Cricket - Up in the Air dismissals!

Like every good Indian kid - I got interested in cricket quite early. Over the years, seen it develop from a gentleman's game to a game enforced by technological advancement. From the first run out given by the Third Umpire to the Hawk Eye - technology indeed has come a long way in making the sport error free. However, there is this boundary catch phenomenon which has disturbed me. I have dubbed it as the Up in the Air dismissal. It is fairly simple: You catch the speeding ball easily racing for a six just inside the boundary but realize that you are losing control and will fall over. You throw the ball Up in the Air and stroll outside, reposition yourself, stroll back just in time to catch the ball again. And a good beautiful six is converted to a wicket taken. Here is a sample:

Well, I don't really like this concept and really think there should be a rule for this. I do not deny that it is fair and requires good athletic ability, but for me, it is a tad bit unfair for the batsman who hit a six only to get dismissed in the most unlikely manner. Why do I not like it? Here are my reasons:

1. With things like Mongoose Bats coming in, it is fairly plausible for major sports footwear companies to develop hi-tech footwear which gives you an additional feet in air while you wear those shoes. Wear those special shoes and protect the boundaries, what say?

2. Tell me if this isn't possible. A man is standing inside the boundary. Batsman hits a huge one in his direction. As soon as the batsman hits, the boundary man thinks that it may be possible for the ball to land outside. He steps outside the boundary after the ball is hit. Meanwhile, another man comes running in towards the ball. The first guy manages to jump and hit the ball back in while he is Up in the Air. The second guy catches it. Think about it. The long hits are in the air for 3-4 seconds at least. Players have enough time to do this. And, no rule is being flouted.

3. A far possibility in cricket could be catching the ball like they do in South African Rugby. One player pushing the above player Up in the Air. No law being flouted!

My point is: It is a great catch for as long as you can manage to catch it with your skills as long as you are within the ropes. I know many wouldn't approve of my thoughts here, but there isn't much time  before a law is put in place to regulate these ways. Till then, poor Yusuf Pathan can only be dismayed!