Handled the Ball in Cricket: The Old Law Explained
Handling the ball was a separate dismissal until 2017, when it was merged into obstructing the field — but understanding its history explains why touching the ball with your hand is still an out.
Until the 2017 MCC Law revision, 'handled the ball' existed as a separate dismissal under Law 33. A batter was out if they deliberately touched the ball with a hand not in contact with the bat without the fielding side's permission. The law dated back centuries and was designed to stop batters from using their free hand to protect the stumps.
Famous Handled the Ball Dismissals
Handled the ball produced some memorable moments. In 1993, Graham Gooch became the only England batter to be dismissed this way in a Test match, using his hand to knock away a ball that was rolling back toward his stumps at Old Trafford against Australia. The dismissal was legal but widely regarded as unfortunate.
The 2017 Merger with Obstruction
The MCC merged Law 33 into Law 37 (obstructing the field) in 2017 because both Laws dealt with the same concept — a batter using their body or action to interfere with the ball. The practical effect on the game is minimal: touching the ball still gets you out, just under a different Law number.
Accidental Contact
Accidental contact with the ball is not an out. A batter who flinches and the ball rolls into their hand, or who trips and puts a hand out to break a fall and accidentally touches the ball, is not given out. The umpire must judge that the contact was intentional and disadvantaged the fielding side.
Frequently asked questions
Can a batter legally touch the ball?
Yes, with the fielding side's consent. For example, if a ball is rolling and a batter picks it up to return it politely, that is fine. Deliberately touching it to protect the stumps or stop a run out without consent is not allowed.
Is handled the ball still in the Laws of Cricket?
Not as a standalone Law. Since 2017 it is included within Law 37 (obstructing the field). The scorecard now reads 'obstructed the field' rather than 'handled the ball'.