WTC 2025 Final: Why was David Bedingham not given the ball on Day 2?

David Bedingham was involved in an interesting incident in the closing minutes of the first session on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC 2025) final between Australia and South Africa.

A sizable audience gathered at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, June 12, to watch the most exciting red-ball match of the year. Aside from seeing a thrilling battle between bat and ball, they watched an interesting event in the final over of the first session, delivered by Australian all-rounder Beau Webster.

The seam-bowling all-rounder bowled a nip-backer on a length, and Bedingham attempted to defend it but only got an inside edge. The ball became lodged in his pad, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was positioned up to the stumps, attempted to sneak in and get it.

However, David Bedingham responded quickly, taking the ball with his right hand and dropping it to the ground.

Usman Khawaja, standing at slips, appeared to be the sole Australian fielder to appeal, believing that the right-handed hitter had handled the ball. However, umpires Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth had a brief conversation before returning to their positions.

“The ball is considered dead once it gets lodged in the pad,” renowned former Australian opener Matthew Hayden said from the commentary box.

What do the MCC rules state?

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) considers the ball to be dead when it becomes stuck between a batter’s equipment. Rule 20.1.1 states as follows:

“The ball becomes dead when whether played or not, it becomes trapped between the bat and the person of a batter or between items of his/her clothing or equipment.”