Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.
John Holder’s verdict
1) There are two elements to this answer. First, the striker is out, run out. And second, because the bowler threw the ball, the striker’s end umpire will call and signal no ball and one run will be added to the score. That ball will not count in the over. Thanks to Johnnie Walker.
2) If neither you nor your colleague saw what happened with the ball in the crowd and you didn’t see when the spectator stepped on the field of play, you cannot do anything other than rule that the dismissal stands. You cannot start taking advice from pitch-invading spectators, even if they mean well. You and your colleague run the game – the decision is yours alone. Thanks to Will Davies.
3) Award nine runs: four to the striker plus five penalty runs for the ball striking the helmet on the ground. Immediately after that happens the ball is dead and nothing else can happen – no more runs can be scored, nor any wickets fall. Thanks to Matt Hallett.
Win a signed John Holder book
For a chance to win a signed copy of umpire John Holder’s forthcoming autobiography 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.
