West Indies wicketkeeper creates world-first

West Indies wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs has claimed another world mark, although this time it's not as cherished as his world record-equalling seven catches in a Test innings.

Jacobs, 33, took five catches as West Indies dismissed Zimbabwe for 138 in a limited overs international in Sydney on Tuesday night, before collapsing for 91 all out in reply.

In diving for what would have been a record-equalling sixth catch, the Antiguan's cap landed on the ball, incurring a five-run penalty.

It was the first time "Penalty Runs -- 5" has been awarded in an international match since the rule was introduced in October 2000, Australian Cricket Board statistician Ross Dundas told Reuters on Wednesday.

"In this country last night was the first time it has happened in an international match," Dundas said.

"It may have happened in an international match around the world, but as far as I am aware it is a world-first."

There was a similar incident in the Australia v West Indies test match in Adelaide in December when the ball hit a helmet placed behind Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.

"It also happened in the Adelaide test but the umpire mistakenly called it byes," Dundas said, adding he had since had the official scores changed to show five penalty runs.

However, Tuesday's incident was the first time the penalty had been awarded in the course of a game.

Dundas said under the rule changes, teams could also be hit with five penalty runs for offences such as sledging, time-wasting or a bowler following through down the wicket.

Jacobs took seven catches in an innings during the fourth test against Australia in Melbourne in December, equalling the dismissals record held by New Zealand's Ian Smith, England's Bob Taylor and Pakistan's Wasim Bari.

Tuesday was the fourth time Jacobs had taken five dismissals in a limited overs international match.

The two wicketkeepers to have taken six dismissals in a limited overs international are Australia's Gilchrist and England's Alec Stewart, both last year, Dundas said.

Mail Cricket Editor