MCC amend non-striker run out law following Adam Zampa incident

The wording of law 38.3 has been altered to avoid any "ambiguity" but no "material change" has been made to the law's meaning

Elizabeth Botcherby | 19/01/2023 at 18:49

The MCC has amended the law addressing run outs at the non-striker's end after Adam Zampa's attempted dismissal of Tom Rogers in the Big Bash caused confusion.

The wording of law 38.3 has been changed to avoid any "ambiguity" in its interpretation. However, no "material change" has been made to the law's meaning.

During the clash between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, Zampa pulled out of his action and removed the bails before appealing for a run out against Rogers.

However, it was turned down by TV umpire, Shawn Craig, who said Zampa's bowling arm had already passed the point where he would normally have been expected to release the ball. Craig's decision was later supported by the MCC.

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^{Tom Rogers and Adam Zampa talk to the umpire following the incident on January 3 [Daniel Pockett/Getty Images]}

Law 38.3 now reads:

38.3.1 At any time from the moment the ball comes into play until the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the non-striker is liable to be Run out if he/she is out of his/her ground. In these circumstances the non-striker will be out Run out if he/she is out of his/her ground when his/her wicket is put down by the bowler throwing the ball at the stumps or by the bowler’s hand holding the ball, whether or not the ball is subsequently delivered.

38.3.1.1 The instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball is defined as the moment the bowler's arm reaches the highest point of his/her normal bowling action in the delivery swing.

38.3.1.2 Even if the non-striker had left his/her ground before the instant at which the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, once the bowler has reached that point it is no longer possible for the bowler to run out the non-striker under this Law.

The change came into effect on January 19, 2023.