MCC updates fielder movement Law

The Marylebone Cricket Club has confirmed a change to the Laws of cricket that allows fielders to move when a batsman alters their position at the crease.

The change follows an adjustment of the ICC's playing conditions at the start of the 2014-15 season – made in anticipation of the MCC’s Law change - which allowed fielders to respond to movements made by a batsman if it became obvious that he intended to play the ball in a certain direction.

The alteration to the ICC’s playing conditions came to the fore last October, when Steve Smith predicted the freakish dismissal of Pakistan batsman Fawad Alam in the third ODI in Abu Dhabi.

Fielding at first slip, Smith bolted to the leg-side when he saw Alam shape to lap sweep as the ball from spinner Xavier Doherty travelled down the pitch.

Alam, unaware that Smith had moved positions, swept the ball straight into the hands of the fieldsman and the Australians celebrated.

On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Richard Illingworth consulted mid-pitch, and checked with third official Nigel Llong before eventually giving the batsman out.

MCC head of cricket John Stephenson said it was important the MCC kept pace with the game’s development, with the change designed to recognise such a movement as ‘intelligent fielding’ rather than as being deceptive.

"Steve Smith's excellent catch in Abu Dhabi last year illustrated that such skilful anticipation by a fielder should be within the laws of the game, and these changes now make that the case," Stephenson said.

Previously, under Laws 41.7 and 41.8, Smith's movement would have resulted in a dead ball.

Video: Steve Smith's controversial catch

Now Law 41.7, governing movement by fielders other than the wicketkeeper, will promote "intelligent fielding", allowing a player to move when it becomes obvious a batsman will play a certain shot.

The batsman will continue to be protected from significant movement by fielders before he has made preparations to play the ball.

After Smith’s catch last October, George Bailey said the Aussie players had been aware of the change to the ICC’s playing conditions.

Alam, who was apparently unaware of the rule change, initially stood his ground before finally leaving the playing arena with an angry swipe of his bat at the boundary rope.

"I could tell there was confusion because the umpires came together," said Bailey.

"We knew the rule had changed … and to be honest, as it should.

"As a batsman you're allowed to switch-hit, you're allowed to do whatever you like.

"All he's done is anticipate where the ball's going to go.

"As a cricket lover, you're just moving well in the field aren't you?”