Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.
John Holder’s verdict
1) Only one wicket can fall at a time, after which the ball is dead. It’s highly unlikely that both batsmen will be precisely level on the ground, but if they genuinely are then the striker would be out, as it is only when the running batsmen cross that their grounds change. It’s an unusual situation, but one which shows you have to be ready for the unexpected. Thanks to Tim Gates.
2) You have to show some flexibility here: protection from injury is the key consideration above all else, so yes, let him wear the different pads. It’s not ideal, but it’s the right thing to do in the circumstances. Thanks to Harold Jacobson.
3) Not out. It’s an unfortunate accident for the keeper, who may want to rethink his choice of headwear in future. For the batsman to be given out the keeper would have had to replace the bail on top of the stumps before the ball reached it – which clearly wasn’t possible here. So all in all, a very lucky escape for the striker. Thanks to Gemma Sykes.
Win a signed John Holder book
For a chance to win a signed copy of umpire John Holder’s forthcoming biography Test of Character, email your cricketing question, name and address to you.are.the.umpire@observer.co.uk. If your scenario appears in a future You are the Umpire this summer, you win a copy of the book. Terms apply.
Test of Character is out in hardback on 1 July, £18.99.
