WTC Final: Out Or Not Out? David Bedingham's Ball Handling Stirs Drama At Lord's, Survives Controversial Appeal

WTC Final: South Africa batter David Bedingham found himself amidst a controversial moment as he survived an appeal for handling the ball during the World Test Championship final against Australia.

An appeal for handling the ball - now classified as obstructing the field took place in the 49th over of the Proteas' innings when Bedingham missed a shot off Australia's Beau Webster's length delivery that the right-handed batter defended with a faint inside edge.

But the ball deflected off his pads and the Proteas batter immediately took out the ball and dropped it down. As it loomed near the pitch, wicketkeeper Alex Carey ran forward, trying to take a catch.

ALSO READ: 'India Will Be Prepared But...': England Coach Brendon McCullum Backs Revamped Bowling Attack For Tests

In an instinctive reaction, the Proteas batter bent down and shovelled the ball away from his body before it had time to hit the ground. The Australia wicketkeeper in an immediate appeal was convinced that Bedingham had interrupted with a potential dismissal.

Umpires Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffaney had a brief discussion regarding the appeal before ruling Bedingham not out. 

WTC Final: Why Was David Bedingham Not Given Out?

According to the Marylebone Cricket Club, the ball is announced dead when it is hit by the equipment of a batter. Rule 20.1.1 says, “The ball becomes dead when whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batter or between items of his/her clothing or equipment.”

Moreover, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden on-air said that the ball was announced dead as it lodged in the pad.

ALSO READ: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma And Others React To Air India Aircraft Crash, 'Absolutely Devastated'

“The ball is considered dead once it gets lodged in the pad," Hayden was quoted on-air.