Wiaan Mulder has helped South African spinner Keshav Maharaj to a Test Match hat-trick against the West Indies with the most extraordinary catch at leg slip.
South Africa went on to win the Test comfortably by 158 runs with Maharaj picking up 5 wickets. He became just the second South African to notch a Test hat-trick.
Mulder’s catch brought back memories of David Boon diving at bat-pad to secure Shane Warne’s hat-trick in the Boxing Day Test of 1994. We think even Boony would have to concede that Mulder’s was more spectacular as he was unsighted and had less time to react.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
The keg on legs was actually a surprisingly quick runner between the wickets if memory serves me right.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
onya Brett!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Interesting. Boonies was his preferred hand...and this one wasn't. Having said that when Warne had the ball in his hand anything was on. Look sharp!! But surely the Keg on Legs was less athletic and therefore the catch was more exquisite. Don't forget he was forward of the wicket, not behind. So yeah...nah. Boonie is still the boss!
Geoff Parkes
Expert
All that, plus... how many tinnies had this bloke had before taking his catch? Tell him to come back and line up alongside Boonie after he's got his own doll.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
There have been 110 opportunities by South African Bowlers to get a hatrick in a Test match … This was the 111th.. Now I’m not normally superstitious .. But…..
JamesH
Roar Guru
Nah it hasn't
Paul
Roar Guru
That was an excellent but very typical leg slip catch. Boon's was a far from typical close-in catch. At the end of the day, does it matter? The 2 fieldsmen did the right thing by their bowlers and held on to help complete hat tricks
Devil's advocate
Guest
Yeah, it's a worthy debate. Boonie with the big dive and the ball behind him makes it an excellent catch. Even someone with a more nimble frame would have had to put in the big dive, which makes Boonie's effort all the more remarkable. However, leg slip catches are inherently more difficult than most because you see the ball late, the pace of the ball doesn't diminish anywhere near as quickly and you need the reflexes of a cat. That he took it moving forward probably earns some bonus points in my view.
Damo
Guest
Trying not to be biased but Boonies' was still better. This was a reflex outside the right knee (still impressive) where as Boonie had to time a full length dive to his right.
Brett McKay
Expert
I've had to go back and re-watch Boonie's grab to be sure, and now that I have I'm not sure this quite beats it. A very good catch, no question, and very similar even - but the ball was a bit further behind Boonie, whereas this one has the fielder coming forward. A worthy contender, for sure...
Mungbean74
Guest
What a beauty!