Xtra Time Web Desk: In a bizarre incident during an ACT Premier Cricket 3rd Grade match in Australia, the cricketing world witnessed a truly unusual turn of events. The protagonist of this cricketing drama was bowler Andy Reynolds of Western Districts, who seemed to have executed a perfect delivery against Matthew Bosustow of Ginninderra.

As the bowler and his teammates erupted in jubilation, believing they had dismissed Bosustow with a classic middle-stump rattler, the atmosphere swiftly shifted. Astonishingly, the bails, instead of dislodging, remained delicately perched on the leg and off stumps, which remarkably were still standing.

The initial joy of the dismissal quickly gave way to disbelief and confusion as the umpires declared Bosustow not out. The unusual sight left both teams and spectators in awe, with Bosustow even starting to walk off the field in acceptance of his fate before the stunning revelation.

Why was the batter not given out by the umpires? According to the laws laid down by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), “The wicket is broken when at least one bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or one or more stumps is removed from the ground.”

This incident serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of cricket, where the game's nuances and peculiarities can sometimes overshadow even the most skilful and seemingly textbook maneuvers. The resilience of those bails and the upright stumps provided an unexpected twist to the script, leaving everyone involved in this cricketing spectacle scratching their heads in amazement.

Bizarre incident on cricket field as batter not given out despite ball hitting middle stump