The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodian of cricket’s laws, has introduced a significant update regarding boundary catches, effectively outlawing the now-famous “bunny hop” technique employed by fielders like Michael Neser. The change aims to simplify the law, promote fairness, and eliminate confusion over spectacular yet controversial dismissals. This new adjustment comes after years of debate over the legality and fairness of such catches, which divided fans and experts alike.
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Why the Change Was Necessary
The catalyst behind this change can be traced to two unforgettable moments in the Big Bash League (BBL). The first was Michael Neser’s remarkable dismissal of Sydney Sixers’ Jordan Silk in 2023. Chasing a lofted drive at long-off, Neser demonstrated incredible awareness of the rules by catching the ball while airborne, tossing it up, stepping outside the boundary, leaping again to tap the ball back into the field, and finally regathering inside the ropes to complete the dismissal.
Although within the letter of the law, this athletic yet perplexing display left many in disbelief. Even Silk, visibly bemused, shook his head as he walked back to the pavilion.
Neser himself admitted that his inspiration came from fellow Brisbane Heat teammate Matt Renshaw, whose attempt at a similar maneuver in BBL 2020 saw him palm the ball up for Tom Banton to complete the catch after having crossed the boundary himself.
Both incidents sparked intense debate about whether such efforts aligned with the spirit of the game. While undeniably entertaining, many argued they exploited technicalities rather than showcasing pure cricketing skill.
The Old Law and Its Ambiguities
The previous rule, codified under Law 19.5.2, stated that a fielder’s last contact with the ground before their first touch of the ball must be inside the boundary. This condition allowed players to begin an airborne sequence from inside the ropes and, even if stepping over, continue parrying the ball back in play before regathering it for a dismissal.
However, as highlighted by the MCC in its note to ICC member boards, the law led to “some unusual-looking catches that, to the majority of the cricketing public, feel unfair.“
What Has Been Changed?
Under the updated law, which will become part of the ICC playing conditions this month before being fully integrated into MCC’s laws in October 2026, a crucial restriction has been added:
- A fielder who is airborne beyond the boundary is allowed only one touch of the ball.
- To complete the catch legally, that player must land inside the field of play after that touch.
- Multiple touches of the ball while airborne outside the boundary — as seen with Neser’s “bunny hop” — will now result in a boundary being awarded.
An MCC spokesperson explained, “Our solution has been to limit any fielder who has gone outside the boundary to touching the ball while airborne only once, and then, having done so, to be wholly grounded within the boundary for the rest of the duration of that delivery.”
Relay catches also fall under this revision. Even if a second fielder completes the catch inside the field, if the first fielder remains airborne or lands outside after a second touch, the result will be a boundary.
Striking a Balance: Not Too Harsh, Not Too Lenient
While some voices within the cricketing fraternity, including Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, suggested reverting entirely to pre-2010 laws, the MCC deemed that “too draconian,” arguing it would eliminate some of the spectacular fielding efforts fans now associate with modern cricket.
By comparison, moments like Harleen Deol’s stunning catch against England in 2021 or Alex Hales’ boundary-defying effort in BBL 2020 remain permissible, as they don’t rely on multiple contacts from outside the boundary.
The MCC emphasized that this update doesn’t seek to stifle brilliance but rather aims to eliminate confusion. “It felt like the fielder had – quite literally – gone too far,” the MCC noted while describing Neser’s controversial grab.
When Does This Come Into Effect?
The ICC will apply the amended playing condition from the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, kicking off with the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test at Galle on June 17, 2025. However, the official incorporation into the Laws of Cricket will follow in October 2026 as part of MCC’s periodic review of the game’s rules.
FAQs
What is the ‘bunny hop’ catch?
It’s when a fielder makes multiple touches of the ball while airborne outside the boundary before completing the catch inside.
Why was the rule changed?
The MCC changed it to avoid confusion and ensure catches feel fair to players and spectators alike.
Are spectacular catches still allowed?
Yes. Catches completed with a single touch outside and finished inside the boundary remain legal.
When does the new rule start?
It applies to ICC matches from June 2025 and becomes MCC law from October 2026.
How does it impact relay catches?
Relay catches remain legal, but the fielder must land inside the boundary after the first airborne touch.
