Ashes 2019: Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne replaces the bails after the wind blew it off the wickets during day one of the fourth Ashes Test. (AP Photo)
Ashes 2019 witnessed a unique sight when windy conditions during the third Test at Manchester forced umpires to pull off the bails and continue play without them.
Ashes 2019: Australia’s Steve Smith clears a rubber ball that entered the field during day one of the fourth Ashes Test. (AP Photo)
The incident happened in the 32nd over of Australia’s innings when strong winds led to a beach-ball invading the pitch followed by a plastic bag that led to Stuart Broad getting frustrated in the middle.
However, that was not all as the bails were the next to force a delay, as they were repeatedly blown off the stumps.
Umpires Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus then took a call to dispense with them – something unique in the history of the game. The decision was opposed by England skipper Joe Root and Broad.
The #Ashes is currently being played without bails. Here’s what the law states. pic.twitter.com/KpLohVdiZc
— Moulin (@Moulinparikh) September 4, 2019
Strong wind creating trouble in the ongoing Test as bails falling regularly. Umpire decides to take off the bails. No bails no problem😁#Ashes2019 #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/OBXlJbuEGk
— Bhartendu Sharma (@Bhartendulkar) September 4, 2019
However, the decision was taken within the rules of the game.
Law 8.5, states “The umpires may agree to dispense with the use of bails, if necessary. If they so agree then no bails shall be used at either end. The use of bails shall be resumed as soon as conditions permit.”
This is the second instance in an International cricket where a match was being played “without the bails on stumps”.
First instance happened in a 2017 clash between Afghanistan and West Indies due to strong winds.
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