West Indies Legend Dismissed 'Obstructing The Field', Enters Rare List

Deandra Dottin bizarre dismissal (Source:X)

West Indies Women's star player Deandra Dottin became the first player from the Caribbean to be dismissed for obstructing the field in international cricket during the 2nd Women's ODI against Sri Lanka at National Cricket Stadium in St George's.

Deandra Dottin's dismissal was only the sixth instance in women's international cricket and the 22nd overall in international cricket history where a batter has been given out in this manner.

Deandra Dottin becomes 1st WI player dismissed for obstructing the field

The incident occurred when Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu was bowling in the 30th over. She delivered a ball down the leg side, which was called a wide by the umpire as Dottin attempted a sweep shot but failed to make contact.

The ball deflected off wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana and looped back toward the pitch. In a surprising move, Deandra Dottin struck the ball with her bat and then caught it with her left hand while the wicketkeeper stepped forward to gather it.

Sri Lanka Women immediately appealed for obstructing the field. The on-field umpires consulted and referred the decision to the TV umpire. After reviewing the footage, Deandra Dottin was given out.

The decision left Deandra Dottin visibly upset as she walked back to the pavilion. The ball was still in play because it had come off the wicketkeeper and was not declared dead.

Watch the video here:

@teecha_

Dottin was given out for obstructing the field. Thoughts?

Feb 23, 2026, 1:04 AM

What the law says about obstructing the field?

It is important to mention according to the law 37.1.2, a batter is out obstructing the field if they deliberately strike the ball with the hand not holding the bat while receiving a delivery.

Law 37.4 further states that either batter is out if, at any time while the ball is in play and without the consent of a fielder, they use the bat or any part of their body to return the ball to a fielder.

"The striker is out obstructing the field if in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, they wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat," reads Article 37.1.2.

"This will apply whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball shall extend both to playing at the ball and to striking the ball more than once in defence of his wicket."

MCC issues clarification on Deandra Dottin’s dismissal

The Marylebone Cricket Club, the guardian of the Laws of Cricket, later explained why the dismissal was correct. In a statement, the MCC said that while the ball is live, it belongs to the fielding side except when the striker is attempting to hit it.

The MCC added that allowing batters to handle or return the ball could unfairly interfere with the fielding side's opportunity to attempt a run-out or other play.

It also clarified that once the fielding team appeals, the umpires have no option but to give the batter out if the law has been breached.

"While the ball is live, it belongs to the fielding side except when the striker is trying to hit it," the statement read.

"A striker may have a sweaty glove, and their picking up the ball might change its condition. The other batter, unbeknownst to them, might have left their ground, so by interfering they might be preventing a potential run out. If this Law didn’t exist, batters could constantly interfere with the fielding side, hiding behind the excuse of ‘just returning the ball’. Often, it would be innocent, but it would be a way of masking more sinister behaviour. For that reason, the Law is a blanket one – unless the fielding side consent, the batter must not return it.

"In a scenario like this, the fielding side might sometimes choose not to appeal, and that is entirely within their gift. However, once they do appeal, the umpires had no option but to give the striker out," it added.

Taking about the match, West Indies Women were eventually bowled out for 194 in 48 overs, falling 14 runs short of the target.