Explained: Rule That Forced Umpire To Reduce 1 Run From England's Total

A big confusion unfolded on Day 1 of the first Test between India and England in Hyderabad after Rehan Ahmed saw a run's deduction to his tally. The England batter, despite running a double before the overthrow from an Indian fielder, saw only 5 runs being awarded instead of 6, leaving fans in the stadium and on social media confused. However, the decision was correct because of the rule that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has for such scenarios. 

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah bowled a full toss on the pads and it was flicked behind square on the on-side by Rehan. The throw from the fielder was a wide one and it beat the backup fielder and went straight to the boundary. 

Initially, 6 runs were awarded to Rehan but the umpire reversed his decision and said only 5 runs would be given as the two batters hadn't crossed each other when the throw left the hand of the fielder.

The rule was seriously looked upon after a similar incident took place in the England vs New Zealand ODI World Cup final 2019. In that instance, England were given 6 runs instead of 5 even though the two batters hadn't crossed each other.

What does the rule say?

MCC rule 19.8 is applicable on the matter. It says:

19.8 Overthrow or wilful act of fielder

• If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored shall be
• any runs for penalties awarded to either side
• and the allowance for the boundary
• and the runs completed by the batters, together with the run in progress if they had
• already crossed at the instant of the throw or act.

Harsha Bhogle, the commentator during the incident on Day 1 of the first Test, explained the matter on-air while also reminding former England captain Eoin Morgan of what was the case in the 2019 ODI World Cup, contrary to the scenario that unfolded in Hyderabad.