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MCC gives official verdict on controversial Tim Paine dismissal

Tim Paine 'stumped' Nick Larkin when he wasn't looking. Image: Cricket Network/Getty
Tim Paine 'stumped' Nick Larkin when he wasn't looking. Image: Cricket Network/Getty

Cricket’s official lawmakers have given Tim Paine’s controversial Sheffield Shield stumping the tick of approval.

The Aussie Test captain sparked furious debate on Tuesday in Tasmania’s clash with NSW with his dismissal of Nick Larkin.

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Standing back to fast bowler Gabe Bell, Paine noticed Larkin was standing slightly outside his crease.

After Larkin played and missed at a delivery, Paine took an underarm shy at the stumps and hit them.

Larkin hadn’t made it back into his crease and was therefore given out stumped.

Because he hadn’t attempted a run, the NSW batsman was stumped rather than runout.

While some fans felt Paine’s actions were against the spirit of cricket and likened the dismissal to the infamous Mankad, the MCC didn’t have such issue.

The Marylebone Cricket Club - the owners of Lord’s and the game’s official lawmakers - delivered their verdict on Wednesday, ruling Paine’s actions completely legitimate.

“A fair dismissal under Law 39 (Stumped),” the MCC tweeted, praising Paine’s “sharp work”

“All requirements of the Law are met, namely it’s not a No ball, the ball touched no fielder except Paine, who put the wicket down while the striker was not attempting a run.”

Larkin, on 161 at the time, fell 14 runs short of his highest score in first-class cricket.

Some fans took umbrage with Paine’s actions, while others had absolutely no issue with the mode of dismissal.

NSW on verge of incredible comeback win

NSW have orchestrated one of the more stunning turnarounds in recent Sheffield Shield history to be headed towards an unlikely win.

Embarrassed after being bowled out for just 64 in their first innings, the Blues savaged the Tigers attack when they batted again, declaring on 6-522 late on Tuesday.

In response, Tasmania were already in deep trouble, losing both openers to be 2-26 at stumps with a further 322 runs required for victory.

The signs were there early for NSW with Larkin and Moises Henriques (113) already in good form on Monday, the pair going on to register a 253-run partnership.

Nick Larkin celebrates his century for NSW against Tasmania. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Nick Larkin celebrates his century for NSW against Tasmania. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Henriques’ departure prompted a mini-collapse, the Tigers picking up 4-37 including the bizarre wicket of Larkin.

But thoughts of a rattling through the long NSW tail were soon put to bed as Sean Abbott (102 not out) scored his maiden first-class ton and fellow quick Mitchell Starc (86 no) almost joined him.

Abbott and Starc may have been a little gassed after their batting exploits so it was left to Trent Copeland to do the damage when Tasmania took to the crease.

Copeland (2-7) had Charlie Wakim (0) and Jordan Silk (16) both out with Test batsman Matthew Wade (7 no) and nightwatchman Peter Siddle (3 no) left to see out the day in fading light.

with AAP

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