Middle stump uprooted but batter still given not out in Australia; MCC law explains why

The laws of cricket have been invoked again! This time following a bizarre occurrence in a domestic match in Australia.

In an ACT cricket game between Ginninderra Cricket Club and West District, the former's bowler clean bowled a West District batter. Or so it appeared.

Andy Reynolds and his teammates broke out into celebration as Matthew Bosustow began to walk back.

But there was a catch. While the middle stump was simply knocked over, both bails stayed intact. And the umpires consequently ruled that the batter was not out, as per the MCC law.

What does the Marlyebone Cricket Club law state?

Law 29.1 states, 'The wicket is broken when at least one bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or one or more stumps is removed from the ground.'

In Bosustow and Reynolds' case, the bails were not removed even as the ball hit the stump and knocked it out of place.