During the ongoing Australia vs India, 3rd Test match at the Gabba, an unusual moment unfolded on Day 4 that sparked curiosity among cricket fans. The incident occurred when KL Rahul played a stunning straight drive off a full delivery from Pat Cummins. The ball, destined to race to the boundary, instead met an unexpected obstacle: a pile of sawdust placed at the bowler’s mark.
Why is Sawdust Used in Cricket?
Sawdust plays a crucial role in cricket, particularly during rain-affected matches. As per Law 9.7 of the game, sawdust can be used to:
- Soak up water on a damp cricket field.
- Help bowlers maintain their foothold on slippery or wet patches, ensuring safety and consistency while delivering the ball.
Historically, sawdust has been part of iconic cricket visuals, especially when spinners come into play on drying pitches post-rain, creating dramatic theatre with batters struggling for survival.
On Day 4, Cummins bowled a full delivery to Rahul, who showcased exquisite timing with a straight drive. The shot, executed with the full face of the bat, was robbed of a boundary when the ball hit a pile of sawdust placed near the bowler’s end. Instead of racing to the rope, the ball lost its momentum and halted abruptly.
To Rahul’s misfortune and Cummins’ relief, no extra runs were awarded, as the ball hitting sawdust is treated like any other natural obstruction on the field.
The incident was a reminder of cricket’s quirks and traditions. In this case, sawdust — though essential for bowler safety — inadvertently denied KL Rahul well-deserved runs. Such occurrences are rare but serve as fascinating talking points for players and fans alike.
While Rahul had to settle for 2 runs, it was yet another example of how seemingly trivial field conditions can impact the flow of a match.