South Africa was penalized five runs during their Test match against Bangladesh due to improper running by batters Wiaan Mulder and Senuran Muthusamy. The violation of the protected area of the pitch led to the disallowance of two runs, resulting in a total penalty. Despite this, South Africa declared their innings with a substantial score, while Bangladesh struggled in their reply, ending Day Two on 38-4.
On October 30, South Africa encountered an unusual occurrence during the second Test match against Bangladesh when they were penalized with five runs due to improper running between the wickets by batters Wiaan Mulder and Senuran Muthusamy. This rare penalty unfolded during the seventh-wicket partnership of South Africa’s first innings, as Mulder consolidated the Proteas’ score approaching his century after Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs had both secured their centuries. During a delivery from Hasan Mahmud, Muthusamy, facing a yorker, managed to push the ball to deep backward point, allowing both batters to attempt a run. However, Muthusamy inadvertently ran directly down the center of the pitch, violating established rules regarding the protected area of the pitch. As a consequence, the umpires disallowed the two runs scored and enforced a five-run penalty against South Africa, which meant Bangladesh commenced their innings with a score of 5-0. The laws governing this scenario, specifically MCC Law 41.15, dictate that if a striker frequently encroaches upon the protected area of the pitch, the umpire must first issue a warning, which lasts for the duration of that innings. A repeat infraction results in the disallowance of runs and the awarding of five penalty runs to the fielding side. Muthusamy’s infringement was not isolated, as it had followed earlier breaches by South African batters. After Mulder achieved his century, South Africa declared at 575-6. Despite starting with a five-run advantage, Bangladesh faced significant difficulties, losing four wickets in a brief nine-over period, concluding Day Two with a dismal score of 38-4.
Cricket maintains a strict set of rules that govern the conduct of players during matches, particularly concerning movements across the pitch. The protected area of the pitch is crucial for ensuring fair play, as it minimizes disruption to the bowling and batting dynamics. The incident in question not only showcases the enforcement of these rules but also highlights the seldom-seen penalties that can change the course of the game. This incident in the match between South Africa and Bangladesh serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to cricketing regulations, maintaining both the spirit of the game and fostering fair competition.
In summary, South Africa experienced a rare five-run penalty due to running violations during their innings against Bangladesh. This incident underscores the critical nature of adhering to cricket’s laws concerning the protected area of the pitch. South Africa’s penalties could impact the game significantly, highlighting the balance of enforcement and play. Moving forward, this event serves as an educational occasion for players to understand the nuances of cricket laws more deeply.
Original Source: www.wisden.com
