LONDON: An unusual sequence of umpiring decisions during the third ODI between England and Sri Lanka left players and viewers puzzled after Sri Lankan batter Poon Rathnayake was declared out, then not out, and finally out again during the same passage of play.
The incident occurred during the 15th over of Sri Lanka’s innings when Rathnayake attempted to complete a run. England fast bowler Jofra Archer threw the ball towards the wicketkeeper’s end, where Jordan Cox’s gloves dislodged the bails.
The on-field umpire initially gave Rathnayake out for a run-out. However, a review of the replay showed that the bails appeared to have been dislodged by the wicketkeeper’s gloves before the ball reached the batter.
Rathnayake was therefore initially ruled not out, and the batter began returning towards the crease.
The decision was subsequently reconsidered after the umpires examined the incident further. It was determined that Archer’s direct throw had also made contact with the stumps and effectively broken the wicket.
Under the Laws of Cricket, a wicket can be considered broken when the stumps are struck and dislodged by the ball. The clarification surrounding the unusual sequence is expected to prompt further discussion about the application of the relevant playing laws.