Obstructing the Field in Cricket
What is obstructing the field in cricket? When a batsman can be given out for deliberately blocking a fielder, and famous examples.
Obstructing the field is a rare mode of dismissal under Law 37. A batsman is out obstructing the field if they willfully obstruct or distract the fielding side — usually by blocking a fielder's path to the ball, deflecting the ball with their body to prevent a run out, or preventing a catch.
What Counts as Obstruction
- Deliberately blocking a fielder's path to field the ball.
- Knocking or deflecting the ball with the hand or bat to prevent a fielder completing a run out.
- Calling out or distracting the fielding side to spoil a catch.
- Deliberately running in the way of a fielder going for a catch.
What Does NOT Count
- Accidental contact with the ball while running between the wickets.
- The batsman's body being in the way of a fielder when the batsman is legally positioned.
- Using the bat to prevent the ball from hitting the stumps (this is 'hit ball twice' unless accidental).
Famous Instances
Obstruction dismissals are extremely rare. Michael Vaughan (England) was given out obstructing the field against India in 2002 — one of the very few international instances. Most obstruction incidents at the highest level are not appealed, or the appeal is turned down.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fielder obstruct a batsman?
Yes — Law 26 governs fielders' obstruction of batsmen. If a fielder deliberately obstructs a batsman completing a run, the batting side is awarded five penalty runs.
Is obstructing the field the same as hitting the ball twice?
They are different dismissals but sometimes overlap. If a batsman knocks the ball away to prevent a catch (after already hitting it), they may be out for hitting the ball twice OR for obstruction depending on the circumstances.