 33.3 states that a catch is only completed once the fielder has total control over the ball and their own movement, so Rogers’ dismissal left pundits scratching their heads.

Sports broadcaster Adam White tweeted: “Different rules in the #BBL13 compared to normal cricket it appears…

“This is an excellent catch by Moises. But it’s not out because he put the ball on the ground to brace his fall.

“Regardless of how spectacular the effort, it’s not out. Simple as that. And the umpire should know that. That’s a really embarrassing oversight.”

CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy said: “Don’t think there is any definitive proof that Henriques’ fingers are under that ball. Surprised Rogers was given out there.”

SEN’s Tom Morris tweeted: “Based on what we saw in the Ashes & World Cup, that catch is clearly not out.”

Former NSW paceman Trent Copeland said: “What a catch! This rule just HAS to change.”

Mitchell Starc wants a word. #BBL13

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) December 26, 2023

Wrong decision by third umpire. Flat out wrong #bbl have to get this stuff right for competition integrity @starsbbl v @sixersbbl - could cost a teams season, a players job / role in team. Great attempt @Mozzie21 Always has to be “butter side up” - this landed butter side down ❌ pic.twitter.com/qanXFs6Wts

— Bryce McGain (@BryceMcGain18) December 26, 2023

Polosak explained that unlike international cricket, domestic cricket still uses the field umpire’s ‘soft signal’ in their process and in this case, she didn’t see conclusive evidence to overturn the on field umpire’s decision of out.

“The ICC have removed the soft signal of out, so we’re still playing that in domestic cricket,” Polosak told Channel 7.

“As I was looking through the vision, I did not have conclusive evidence to say there were not fingers under the ball. So we stuck with the original decision of out.”

Hilton Cartwright and Jono Merlo celebrate the Melbourne Stars’ first win of the season. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The controversial catch call was immediately compared to Mitchell Starc’s catch in the second Ashes Test when he slid the ball across the turf at Lord’s. It was ruled not out and England’s Ben Duckett was given a life.

“The way the rules have been applied so far, it felt like it would be given as not out, because we’ve seen two or three examples of it,” Stars coach Peter Moores told Fox Cricket during the drinks break.

“It obviously didn’t happen that way, so a bit frustrating in that respect.

“From what’s happened in the past, I would have expected him to stay out.

“It looked like fairly clear evidence.

“There’s nothing you can do about it.”

Glenn Maxwell (12) and Marcus Stoinis (6) were dismissed cheaply but Beau Webster (35 off 32) steadied the ship before Hilton Cartwright chased down the total with some superb batting in the death overs.

Cartwright finished 47 not out off 30 balls to steer the Stars home with three balls to spare and secure their first win of the BBL in their fourth match.