South African batter David Bedingham on Thursday was at the centre of a rare on-field controversy on Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s. The incident occurred just three balls before the lunch break and sparked debate among players, umpires, and commentators alike.

The moment in question unfolded when Australian off-spinner Beau Webster delivered a ball that sharply turned back into the right-hander. Bedingham managed a faint inside edge, and the ball trickled dangerously close to his pad but remained in motion. As it hovered near his feet, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey advanced from behind the stumps in an attempt to gather it. However, in an unusual turn of events, Bedingham bent down and picked the still-moving ball up himself, before casually dropping it to the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

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This triggered immediate reactions from the fielding side. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith showed visible interest in the incident, with Carey opting to appeal for 'obstructing the field'. The appeal, however, was turned down by the on-field umpires, who appeared unconvinced that any obstruction had occurred.