BBL 2023-24: Melbourne Stars End Sydney Sixers’ Winning Streak In Controversy-Marred Match

Moises caught off a stunner, yet, a controversial catch as Melbourne Stars register their first win of the BBL 2023-24.

Moises Henriques' catch was compared with that of Mitchell Starc's Ashes 2023 one.

Source : Getty Images

The Melbourne Stars secured their maiden victory of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 13 by defeating the Moises Henriques-led Sydney Sixers by 4 wickets at the SCG in Sydney on December 27. Opting to bowl first, Melbourne Stars' captain Glenn Maxwell's decision appeared fruitful as the Sixers stumbled to 45/4 in the 9th over. Nonetheless, James Vince's impressive 83 and Jack Edwards' contribution of 30 steadied the Sixers' innings, crafting a crucial 95-run partnership for the 6th wicket and setting a competitive total on a challenging SCG pitch. Usama Mir claimed figures of 3/19, while Haris Rauf took 3/38, emerging as standout bowlers for the Melbourne Stars. Notably, Sixers were undefeated in their three games so far in the tournament before losing to the Stars.

During the chase, the Sixers' disciplined bowling consistently exerted pressure on the Stars' batsmen, resulting in regular wickets. However, Hilton Cartwright's unbeaten 47 and Beau Webster's 35 guided the Stars to their inaugural win of the BBL 13 season, clinching a 4-wicket victory in the final over.

However, a rather controversial moment in the match drew the attention of cricket fans globally, revolving around a remarkable catch that sparked debates and left even the experts puzzled. The catch, taken by Moises Henriques, will be remembered as a spectacular grab in BBL history. However, the controversy arose as there's disagreement on whether Henriques' one-handed catch should have been counted, considering his apparent action of placing the ball on the turf after completing the catch. Tom Rogers, the batsman, was the unfortunate victim, dismissed on 20, with replays revealing that the ball made contact with the ground after Henriques, diving backward, grabbed it with his right hand.

🤯🤯🤯 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/cQ10a0ofQm

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2023

This incident drew parallels with a similar situation during the last Ashes series in England, where Mitchell Starc's catch was disallowed due to the ball grazing the grass despite him maintaining control throughout on Day 4 of the Lord’s match. Former Australian pace bowler and cricket icon Glenn McGrath vehemently criticised the contentious decision back then while commentating for BBC Radio saying, “I'm sorry, that is the biggest load of rubbish I have ever seen. He (Starc) has got that ball under control. That ball is under control. I've seen everything this game has to offer. If that is not out, then every other catch that's ever been taken should not be out. That is a disgrace.” 

Notably, a significant difference lies in the approach of the International Cricket Council (ICC), no longer mandating soft signals for catches. However, in the BBL, umpires are still required to provide soft signals. On this occasion, the umpires signalled out, despite the commentary team unanimously believing Rogers should have been allowed to continue. The Stars opener was visibly taken aback upon witnessing the TV umpire, Claire Polosak, signal out on the big screen.

After the match, Polosak explained, "As I was looking through the vision, I did not have conclusive evidence to say that there were no fingers under the ball so we stuck with the original decision of out," reflecting on her decision to Channel Seven.