MCC to bring in tethered bails after trying it in a local tournament

There have been numerous incidents when the keeper has been hit with flying bail after the wickets were dislodged. One such incident that comes to mind is Mark Boucher, his career ended prematurely due to an eye injury caused by this bail.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has taken into account such injuries and are working on something new. Two companies have approached them with a different idea to reduce such injuries. The companies have pitched an idea to the MCC regarding the same. They proposed to use tethered bails instead of normal ones.

MCC liked this idea and have already implemented it in the MCC Universities Challenge Final. The new laws come into effect from October 1 and this might just be added into the same. The tethered bails are actually introduced with a sole intention of protecting the wicket-keepers from unusual injuries. The process of doing so is certainly on track.

According to Lords.org, The new Law 8.3.4 states: 8.3.4 Devices aimed at protecting player safety by limiting the distance that a bail can travel off the stumps will be allowed, subject to the approval of the Governing Body for the match and the ground authority.

Manager of Laws has his say

MCC’s manager of Laws, Fraser Stewart, revealed that MCC has been working in tandem with two companies to bring in the use of tethered bails and these companies have previously worked on similar products.

He said, “MCC have been working with two companies who have designed similar products aimed at safeguarding the players, especially wicket-keepers.”

He also said that the finals of the MCC University Challenge Cup was a great opportunity to try out such a thing and if it prevented an injury then it is obviously a good thing.

“The Club approved of the concept and felt it was right to allow such devices within the Laws, subject to approval from the body responsible for the match. We felt that the MCC Universities final prevented a good opportunity to trial the innovative design. If it prevents further injuries, it must be a good thing for the game,” said Fraser Stewart.