‘I panicked big time’ – David Bedingham opens up on dead ball controversy in WTC Final

Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s witnessed a moment that became one of the biggest talking points after South African batter David Bedingham was involved in an unusual handball controversy.

In the 49th over of South Africa’s innings, bowled by Australia’s Beau Webster, Bedingham inside-edged a delivery into his pad. The ball slowly rolled down, and Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey went forward to grab the catch. However, Bedingham quickly reached down with his hand and grounded the ball before Carey could collect it.

The incident drew reactions from Australia’s close-in fielders and captain Pat Cummins, asking the umpires Richard Illingworth and Chris Gaffaney to consult. Eventually, they ruled the ball dead. After the day’s play, Bedingham openly addressed the incident and admitted to panicking in the moment.

“I panicked big time because I think Carey was standing up, so he was quite close. I think, the way I dropped the ball, picked up the ball, came across a bit dodgy. I’m glad they just withdrew the appeal … I’m glad nothing happened out of it. The umpire said, ‘regardless, I think it was dead ball’,” Bedingham said at the press conference.

We would have withdrawn the appeal: Pat Cummins

Meanwhile, the Marylebone Cricket Club’s Law 20.1.1 explained the umpires’ decision. It states that the ball becomes dead if it gets trapped between the bat and the batter or their clothing. The umpires ruled the ball trapped and, therefore, no longer in play. Australian skipper Pat Cummins also played an important role in de-escalating the situation.

“The umpires said it was (a) dead ball first of all, but I think we would have withdrawn (the appeal),” he said.

Cummins later dismissed Bedingham for 45, who was the top scorer in South Africa’s total of 138. His dismissal ended Proteas’ first innings, handing Australia a 74-run lead. By stumps on Day 2, Australia’s scorecard read 144/8, ahead by 218 runs.