Re: Must Watch, Mark Waugh---Incredible
In my opinion it should be a six because after stepping out of the boundary, he jumped up and palmed the ball in the air. So I agree with you. If this was not true then a fielder can stand outside the boundary and when ball gets close, jump up in the air and catch and throw the ball inside the boundary (without touching the ground back) and stop a six or even a catch if he the ball is caught by a second fielder or the same fielder.
The only concern, a major one at that, is the time "when a fielder is airborne" and "knowing exactly where he was before leaving his ground". This is worth noting because if a fielder has left the marked areas of the ground and has stepped outside the boundary, only then it is pertinent to have a part of your own self or your both feet firmly established on the ground inside the boundary before touching any part of the ball. If a fielder is within the circle, held the ball, scooped it up in the air, put his foot outside, and failed to come back in completely either by grounding both his feet on the ground or through establishing ground contact through any part of his body, I feel that it should not be acceptable. It is important to note where a fielder is before he is airborne to establish whether or not the catch has been taken cleanly. If he is outside the ropes, it is only legal if part of your body is marked back in before the ball is taken. If any part of your own self is not in contact with the ground inside the boundary, it is reasonable to give that as a six. Add your thoughts to it as you see fit.