Latif's catch. Much has been made by way of comparison to Ponting in relation to the catch and the penalty. How many of you have seen it on video? Search for it on Youtube under "Latif cheating".
Latif dives in front of slip, the ball enters his gloves, while he is in mid-air and about to hit the ground, the ball falls out (not even dislodged by the ground, just falls out!!), he hits the ground, rolls over, picks it up (knowing the umpire couldn't see it) and claims the catch.
Now Ponting - he dives, collects the ball CLEANLY in mid-air and grasps it. This satisfies the first part of the laws re: catches - he has the ball under control. This is why the still photo of him shows his facial expression claiming the catch literally as he hits the ground.
BUT he didn't quite get there. The laws also require him to control his own body. This doesn't happen until he hits the ground, at which point he grounds the ball as well. This is the fatal flaw, as they say. Completely understandable as to why he thought it was a catch, because he was almost there. All he needed to do was turn his hand as he made impact to leverage the ball off the ground. But he didn't, so no catch.
But contrary to teh spirit of the game? NOT EVEN CLOSE. Watch Latif and you'll know exactly what I mean. Separate the emotion from the facts and then decide.
Correct decision - not out because it was grounded. Thankfully the umpire didn't see/hear it flick the batsman's glove!
