Obstructing the Field in Cricket: The Full Law
Obstructing the field is a rarely invoked cricket law that covers deliberate interference by a batter — learn what counts, famous examples, and when it has been given.
What Is Obstructing the Field?
Obstructing the field is a method of dismissal governed by Law 37 of the MCC Laws of Cricket. It applies when a batter wilfully obstructs a fielder who is attempting to field the ball or make a run-out. Since 2017, the previously separate dismissal of 'handled the ball' has been absorbed into obstructing the field.
What Actions Constitute Obstruction?
- A batter deliberately deflects a throw with their hand or body to prevent a run-out
- A batter uses their bat to hit a fielder's arm while they are attempting a catch
- A batter handles the ball with their hand to prevent a fielder from catching it
- A batter deliberately runs between the fielder and the wicket to block a run-out attempt
Handled the Ball — Now Absorbed
Before 2017, handling the ball was a separate dismissal under Law 33. If a batter deliberately touched the ball with their hand without the fielding side's permission, they could be given out. This was merged into obstructing the field — the spirit of the law remains the same: interference is not permitted.
Notable Examples
One of the most famous obstructing the field dismissals occurred in the 2019 Cricket World Cup when Eoin Morgan's England team dismissed South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo, though the most discussed case historically is that of Len Hutton against South Africa in 1951 — the first-ever 'handled the ball' dismissal in Test cricket.
Who Appeals for the Dismissal?
Like all dismissals, the fielding side must appeal to the umpires for the decision to be given. The umpires then judge whether the obstruction was wilful. The batting side captain or the batter themselves can also withdraw — if the fielding captain withdraws the appeal (considers it accidental), no dismissal stands.
Rare but Significant
Obstructing the field remains one of the rarest dismissals in cricket. In over 150 years of Test cricket, it has occurred fewer than a dozen times. In T20 cricket, where batters sometimes attempt to dislodge the ball after a delivery, the law is occasionally tested but rarely acted upon.
Frequently asked questions
Can a batter legally use their hand to avoid a direct hit on the stumps?
No. Deliberately deflecting a throw to avoid a run-out constitutes obstruction. If a batter is in the line of a throw and is hit accidentally, that is not obstruction — but moving intentionally to block the throw is.
What happens if both umpires disagree?
In international cricket, the on-field umpires confer and reach a joint decision. The third umpire can be involved in cases referred for review. Ultimately, the on-field umpires' decision stands unless overturned by the review system.
Is obstruction the field the same as handled the ball?
Since 2017, handled the ball no longer exists as a separate dismissal. It is now a subset of obstructing the field. All cases that would previously have been 'handled the ball' are now ruled under Law 37.