![English batter declared out after bizarre action [Source: Instagram]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1787581109171_EnglishBattergivenoutCountymatch.jpg?type=hq)
English batter declared out after bizarre action [Source: Instagram]
A bizarre incident took place during the Lancashire vs Northamptonshire County Championship match on August 24. While Lancashire wicketkeeper-batter Joseph Moores was batting, he was dismissed for obstructing the field in an unusual manner.
The umpire immediately gave him out, although the ball had not travelled towards the stumps or into the hands of a fielder in the conventional manner.
Joseph Moores obstructs the field as the umpire sends him back to the pavilion
Joseph Moores had scored two runs while batting in Lancashire's second innings when the unusual incident occurred in the 33rd over of the match. As Northamptonshire pacer Luke Procter bowled a short-length delivery angled into the left-handed Moores, the batter went back and defended the ball sharply.
However, the ball bounced back close to the crease and appeared to be heading towards the stumps. Moores instinctively reached back and caught the ball with his hand, thinking it was about to hit the stumps. However, he quickly realised that he had made a mistake and dropped the ball immediately.
Soon after, Northamptonshire's fielders appealed, and Joseph Moores was given out for obstructing the field. This unusual dismissal made the English batter the latest addition to the list of players dismissed in this manner in first-class cricket, with Moores becoming the 43rd batter to be dismissed for obstructing the field.
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What does the ICC rule say about obstructing the field?
Under MCC Law 37, which governs obstructing the field, a batter can be dismissed if they wilfully and deliberately obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. However, if contact with the ball is accidental, made in self-defence or intended to avoid injury, the batter cannot be given out under this law.
A batter is also allowed to use their bat or body to prevent the ball from hitting their wicket. However, deliberately handling the ball with a hand that is not holding the bat can result in the batter being dismissed for obstructing the field.
Infamous incidents when batters were dismissed for obstructing the field
Among the infamous list of batters who have been dismissed for intentionally obstructing the field, Steve Waugh's dismissal against India remains one of the most notable.
During the iconic 2001 Test series in Chennai, Waugh missed a sweep shot against Harbhajan Singh. As the ball spun back towards the stumps, Waugh swatted it away with his bare hand and was subsequently given out.
Mushfiqur Rahim also became one of the most notable batters in the modern era to be dismissed under this rule. He defended a delivery from New Zealand bowler Kyle Jamieson, and as the ball bounced up and moved towards the off side, Rahim instinctively swatted it away with his right hand. He was subsequently given out for his actions.
Players such as Ben Stokes and Michael Vaughan have also been involved in similar incidents. Stokes was dismissed in 2015 after handling the ball against Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, while Vaughan was given out after attempting to swat a rolling ball away from the stumps with his hand during a Test match in Bengaluru against India.
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