MCC Bans ‘Bunny-Hop’ Boundary Catches
In a significant rule update, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has outlawed the popular “bunny-hop” boundary catch, effective under ICC playing conditions from next month, and officially incorporated into MCC’s laws by October 2026. The change aims to ensure greater consistency and fairness in boundary fielding.
What Is the ‘Bunny-Hop’ Catch?
This spectacular catch involves a fielder leaping in the air from beyond the boundary, tapping the ball back towards the field, and then re-entering play before completing the catch. A prominent example came in the 2023 Big Bash League, where Michael Neser executed such an athletic catch, prompting debate over whether it was within the spirit of the game.
New Rules for Boundary Fielding
Under the revised rule:
- If a fielder’s first touch of the ball occurs outside the boundary, any subsequent action must conclude with them landing inside the field.
- A fielder may jump from outside once, but must not land outside again before the play concludes.
- Traditional catches involving a leap from inside over the boundary, followed by landing back within the field, remain legal.
These clarifications tighten the enforcement of Law 19.5.2, which previously required only that a fielder’s last ground contact before the catch be inside the boundary. The update removes a perceived loophole allowing relay-style mid-air catches that begin outside the boundary.
Balancing Spectacle with Fairness
While some fans lament the loss of highlight-reel athleticism, the MCC and ICC prioritize the integrity of the game. The rule is expected to minimize subjectivity in umpiring decisions and maintain consistency across all levels of cricket.
As the rule rolls out in the next World Test Championship cycle, starting June 17, observers and teams will be closely monitoring how boundary fielding tactics evolve under the new guidance, striking a balance between spectacular displays and fairness.
