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[richthekeeper]

I was no-balled twice today for "encroaching" as the square leg umpire (not a neutral) claimed that my hands came in front of the stumps. Neither time did I actually take the ball, the batsmen hit them both. While I am adamant that I didn't cut the line with my hands, (I take up quite a deep stance when standing up to the stumps because I have long arms and (No Swearing Please) eyes!) I thought I could only be no-balled on this technicallity if I actually received the ball?

Anyone had this happen to them?

[thecord]

I believe you can be no balled without actually taking the ball mate but it has never actually happened to me, in part because I don't think many umpires look out for it or really know the rule.

[tim2000s]

Yeah, it is a no ball if your hands break the line regardless of whether you take the ball.

[nathanmcnally]

Yeah I played a game this season where the umpire called no balls for the same reason against our wk. He did say his hands were in front of the stumps though but most umpires don't pick up on it

[johnnyw]

Happened to me twice in one match this year. It was the only time we have had proper umpires. Got done in the 2nd over and in the 3rd over. I was taking a bouncer the second time so thought it was unfair

[OMF]

I know of a local keeper who would deliberately place part of his gloves in front of the stumps when the bowler ran in, and drag them back behind the stumps just before the point of delivery so he wasnt breaking any laws. But he did this to get the square leg umpires attention - to make sure the ump was always watching him, and not day dreaming, and so wouldnt miss any stumping claims.

[thecord]

I can't see that being worth it, I imagine many umpires would just noball him anyway for being a belter

[OMF]

i cannot deny or confirm that i share that belief......

[Colesy]

Who's that mate?

[OMF]

hehe cant say - just keep your eye out!