In Wednesday’s second Test match against New Zealand at Mirpur, Mushfiqur Rahim became the first batter for the Bangladesh Men’s team to be removed from the pitch for obstruction.
Mushfiqur became the first batter for Bangladesh Men to be dismissed in this manner when he was given out in the 41st over for obstructing the pitch, leaving his team five down.
Even though the ball was far from the stumps, the seasoned batter instinctively defended it by extending his right hand to keep it away. Mushfiqur couldn’t believe what happened next.
Following an appeal by New Zealand players, the decision was forwarded to the third umpire for review by the on-field umpires. After reviewing the replays, the TV umpire was satisfied that Mushfiqur had purposefully stopped the ball and was declared out in accordance with ICC rules.
‘Obstructing the field’ has been expanded to include handling the ball as of 2017. Following the update, the following is stated in the Laws of Cricket regarding this rule:
37.1.1 If a batter intentionally tries to distract or obstruct the fielding side with words or actions while the ball is in play, they are out.
37.1.2 The attacker is no longer available. blocking the field if, while being delivered a ball by the bowler, the player intentionally hits the ball with a hand that is not gripping the bat. This will hold true whether it’s the first, second, or third strike. Playing at the ball and repeatedly striking the ball to defend one’s wicket are both considered acts of receiving the ball.
After Mushfiqur scored 35 off 83 balls, he had to be sent back to the dressing room because the ball was still in play and he was “wilfully” pushing it away.
When a batter blocks the field, they are not out if:
:37.2 Not out Obstructing the field: A batter shall not be out Obstructing the field if the obstruction or distraction is accidental, or the obstruction is in order to avoid injury,
or in the case of the striker, he/she makes a second or subsequent strike to guard his/her wicket lawfully as in Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).
Mushfiqur’s dismissal is also the first batter to be dismissed for obstructing the field in Tests since the rule update in 2017. While previously, seven batters have been given out ‘handling the ball’ in Men’s Tests history.
