It’s not every day that something which happens on a cricket ground in Guernsey results in a change to the Laws of Cricket.
However, an extraordinary incident during a Guernsey v Jersey match in 2024 has done exactly that, with footage from the game helping MCC introduce a new Law which came into effect on 1 October 2026.
The incident occurred during the first ball of the 19th over of the Guernsey v Jersey fixture at KGV in June 2024.
An unusual delivery saw the bowler send down a very high, looping ball before regathering it himself, denying the batter the opportunity to play the delivery.
It raised an interesting question: what should happen when a bowler delivers the ball and then deliberately intercepts it before it reaches the batter?
The circumstances were sufficiently unusual that the incident ultimately came to the attention of MCC, the custodian of the Laws of Cricket.
Earlier this year, MCC contacted Guernsey Cricket seeking the original footage of the incident. Jonny Singer, MCC’s Laws of Cricket Advisor, later confirmed the significance of what had happened in Guernsey, explaining that the clip had contributed to a change in the Laws of Cricket.
A new Law
The result is an addition to Law 21.9, which deals with a fielder intercepting a delivery before it reaches the striker.
Under the updated Law, if the fielder’s action is considered a deliberate attempt to obstruct the striker from playing the ball, Law 41.4 – concerning deliberate attempts to distract or obstruct a batter – will also apply.
The change addresses circumstances such as those seen at KGV, where a bowler delivers a very high, looping ball and then deliberately intercepts it before the batter has an opportunity to play it.
MCC determined that this should be regarded as a deliberate attempt to obstruct the batter, rather than simply resulting in a No ball because a fielder had intercepted the delivery.
From Guernsey to umpires around the world
Perhaps even more remarkably, the Guernsey incident will now help explain the new Law to umpires beyond the island.
MCC has produced a narrated educational video using footage from the match as an example of why the change was necessary. Guernsey Cricket has been advised that the video is among a series being provided to the ICC for distribution to umpiring educators around the world.
It means that an unusual moment from a Guernsey v Jersey fixture could now be seen by umpires internationally as they learn about the latest edition of the Laws.
The story provides a fascinating example of how the Laws of the game continue to evolve as unusual situations arise on cricket fields at every level.
For Guernsey Cricket, it also represents a rather unique contribution to the wider game.
From one unusual delivery at KGV to a new Law being taught to umpires around the world, Guernsey has quite literally helped change the Laws of Cricket.
The Guernsey Association of Cricket Officials (GACO) is proudly sponsored by Lancaster Guernsey.
